Toenail Fungus Treatment: American Foot to the Rescue

Toenail Fungus: American Foot to the Rescue

Toenail Fungus

Toenail fungus treatment is available and effective at American Foot and Leg Specialists. If you are tired of looking at and trying to hide brittle, yellow toenails, call one of the convenient American Foot locations and make an appointment to discuss the fungal jungle on your toes. There are some great new treatments available, and your tootsies could be stunning by next summer.

The Root Cause

Dermatophytes, the fungus that causes athlete’s foot, cause almost all fungal-nail infections, but yeasts and molds can also be culprits. Diabetics are often troubled with toenail fungus since they may have weakened immune systems or poor circulation. Individuals who have sustained a foot injury or have had athletes foot are also candidates for fungal infections. Even a tiny crack in the nail can allow the germs to enter your system and cause an infection in the toenail or fingernail.

Diagnosis

Dr. Loren Colon or one of the other doctors at American Foot and Leg Specialists will ask you about your symptoms and medical history in order to make a diagnosis. He will then examine the affected toes and possibly take a nail clipping to analyze before he makes any treatment recommendations.

Toenail Fungus Treatment

There are some over-the-counter products to try. If those are unsuccessful and you want to try new avenues of treatment, make an appointment with one of the doctors at American Foot and Leg Specialists. There is an array of products and treatments on the market for toenail fungus:

• Oral medications such a Lamisil or Sporenox
• Topicals such as Jublia or Kerydin.
• Penlac, a nail polish of sorts

Cutting-edge toenail fungus treatment

Lasers have now entered the realm of treatment for toenail fungus. The latest laser technology delivers a gentle laser light beam that has no harmful effects on healthy tissue. In fact, it targets only the infected area of the toe – the toenail complex. No drugs or topical ointments are used thus eliminating side effects that often accompany traditional oral medications.

All about Aerolase® toenail-fungus laser

Most aesthetic lasers are large and heavy and expensive. They also require costly maintenance. Not so with Aerolase®. This compact, lightweight laser weighs in at just 22 pounds, and it’s extremely effective at removing nail fungus with maximum efficacy while avoiding damage to surrounding tissue. It eliminates treatment pain and the need for continuous skin cooling or direct skin contact with the laser. Unique MicroPulse™ technology packs the necessary energy for effective nail fungus treatment. So, if you’re concerned about nail fungus or soft-tissue foot problems, you can take comfort in knowing that today’s most advanced laser therapy is much easier on you. The number of laser treatments per individual varies with every patient and is determined by our highly-trained foot doctors at American Foot and Leg Specialists. The procedure is harmless and not painful. In fact, most patients reported a warming sensation during the procedure. In most cases, only one treatment is necessary although subsequent treatments may be required.

A new day dawns

After having your toenail fungus treated, you should not expect immediate results. You will begin to see the effects of the treatment after 3 months when the toenail will begin to clear. The average toenail takes about 6-9 months to fully grow out. Full results of the treatment are expected to be visible approximately a year from treatment depending on whether oral medication, a laser treatment, or a combination of the two is prescribed.

Note to self: fungal infections can return

Protect yourself against future attacks:
• Keep your hands and feet clean and dry.
• Clip your fingernails and toenails short and keep them clean. Don’t share nail clippers.
• Don’t walk barefoot in areas like locker rooms or public showers.
• Choose a nail salon that is clean and licensed. To be safe, bring your own polish and tools to the salon. Then sterilize after every use.

If you think you have toenail fungus, talk to a doctor at American Foot and Leg Specialists about the best way to treat it. Your nails could be clean and clear by this time next year.