Do you have toenail fungus? Well millions of people do, but are too embarrassed to ask for what they can do to treat it. Nail fungal infections are typically caused by a dermatophyte fungus that grows in damp and warm areas making the feet an ideal target. The side effects of toenail fungus are mainly seen in appearance, but it can become painful, and can be difficult to get rid of.
What are fungi?
Fungi are microscopic organisms that don’t need sunlight to survive. Some fungi have beneficial uses while others cause illness and infection. For our discussion Fungi:
- Live in warm, moist environments, including swimming pools and showers
- Can invade your skin through cuts so tiny you can’t even see them or through a small separation between your nail and nail bed
- Can cause problems if your nails are often exposed to warm and moist conditions
What Does Nail Fungus Look Like?
Fungal infections can cause the nails to become discolored, thick, yellow, incurved, and can possibly cause the nail to break away from the nail bed. This can lead to a gap between the nail plate and the nail bed that allows for dirt, bacteria, germs, and fungus to live under the toenail and breed. All of these cause the nail to break or the entire nail fall off. Occasionally this can lead to odor as well.
Who Can Get Toenail Fungus?
Anyone can suffer from toenail fungus, however men tend to be more vulnerable than women. Those with diabetes, athletes foot or a weakened immune system are at higher risk as well.
What Treatments do we Offer for Toenail Fungus?
Our toe nail laser is an effective, non invasive treatment that requires no downtime. The toe nail laser helps reduce toe nail fungus significantly (75-80%). The laser targets the infected nails killing the fungus without damaging the surrounding skin. During the treatment you will feel minimal pain – more a warming sensation and some may feel a pinprick from the laser.
On average clients need 3-5 sessions 6 weeks apart. One of the great things about this treatment is how quickly it can be done, we can have you in and out within 30 minutes.
What to Think About After Getting Your Fungus Treated
After treatments are complete and the fungus is gone there are many ways our clients can avoid getting the fungus back. Keeping your feet dry, buying new shoes or sterilizing your current shoes. Washing your feet often, using a topical anti-fungal cream, allow your feet to breathe and avoiding going barefoot in shared amenities are all very important.
Anti Fungal Product
At The Laser Image Company we also offer a home care product for toenail fungus. It is a anti fungal serum – Formula 3 – that can be used alongside our laser treatment for maximum results or it can be used on its own.
Formula 3 was the first product available to patients that utilizes natural jojoba oil, the oil allows the Tolnaftate to absorb and speeds up the heeling process. You apply this product to your infected areas after showering, and/or at the beginning of every day.
This will ensure the end of stubborn toenail fungus coming back!
So, are you ready to say goodbye to your nail fungus and hello to beautiful nails? Laser is an easy and relatively pain free treatment for toenail fungus. No more embarrassment when your shoes get kicked off this summer. Show off your feet instead of hiding them!
Come in for a complimentary consultation with one of our nurses at The Laser Image Company and let us help you laser away your fungus today!
