What is Toenail Fungus?
Fungal infections are very common on both fingernail and toenails. It is a living organism that thrives in dark, damp environments such as under and around nails. Toes are more likely to be affected by fungus since it is attracted to a dark and damp environment which is more common on the foot than on the hand. People who sweat in their shoes for long periods of time like athletes are prone to develop toenail fungus. In more severe conditions, affected nails can have a yellowish or brownish discoloration. They may thicken or become brittle over time, and may even shed. Sometimes the nails have crumbling edges. It can be embarrassing, unsightly, disfiguring, and at times, painful.
The nail itself provides a protective covering that allows the fungus to grow underneath. An accumulation of keratinous debris is usually found beneath the free edge of the infected nail. The DioWave 10 Watt Laser uses a diode laser designed for Toenail Fungus. The 980 nm wavelength laser penetrates the protective covering of the nail and kills the fungus living underneath without pain or discomfort.
Many patients of mine have hid their feet from others for years due to this condition. This condition could be specially bothersome in the gym, the pool or the beach where no shoe gear is being used.
Because it is difficult to avoid contact with microscopic organisms like fungi, the toenails are especially vulnerable around damp areas where people are likely to be walking. Injury to the nail bed may make it more susceptible to all types of infection, including fungal infection. Those who suffer from chronic diseases, such as diabetes, circulatory problems, or immune-deficiency conditions, are especially prone to fungal nails. Other contributing factors may be a history of athlete's foot and excessive perspiration.
We treat fungal nail and ugly nail syndrome.
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Treatment of Fungal Nails
Treatments may vary, depending on the nature and severity of the infection.
We can detect a fungal infection early, culture the nail, determine the cause, and form a suitable treatment plan, which may include prescribing topical or oral medication, and debridement (removal of diseased nail matter and debris) of an infected nail or use of a laser.
Newer oral antifungals, approved by the Food and Drug Administration, are currently being used to treat fungus. They offer a shorter treatment regimen of approximately three months and improved effectiveness. We may also prescribe a topical treatment for onychomycosis, which is not as effective of a treatment modality for fungal nails. Patients need to know that the oral antifungal is a very strong medicine which requires the patient to get a liver test to make sure she or he is able to take this medicine. Once the results are normal the patient maybe dispensed the medication. The patient needs to return to office halfway through the treatment for further testing. Finally, it should be mentioned that this medication could have a systemic side effect. That is the reason that some patients opt to go with the laser treatment.
In some cases, surgical treatment may be required. Temporary removal of the infected nail can be performed to permit direct application of a topical antifungal. Permanent removal of a chronically painful nail that has not responded to any other treatment permits the fungal infection to be cured and prevents the return of a deformed nail.
The latest weapon against fungal nail or Onychomycosis is laser. This treatment was started being utilized in 2008. A toenail fungus laser works by shining a focused beam of light in a narrow range, more commonly known as a laser, into a toenail infected with fungus (onychomycosis). The laser penetrates the toenail and vaporizes fungus embedded in the nail bed and nail plate where toenail fungus exists. The toenail fungus targeted laser is tuned to a specific frequency that affects cells that are responsible for infection.
Patients usually arrive at the office and once the diagnosis is confirmed, the laser is applied to the toe. No anesthesia or pain occurs during the procedure, as the procedure is mostly painless. Once the procedure is done, the patient may return to their work or any other activities. In other words no post-op care is required. A patient may also apply nail polish to their toe. Patients need to know that even though the laser works immediately, it takes sometime for the new nail or the normal looking nail to grow out, a period of up to six months.