Nail fungus is a common health condition that affects both men and women. As nail fungus progresses, it can cause your nail to change shape, color, and thicken. In some cases, it may even spread to the neighboring nails.
If you would like to address nail fungus due to cosmetic reasons, or you are experiencing pain and discomfort, visit our doctors and podiatry professionals at Newtown Foot and Ankle Specialists in Newtown, PA for the care you need. We offer a full range of treatment options for nail fungus, including laser fungal treatment.
What Causes Fungal Nails?
Fungal nails, also referred to as mycotic nails, are a fungal infection of the nails. Nail fungus can appear differently depending on many different factors, but it commonly appears as a white or yellowish color underneath the toenail.
If not treated, the infection can spread deeper into the nail bed and can worsen over time. In advanced cases, a fungal nail may cause black or brown nails and may also spread to your other nails.
Other common signs of nails fungus may include:
- Crumbling nails
- Ragged nails
- Peeling nails
- Oddly shaped nails
- Bad odor coming from the nail
- Nail thickening
- A detachment of the nail bed
- Change in the shape of the nails
Common Causes of Nail Fungus
Nail fungus is caused by fungal organisms that enter the nail. Nail fungus is more common in older adults but affects patients of any age. In older adults, the nails are more likely to become brittle and dry, which increases the risk of cracks on the nail bed. Fungal organisms can enter through the cracks on the nail, which increases the risk of developing nail function.
Patients with a weakened immune system, diabetes, athlete’s foot, or poor circulation are also at a higher risk of developing nail fungus.
Treatment For Nail Fungus
The most common way to treat nail fungus is with a prescription oral antifungal medication. In the past, some doctors may prescribe topical fungal treatments; however, oral medication has been proven to be more effective. In many cases, oral anti-fungal treatment is not an option for many people because of the risk of interactions with other treatments.
With advancements in medication, there are more effective and convenient solutions for nail fungus than ever before. One of them is advanced laser fungal treatment. At Newtown Foot and Ankle Specialist, we use a Q-Clear™ laser for laser fungal treatment.
When compared to traditional treatment options for nail fungus, laser nail fungal treatment offers more effective results. With the Q-Clear™ laser, your podiatrist can send controlled laser energy into the affected area and control the amount of energy emitted to yield high-quality results.
Laser fungal treatment is a non-invasive way to treat nail fungus. During the procedure, your podiatrist uses a grid pattern on the affected nail and gently applies the laser energy to the affected area. This treatment can be completed in one visit and requires no downtime.
Nail Fungus Treatment FAQs
Learn more about toenail fungus treatment with answers to these common questions:
Is toenail fungus a serious health concern?
Toenail fungus is not a serious health concern. However, it can be uncomfortable and persistent. This can affect your quality of life. Even though it is not serious, it is better to have it treated. If you suffer from other serious health conditions like diabetes, it can lead to complications.
How many laser treatments are needed for toenail fungus?
Most patients only need one laser treatment to get rid of toenail fungus. In some more severe cases, it may take two treatments to fully extinguish toenail fungus. 90% of patients report that their fungus is gone after one treatment.
Can you file away toenail fungus?
In most cases, patients can treat toenail fungus by filing it down and maintaining the nail so that there is no room for the fungus to live and grow. There are other topical treatments that can help get rid of the fungus as well.
Does toe fungus ever go away?
Toenail fungus will not go away until it has been treated. Over time the fungus will spread and grow around your nail until the nail has been totally destroyed. It is important to treat and maintain toenail fungus if you have it.
Is toenail fungus contagious?
Yes, toenail fungus can spread from person to person. It can spread in environments where people walk barefoot, such as locker rooms, swimming pools, and communal showers. The fungus can also spread through direct contact with an infected nail or by sharing items like nail clippers, shoes, or socks with someone who has the infection.
Can I prevent toenail fungus?
Yes, you can reduce the risk of contracting toenail fungus by keeping your feet clean and dry. Also, wear breathable footwear and avoid walking barefoot in any public spaces especially showers and bathrooms. It is best to never to share nail clippers or footwear with others as the fungus can spread.
Can toenail fungus come back after laser treatment?
Yes, there is a chance of toenail fungus recurrence even after laser treatment. All it takes is to become exposed to the fungus again or to not take care of your feet. The best thing you can do to prevent getting toenail fungus again is to maintain proper foot hygiene, avoid public environments such as public pools, locker rooms, and avoid using contaminated footwear or nail care tools.
Are there any home remedies for toenail fungus?
You can try applying tea tree oil, vinegar soaks, or over-the-counter antifungal creams. However theses tricks tend to only help with mild cases of toenail fungus. If your case is moderate to severe, you will likely need prescription treatment from a podiatrist.
Schedule A Laser Fungal Nail Treatment Consultation
Would you like to explore your options for treating nail fungus in Newtown, PA or Bucks County? We offer a variety of podiatry services for all ages. Contact our team at Newtown Foot and Ankle Specialists to determine if laser fungal treatment is right for you. If you would like to learn more, call 215.234.3772 or request an appointment online.