What are the symptoms of toenail fungus?
The signs of toenail fungus are hard to ignore. They can include:
- White to brown discoloration
- Thickened nails or nails distorted in shape
- Nails that are brittle or ragged
- Dark coloration due to buildup under the nail
- Slightly foul smell
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should schedule a podiatry appointment with Aloha Foot and Ankle Associates immediately.
What puts me at risk of developing nail fungus?
Anyone can acquire a toenail fungus. However, you’re at higher risk if you:
- Are older and have reduced blood flow
- Sweat heavily
- Use communal showers and pools while barefoot
- Have diabetes or a weakened immune system
- Experience an injury to your toes
You can reduce your chances of developing a nail fungus by regularly washing your feet and trimming your nails straight across. Always wear socks that absorb your sweat and breathable shoes that you regularly treat with antifungal powders.
You should also wear flip-flops in public showers and pool areas. And don’t forget to disinfect your nail tools, such as clippers, regularly, and ensure that any salons you visit do the same.
How does the Q-Clear Nd Yag laser address nail fungus?
Toenail fungus is hard to treat. Topical medications and oral antifungal medications can be prescribed but may not entirely eradicate the fungus, so reinfection is common.
The Q-Clear Nd Yag laser safely superheats the skin tissue beneath the toenails, deep into the nail bed, which causes the soft tissue contaminated with the fungal tissue to coagulate, eradicating nail fungus.
For minimal infections, you only need 1-2 treatments. However, severe infections may require more treatments. But don’t expect to see results right away. It takes anywhere from 6-12 months for the new, non-infected nail to grow.
Following laser treatment, you should also treat Athlete’s Foot should it exist. It is also recommended that you spray down your shoes with an antifungal spray and thoroughly clean your sheets, nail tools, and showers to prevent reinfection.
What happens if I don’t treat toenail fungus?
In many cases, toenail fungus can lead to pain and permanent nail damage. The infection can also spread beyond your nails to your skin, especially if you have a compromised immune system. People with diabetes who have toenail fungus are at more risk for this happening.
Visit Aloha Foot and Ankle Associates to ward off issues associated with toenail fungus. Call the office to schedule an appointment, or book online today.
