Laser Toenail Fungus
Laser Toenail Fungus
Some cases of nail fungus respond to at-home remedies, but others are more persistent and require laser treatment. If you can’t seem to get rid of a fungal nail infection on your own, or conservative treatment hasn’t worked, board-certified podiatrist Shermi Parikh, DPM, provides laser nail fungus treatment for lasting relief at Family Foot and Ankle Center in Niles and Berwyn, Illinois. Schedule an appointment online or by phone today to get started.
Laser Toenail Fungus Q & A
What causes fungal nail infections?
Nail fungus infects the skin under your nails. The infection usually starts in a small area under the tip of one nail, but can make its way deeper into your skin and spread to other toenails.
Fungal nail infections are caused by the same kind of fungus as athlete’s foot, which often spreads to your toenails. However, you can get a fungal nail infection without already having athlete’s foot.
You’re at a higher risk of contracting a fungal nail infection if you:
- Sweat a lot
- Have a history of athlete's foot
- Go barefoot in shared swimming pools, gyms, or locker rooms
- Have diabetes, circulation problems, or a weakened immune system
Toenail fungus is contagious. It can easily spread from nail to nail and infect other people. If left untreated, nail infections can cause significant nail damage, including nail loss.
What are the symptoms of toenail fungus?
Nail fungus can have a number of visible signs, including:
- White, yellow, or brown discoloration spots on nails
- Thickened nails
- Nails that feel powdery to the touch
- Dark debris accumulating under the nail
- Detachment of nails from the nailbed
- Scaly skin under the nail
- Brittle, crumbling, split, or ragged nails
These changes can affect part of a nail, an entire nail, or multiple nails. The area around a fungal nail infection may hurt and smell foul.
If you notice any signs or symptoms of nail fungus, don’t ignore them. Even if these changes are only minor, or you’re not in significant pain, the infection can spread and worsen quickly without treatment.
When should I get laser treatment for toenail fungus?
In some cases, fungal nail infections respond to at-home treatment, including over-the-counter antifungal medication. When this doesn’t work, the first line of treatment from your podiatrist is likely prescription medicine, including topical creams or ointments, oral medication, or a combination of both.
Medication can be effective for relieving or reducing the symptoms of fungal nail infection, but in many cases, it doesn’t fully get rid of the fungus. That means many people struggle with recurring nail fungus. Laser treatment can more effectively target the infection underneath your nails so it doesn’t return.
Don’t let nail fungus be a recurring problem. To get a diagnosis and treatment, call Family Foot and Ankle Center or schedule an appointment online today.