If you’ve ever seen a Sci-Fi movie, you might be familiar with the sights of laser beams used as weapons by both the good and bad guys as they fight throughout space. When Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle Center uses laser treatment for fungal toenails, though, the only ones attacking with advanced weaponry are the good guys and you are the clear winner in this story.
Talking Fungal Toenails
Fungal toenails, also known as onychomycosis, is a condition caused by dermatophytes, which are fungi that live in warm, moist environments. Toenail fungus can be transmitted at public pools or gym locker room showers, especially if you have any minor cuts or scrapes (even if they are so small you cannot see them). This disease can cause your toenails to become thickened, brittle, dull, and discolored. Since there are other medical conditions that can cause discoloration, it is important to have an actual diagnosis performed at Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle Center.
Tackling Toenail Fungus
We will look at laser treatment for fungal toenails in a second, but there are other options that we may explore first. Topical treatments include creams, gels, and nail polish, and are more likely to be successful on minor cases of fungal toenails. For more severe cases, oral medication can be prescribed. This method attacks the fungus from within, but some people experience undesirable side effects from these medications. In extreme cases, surgery becomes an option and may necessitate the removal of toenails.
A Better Plan
Laser treatment for fungal toenails has the highest efficacy rate of all the available options. Topical medications are best used for minor cases that have not been around for a long time. It is possible to catch infection at that stage, but more likely it hasn’t been noticed until it’s more severe. Oral medications have side effects and may only work in half of the cases.
Our Nomir laser uses light, not heat, to destroy fungus cells in a safe and effective manner. Over 80% of patients will see some improvement, which is a significantly higher percentage than those offered by other treatment options. This device is not a general laser and was developed explicitly to treat toenail fungus with the use of two laser wavelengths that are efficient at terminating the offensive fungi.
Laser sessions typically take less than half an hour and most cases of fungal toenails are treated in two or three separate visits. Minor cases require less treatment and severe cases may benefit from four or more, but we will assess your specific situation and advise you appropriately.
Stopping the Attack
We can certainly treat it when you already have a case of toenail fungus, but you would probably prefer to avoid it in the first place. Some tips to preventing nail fungus include:
- Wear socks made from wool, nylon or polypropylene, since these materials are effective at wicking away the moisture that attracts fungi.
- Use sandals or shower shoes when you go to a public pool or use a locker room or shower.
- Use antifungal powder or spray on your feet and inside your shoes.
- Wash your feet regularly and then dry thoroughly, especially the areas between your toes.
- Wash your socks inside out. This will allow the insides to be washed of dead skin and dried sweat.
Lasers are not just for Sci-Fi movies anymore. If you are living with unsightly, embarrassing fungal toenails, make an appointment with Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle Center today by calling (303) 423-2520 or using our online form. We are leading podiatry experts who will effectively clear up your toenail fungus and lay your embarrassing condition to rest.
Photo Credit: Alexis via Pixabay.com
