Onychomycosis, also known as fungal infection of nails (usually on the toes), is a common disease affecting about 12% of Americans according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Besides inherit proneness of nail fungus, more people can have a higher chance of getting it because they go barefoot in public areas or because their feet are often wet. Nail fungus is not only an appearance-related issue, but also a medical problem that causes pain.

New Toenail laser treatment gives you a new substitute to oral medication, which has a chance of liver damage, and a nail lacquer that will lack efficiency.

Treatments usually take 15-30 minutes for up to 10 toes. Depending on how severe the problem is and which laser is used, patients may need two to three treatments. The toenails grow very slowly; it may take a whole year to see the final result.

We don’t know exactly how the lasers work in treating the nail fungus. The research shows its laser kills fungus, although others believe its laser inhibits fungal growth, leading the way for the body’s own defenses to clear the nail.

To prevent fungus reoccurrence, you must follow a conscientious hygiene program, including not going barefoot, keeping feet clean and dry and changing socks every day. You may use anti-fungal spray for feet and shoes.

We cannot be sure that the nail fungus will be gone forever after laser treatment, considering the fact that this is a contagious disease and that reoccurrence is a possibility unless you take proper preventative measures and maintain good hygiene.

You have been doing everything you can to get rid of you toenail fungus. Now the key is to prevent another fungal infection. Besides keeping your feet clean and dry you can also sanitize your shoes.  One Stop Medical Clinic, located in the Twin Cities of Minnesota, carries the Sterishoe which is a special UV sterilizer for your shoes. It uses germicidal ultraviolet light (UVC) to kill microorganisms that cause toe nail fungus, athletes foot and shoe odor. Dr. Steven Shu, of One Stop Medical Clinic, recommends the Sterishoe system to every patient who comes in for laser treatments for their toe nail fungus.

We tend to sweat in our shoes especially in the warmer months of Minnesota which creates the perfect breeding ground for toe nail fungus, athletes foot and shoe odor. The end of the day is the perfect time to insert the Sterishoes to kill any microorganisms that are living in your shoes. You can treat both shoes at once as the system comes as a set of two lights shaped like a shoe tree and two bags to keep it dark while the light is treating your shoes. Even open toed shoes and sandals can be treated. A treatment cycle lasts 45 minutes. All you have to do is turn them on and at the end of the cycle; the lights will shut off automatically. The treatment will kill 99.9% of the harmful microorganisms that cause toe nail fungus and athletes foot.

Nail fungus is a fungal infection that develops in the fingernails or toenails. Nail fungus is an extremely common problem. However, the fact that this problem is so prevalent does not make it any less embarrassing.

Nail fungus is typically caused by dermatophytes. However, molds and yeast can also cause fungal infections. Furthermore, there are a number of things that can make a person more susceptible to developing fungal infections.

A moist environment encourages the growth of fungus. That is why people who perspire heavily are at an increased risk for developing fungus. Fungus can easily be spread in public places, such as restrooms and swimming pools. Furthermore, fungal infections are common in people who have other health conditions, such as psoriasis, diabetes and circulation problems.

Thickened nails are one of the symptoms of nail fungus. A person who has nail fungus may also notice that his or her nails are brittle. Additionally, infected nails can potentially separate from the nail bed.

If you suspect that you have nail fungus, then you should get it treated as soon as possible. This problem will only continue to get worse. That is why you should not let the embarrassment stop you from getting the treatment that you need. You have the option of getting a 10 minute laser treatment that can clear up the fungus.

This laser treatment is safe and has been shown to be very effective. In fact, 87 percent of patients who get the laser treatment notice a major improvement. The effective rate for laser treatment is much higher than the effective rate for oral medication. Furthermore, laser treatment does not have any major risks.

Nail fungus has become such an issue that many people won’t wear sandals even in the hottest months.  The nails turn yellow and brittle and so people would rather hide them than expose them. In Minneapolis, MN we only have a short time frame to be able to wear sandals and it’s frustrating when you can’t get a pedicure or wear sandals due to a toenail fungus. It is mostly a cosmetic issue though the Nail fungus can cause pain in some people especially the elderly. The infection is actually a combination of fungi, yeast, mold and bacteria which is very hardy. Even the anti fungal pills which carry a risk of liver damage only have about a 50% success rate.

What people are turning to now is laser treatment for Nail fungus.  Dr. Steven Shu of Edina, MN, says, “We are seeing a higher success rate with laser treatments. The treatments are safe and have no side effects or risk to the patient.” The laser uses a specific wavelength of energy which is delivered to the sight of the infection. It is targeted towards the fungi to kill it but leaves the nail and surrounding tissue intact. Patients must make sure that they are taking very good care of their feet after the laser treatment series is over.

Nail fungus is a common toenail problem and a humiliating physical defect. People who are exposed to hazardous chemicals or extreme conditions may develop these problems. These problems could point to deep, underlying health issues. Sufferers tend to avoid social and intimate situations until they find the right solutions. Procedure Clinic has nail fungus Minneapolis medical professionals who are qualified to recommend the best solutions.

There is a process that all infected nails go through. First, the nail grows thicker and changes color. As the infected area worsens, the nail becomes more fragile and parts break off, or in extreme cases, the whole nail falls off. If the problem is not solved, pain and inflammation sets in. The toe looks more unattractive once scales and patches form.

Dermatophytids are lesions that develop because of fungal infections in other areas. The lesions are usually allergic responses. In any case, if the right Nail Fungus MN professional is not found quickly, the appearance of the skin and nails only worsens.

Common causes, apart from disease, include heavy perspiration or excessive moisture, extreme temperatures, chemical exposure, athlete’s foot, trauma, poor blood circulation and weakened immunity to infection. To diagnose the problem effectively, lab tests can be made. Treatment is problematic if the infection is deeply rooted and hard to access. For some people, removing all of the symptoms is a slow process that takes up to one year.

Nail fungus could cause extreme pain and serious damage. If left untreated for months, more severe infections occur, especially if severe medical conditions are involved. People with cancer, diabetes or AIDS have the greatest difficulties in eradicating the problem. Diabetics have various impairments that lead to easy infections and complications.

It is possible to wear open-toed shoes or lie in bed without feeling embarrassed that someone could walk into the room and gawk. More importantly, people with medical conditions should maintain the health of their hands or feet. Regardless of how unsightly the nail becomes, it is necessary to see a nail fungus St. Paul expert as soon as possible.

One Stop Medical Center in Edina and Shoreview, MN has been treating nail fungus for 3 years now. Nail fungus is a source of embarrassment to many of the people who have it. Some patients have tried many home remedies before they come into our clinic. I’ve heard of people soaking their feet in bleach, some have used tea tree oil, vinegar and even Vic’s Vapor Rub. On mild cases these home remedies my work but if the fungal infection is very advanced, they won’t touch the fungus. For the dry skin on the toes, heels and bottom of the feet an over the counter medicated lotion, such as Lotromin, is recommended as that could be athletes foot. Usually if there is a nail fungus, there is athletes foot fungus as well. Laser is still one of the best ways to treat the nail fungus.

Some things you can do at home are using a Sterishoe UV light  to sterilize your shoes. The light will kill the fungus and bacteria in the shoes. That helps prevent re-infection and you don’t have to go out and buy all new shoes if you don’t want to.  You can get your Sterishoe Light from One Stop Medical Center or any clinic that treats nail fungus in your area. Clean your sheets in hot water and dry them on high heat. Wear socks that are made of natural fibers and not synthetic material. That will allow the feet to breath and help with moisture. Make sure your feet are dry and not in a warm and moist environment which allows fungus to thrive.  Don’t use a nail polish or gel or acrylic nails until the fungus has completely cleared up. When the nail can’t breath the fungus will keep growing.  Don’t walk barefoot in public places. There are people who even wear flip flop style sandals in a hotel room and even in the hotel shower because they don’t want to catch anything. If you suspect a nail fungus the best thing to do is get it checked out right away by a physician who specializes in treating it. The earlier you start your treatments, the better your results will be. You will feel so much happier when you can show your toes and fingers again.

It is important to treat your nail fungus as quickly as possible as it may cause permanent damage to the nail.  The deformities could be in the form of ridges in the nail as it grows out or a bend in the middle of the nail that is not going away.

If you have a suppressed immune system due to medications, diabetes or other conditions such as, AIDS, leukemia or have had an organ transplant, you are at more serious risk for an infection that can spread beyond your toe nails.

A person with diabetes can have issues with their blood circulation and nerve supply to their feet. They are also at greater risk for getting a bacterial skin infection called cellulitis. With diabetes any minor injury to the feet or a fungal infection, can be serious and potentially lead to major health issues and extensive medical treatment. If you suspect a fungal infection, please come to see us, the laser treatment is new effective way to treat nail fungus.

Nail fungus can be treated many ways but if you don’t maintain the health of your nails, you could get a repeat infection. Your physician will give you instructions on how to take care of your nails to keep them free of fungal infection after treatment. Keeping your feet clean and dry is one of the best ways to prevent another infection. Below is information on treatment options for nail fungus.

Oral Medications

Your physician may prescribe an oral antifungal medication. Some of the most effective oral medications are Lamisil and Sporanox. You would be likely to be prescribed this is if you have diabetes or risk factors for cellulitis or are having pain from the nail infection. These medications will help the nail grow out into a new healthy nail. It is a long process for the nail to grow out so patience is required. It could take up to 12 months. The down side of oral medications is that they can cause liver damage. Skin rashes are also a possible side effect. People with liver disease or heart failure should not take these medications. You need to do lab tests to monitor the liver function during the treatment. The efficacy of oral medications is lower than the laser treatments.

Surgery

In some cases the nail infection is very advance and painful. The physician would then recommend removing the nail so that a new healthy nail will grow in its place. It could take up to 12 months for the nail to regrow. Again patience is required.

Laser treatments

Using a laser to treat nail fungus is very popular now. Many people are coming to their physicians to learn more about this process. It can be a little uncomfortable for some people but the results are amazing. Laser is able to treat the existing nail and the nail matrix. Laser treatments require more 2-3 treatments to get the best results. It could take up to 12 months for the new healthy nail to grow.

Topical treatments

Along with laser treatments you physician many recommend over the counter topical ointments such as Lamisil and Lotrimin to help with the surrounding skin tissue as many times there is also athletes foot as well as the nail fungus. Penlac may be prescribed to help with the effectiveness of the nail treatment. It is brushed on like a clear nail polish every day for a week and then taken off with alcohol on the 7th day. It is then repeated for up to 6 months.

Have you ever been told during a pedicure that you may have nail fungus? Maybe the nail tech notices some discoloration and they ask you to monitor it. If that discoloration doesn’t grow out with the nail and it gets worse you may have a nail fungus. I have been in the situation where a nail tech mentioned something she saw on my toe nails. It is a little alarming to be told you may have a nail fungus. The nail tech asked me if I had had recently stubbed my toe. In that case I had stubbed my toe and the trauma to my nail had left a mark. I would notice that as the nail grew, the spot on my nail would go away. If this is not the case, have the nails checked out right away. The longer you let nail fungus go, the harder it will be to cure.

There are actually for classic types of nail fungus, medically known as onychomycosis. The most common form is distal subungual onychomycosis which invades the nail bed and the underside of the nail plate. The next type is called white superficial onychomycosis (WSO) is caused by a fungal invasion of the superficial layers of the nail plate and forms “white islands” on the plate. It accounts for only 10% of the onychomycosis cases. Sometimes keratin granulations, which are a reaction to nail polish, can cause the nails to turn a chalky white. WSO can be a misdiagnosis of keratin granulations. A lab test should be performed to confirm.

The third type is proximal subungual onychomycosis which is a fungal penetration of the newly formed nail plate through the proximal nail fold. It is least common in healthy people, but is found more commonly when the person is immunocompromised. Last but not least is candidal onychomycosis. This is a species invasion of the fingernails which usually occurs in persons who frequently immerse their hands in water. It normally requires prior damage of the nail by infection or trauma. I know hair stylists and nail techs that have been diagnosed with this type of fungus.

You are probably asking the question, what am I looking for? A nail fungus infection may begin as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. As it spreads deeper into your nail, it may cause your nail to discolor, thicken and develop crumbling edges. It is usually not painful, just unsightly. Once a nail fungal infection begins, if not treated, it can persist indefinitely.

Fungus lives in warm, moist environments which include swimming pools and showers. It can invade your skin through tiny cuts both visible and invisible or through a small separation between your nail and nail bed. When your nails are continually exposed to warmth and moisture it is the perfect condition for fungi to grow and spread. nail fungus occurs more in toenails than fingernails because the toenails are often confined in a dark, warm moist environment where fungus can thrive. Next we will focus on treatments for nail fungus and how to maintain healthy nails.