Fungal toenail infections can be caused by many different types of fungi, yeasts, or molds. Small cracks in your nail or the surrounding skin can allow these germs to enter your nail and cause an infection. A fungal nail infection occurs from the overgrowth of fungi in the nail. Don’t limit your treatment to outdated topical and oral medications when our Laser Nail Therapy is the latest in technology and most effective treatment available.

 

Overview:

Toenail fungus is a common condition that begins as white or yellow discolorations under the tip of your toenails. As the fungal infection goes deeper, nail fungus may cause your nail to discolor, thicken and crumble at the edge. It can affect several nails. Toenail fungal infection can start from athlete's foot or foot fungus, and spread from one nail to another. 

 

How does someone get a fungal nail infection?

Fungal nail infections are caused by various fungal organisms. The most common type of fungus is a dermatophyte. Fungal nail infections are common infections of the toenails that can cause the nail to become discolored, thick, and more likely to crack and break. 

 

Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, causing toenail fungus to naturally overpopulate. The same fungi that cause athlete’s foot and ringworm can cause nail infections. Fungi that are already present in or on your body can cause nail infections. If you have come in contact with someone else who has a fungal infection, you may have contracted it as well. 

 

Who’s at risk for fungal infections?

Anyone can get a fungal nail infection. Some people may be more likely than others. Fungal toenail infections can develop in people at any age, but it's more common in adults than in children. As the nail ages, it can become brittle and dry. The resulting cracks in the nails allow fungi to enter. Older adults have a high risk for getting fungal nail infections because they have poorer circulation and/or a weakened immune system. The nails also grow more slowly and thicker as we age.

 

What are the signs and symptoms of Toenail Fungus?

Thickened

Discolored, Whitish to yellow-brown 

Brittle, fragile, cracked, and crumbly

Distorted in shape

Lifting of the nail off the nail bed

Debris building up under your nail

Foul smelling odor 

 

How do I know if I have a fungal nail infection?

Because other infections can affect the nail and mimic symptoms of a fungal nail infection, the only way to confirm a diagnosis is to come in for an evaluation. In some cases, we may send a nail sample to a lab for analysis and identification.

 

How is a fungal toenail infection treated?

Topical solutions alone aren’t effective in curing toenail fungal infections. Dr. Lilker offers the latest in fungal toenail treatment via Laser Toenail Therapy. With the revolutionary Class IV Diode laser, our laser's high-intensity technology is 1,200 times more powerful than traditional class III cold lasers. More power equates to deeper penetration, faster treatment times and delivery of the proper therapeutic dosage, and ultimately better clinical outcomes. The laser treatment gently heats your nail bed and destroys parasitic fungus, dries out moisture between the toenail and skin, while increasing blood flow to the area. With laser nail therapy, healthy, new clear nails start to grow in over time. Laser therapy is a painless and non-invasive procedure that promotes the natural healing of the body.

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Laser Nail Fungus Treatment Photos

Before and After