But Lasers can zap the problem
If you’ve noticed your toenails gradually growing thick or yellow or crumbling at the tip, there’s a chance you have a fungal infection.
You’re not alone. Up to 33 million Americans suffer from toenail fungus, and in addition to obvious thickening, streaking or yellowing of the nail, it can also lead to ingrown nails or infections such as athlete’s foot.
The condition is common, and there are plenty of ways toenail fungus is spread. The risk of getting the infection can be higher if you have diabetes, wear artificial nails and swim and/or go barefoot in public swimming pools or showers at the gym – anything that leaves you with moist toes for an extended time.
There’s also a higher risk for those who have a nail injury or wear closed shoes – think tennis shoes or boots – for long periods of time.
There are several options for treating toenail fungus: Our clinics and our doctors are committed to helping patients through cost-effective, safe methods.
Most important—Let’s make sure it’s a fungal infection and not a nail disease, or a sign of a systemic disease.
Treatments
There are creams and medications that can help, but some of these are ineffective and can have side effects. We have safe proprietary methods and medications that are as safe as laser treatment. The good news is that the doctors at Ankle N Foot Centers —offer laser to treat toenail fungus.
In 2010, the Food and Drug Administration approved lasers to fight fungus after being used in Europe for several years.
Laser Treatment For Nail Fungus
One of the benefits of a laser is that it cooks and kills damaging fungi while leaving healthy tissue alone. We use the laser to treat all nails on the foot because fungus can easily spread toe to toe. The more spores you kill, the greater the success rate. It’s like going for a dental cleaning and only cleaning some of the teeth.
While one treatment is often effective, a few sessions with the laser may be needed. We also give patients a list of hygiene-related items to do afterward. For those who follow our directions and return for a yearly follow-up exam, odds are good of not being bothered by nail fungus again.
We encourage those struggling with nail fungus to take charge of their health and give our treatment a try. Flexible Spending Accounts can be used to cover treatment, or interest free payment plans.
Click here for an easy online appointment or just call 773-348-1500 to make an appointment at any of our convenient clinics.