Toenail fungus, medically known as onychomycosis, is a prevalent condition that affects many individuals. Recognizing its signs, understanding its contagious nature, and acknowledging its potential health risks are crucial steps toward effective management.
Early detection of toenail fungus can prevent further complications. Common indicators include:
Discoloration: Affected nails may turn yellow, brown, or white.
Thickening: The nail becomes thicker than usual, making it difficult to trim.
Brittleness: Infected nails often become brittle, crumbling, or ragged.
Distortion: The nail may lose its normal shape and become distorted.
Debris Accumulation: A buildup of debris can occur beneath the nail.
Odor: A foul smell may emanate from the infected nail.
Toenail fungus is caused by dermatophytes—fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments. The infection can spread through:
Direct Contact: Touching an infected nail can transfer the fungus.
Shared Surfaces: Walking barefoot in communal areas like pools, gyms, or locker rooms increases the risk.
Personal Items: Sharing nail clippers, shoes, or socks with an infected person can lead to transmission.
While some may view toenail fungus as a mere cosmetic issue, neglecting treatment can lead to:
Pain and Discomfort: Thickened nails can cause discomfort, especially when wearing shoes.
Spread of Infection: The fungus can spread to other nails, skin (leading to athlete's foot), or even fingernails.
Secondary Bacterial Infections: Damaged nails can become entry points for bacteria, leading to more severe infections.
Ingrown Nails: Toenail fungus is the number one cause of ingrown nails.
Impact on Quality of Life: Embarrassment or self-consciousness about the appearance of nails can affect social interactions and mental well-being.
Addressing toenail fungus requires a holistic strategy:
PinPointe™ Laser Therapy: This FDA-cleared laser targets and eliminates fungal pathogens embedded in the nail without harming surrounding tissues. Clinical studies have shown that after a single treatment, 70-85% of patients experienced improvement, (Carney et al., 2015), with a 90% efficacy rate after multiple treatments using our protocol.
Environmental Decontamination: It's essential to treat not just the nails but also the personal environment:
Footwear Treatment: Instead of eliminating shoes, we recommend treating them with an all-natural silver spray.
Hygiene Practices: Regularly washing and thoroughly drying feet, using antifungal creams, and avoiding walking barefoot in communal areas like gym showers.
Skin and Foot Care: If there is fungus on the nails, it is also on the foot. Treating the entire foot is essential to prevent reinfection.
Topical Antifungals & Nail Sanding: Weekly nail sanding combined with antifungal treatments enhances effectiveness.
Office visits related to toenail fungus are typically covered by insurance, but laser therapy is considered an elective procedure and is not covered. We offer self-pay pricing for laser therapy at $200 per session.
Toenail fungus is more than a superficial concern; it can have significant health implications if left untreated. A comprehensive treatment plan, including advanced options like PinPointe™ laser therapy, environmental decontamination, and diligent personal care, can effectively address the infection and restore nail health.
For more information on our fungus protocol and treatment options, visit our website
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or text us 📱 (504) 897-3627.
Our team is dedicated to providing comprehensive care tailored to your needs.
Carney, C., Cantrell, W., Warner, J., Elewski, B., & Albright, A. (2015). Treatment of mild, moderate, and severe onychomycosis using 870- and 930-nm light exposure: Some evidence for efficacy. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 73(4), 652-659. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2015.06.021
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