Laser Fungal Therapy for Toenails
Most people believe that once they have toenail fungus, it can’t be treated. Many of our patients have tried home remedies and found them to be ineffective. That can be a major disappointment.
However, technology has allowed us to create a very simple and straightforward treatment that works well for cleaning fungus in the long term.
Our safe and effective laser fungal nail therapy really works for removing fungus from your nails. It’s a quick, painless, and long-lasting process.
First, let’s look at what nail fungus (onychomycosis) is and how you can tell if you have it.
Do I Have Toenail Fungus?
Fungus can leave toenails yellow or brown, and thick. That’s a good first indicator that you may have fungus growing. A few other clues are:
- Debris buildup under the nail
- Onycholysis, which is when the nail detaches from the nail bed under it
- Any other unusual changes in nail shape, colour, or texture.
How Does Toenail Fungus Develop & How Can it Be Prevented?
Fungus of any type develops in damp conditions. In the feet, that can happen when you have poor ventilation in your socks or shoes, or when your feet get damp in a locker room or shower. Heavy sweating from your feet can also increase your risk of developing toenail fungus on your feet.
There are a few easy preventative steps to take:
- Wear shoes or flip-flops in public change rooms, shower rooms, etc.
- Purchase socks and shoes with good ventilation
- Remove socks and shoes if possible when your feet become hot or sweaty
Why Should I Get Fungus Treated Right Away?
It’s important to have fungus treated as soon as possible when you notice changes to the nail or nailbed. Other complications and fungal infections can develop if fungus is left untreated. You may lose your nails or develop increasing foot pain as your nails are warped. The fungus may also spread and infect the skin layer in your feet leading to what’s known as Athlete’s Foot.
Be sure to book a consultation with a qualified podiatrist as soon as you notice changes to your nails.
What Treatment Options are Available?
The medical term for toenail fungus is onychomycosis. There are a few methods for treating nails with fungus. Some methods are more effective than others.
Treatment may include topical treatments such as:
- Medicated nail polish or nail cream
- Over-the-counter topical antifungal drugs
You could also be prescribed oral antifungal drugs.
However, the most effective and lasting therapy for clearing fungus from the toenails is laser, which is why Central Alberta Podiatry is pleased to offer this option for patients.
What is Laser Therapy for Toenail Fungus?
Using state of the art lasers, we can easily and painlessly clear the fungus growing under your nails. All you’ll feel as the laser hovers over your nails is a bit of warmth. Laser is not dangerous and doesn’t have any reported side effects. It won’t impact any of the skin, bone, or tissue around your nails.
It only takes about 15 minutes for a visit and the process may need to be repeated a few times. Once it’s taken effect, you’ll see new and healthy nails coming in at their normal rate of growth!
We Treat Our Patients
Like Family
At Central Alberta Podiatry we want our patients to feel like they are in a safe, and trusting environment which is why we treat our patients as if they were family. Using the absolute highest attention to care with our methods in foot and ankle care our patients can be sure their concerns are treated properly.
