How can I get rid of toenail fungus?
During the fall, winter, and early spring, when our feet are safely encased in shoes (possibly even stylish ones!), we don’t have to worry about the appearance of our toes because only our intimates, who are presumably inured to their imperfections, can see them. Once the weather turns warm and pleasant, however, and we take our sandals out of the closet and even begin thinking of walking barefoot on lawns or sandy beaches, we become self-conscious not only about how we look in a bathing suit, but about the way our toes will look to others.
Why do my toenails look so unpleasant?
One of the most common causes of unattractive toes is toenail fungus, something no one likes to have and few enjoy even mentioning. Though not a serious medical problem, toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, which may begin as a white or yellow spot under the toenail, eventually causes the nail to discolor, thicken, or crumble at the edge. Often toenail fungus affects one or several nails, but not all of them.
What is toenail fungus and what causes it?
Toenail fungus is caused by microscopic organisms. Fungi live in warm, moist environments, including swimming pools and showers and can invade your skin through tiny cuts or through a small separation between the nail and the nail bed. Risk factors for the disorder include perspiring heavily, having athlete’s foot, having a skin or nail injury or condition, or spending time barefoot in humid environments, such as public showers. Toenail fungus can also be contagious among those who live together.
How can I get rid of my toenail fungus?
While topical and oral medications have been used to treat toenail fungus for years, they have not had a great rate of success. Fortunately, there is now an innovative treatment for the problem — PinPointe Footlaser, which uses a gentle laser light beam to vaporize the pathogens responsible for toenail fungus. Remarkably, the laser passes through the toenail without resulting in any damage to the nail or adjacent skin!
What is PinPointe Footlaser Treatment Like?
The treatment itself is brief, causing little or no discomfort. Some patients experience a sensation of warmth or the feeling of a pinprick. No anesthesia is necessary and patients leave the doctor’s office in 30 minutes, wearing their own shoes. All the toes are treated during the session, whether they are fungal or not in order to minimize any chance of recurrence. Although laser treatments for fungus as most often highly successful, they do not work immediately. You will begin to see healthy new nail growth in 4 to 8 months.
What are the benefits of ?
There are many advantages to having laser treatment for toenail fungus. These include:
- No invasive surgical procedure
- No anesthesia, pain, or recovery time
- No risks of liver or kidney damage as may result from oral medications
- Quick treatment sessions
- High rate of positive results
As the weather warms and you begin to think of exposing your feet, this is a good time to consult with the highly trained podiatrists at Country Foot Care. Visit one of our three Long Island offices to begin the process of reclaiming the natural beauty of your toes and feet. You deserve to enjoy summer footloose and fancy free.
