What is toenail fungus?
Toenail fungus is a common foot condition characterized by a fungal infection in one or more toenails. Fungal toenails occur when microorganisms enter the skin around your toes, typically when you stub your toe or suffer a minor injury.
As the fungus spreads, your toenails become discolored and brittle, among other symptoms. It's best to seek prompt treatment from the American Surgeons Group to save your nail and prevent the fungus from spreading to other toes.
What are the symptoms of fungal toenails?
The symptoms of fungal toenails depend on the location and severity of the infection. Common signs of toenail fungus include:
- Thickened nails
- Brittle nails
- Crumbling nails
- Distorted nails
- Dark nails
If you have toenail fungus, you could also notice an unpleasant odor coming from your feet.
Who is at risk for fungal toenails?
Athletes and fitness enthusiasts tend to be more susceptible to fungal toenails because their physical activity increases their chances of toe injuries that may lead to infection. Spending time in moist environments, such as public swimming pools, public showers, and locker rooms, also increases the risk of toenail fungus.
Fungal toenails also are more common if you have diabetes or insulin resistance.
How is toenail fungus treated?
Long-standing treatment methods include topical creams and oral medications. While these methods typically have a high success rate, the toxicity of these medications may lead you to search for alternatives.
American Surgeons Group offers a nontoxic laser solution to treat toenail fungus by heating it with an intense light beam. The light destroys the fungus, and then your body expels it.
What can I expect during laser treatment for fungal toenails?
You feel sensations of heat followed immediately by coolness during your laser treatment. Most patients say it isn't painful.
The laser treatment takes only about 15 minutes. Your provider at American Surgeons Group may recommend several treatments spread out over time. After a series of treatments, your provider may recommend coming back after six months to see if the fungus has returned.
To stop the spread of fungal toenails today, call American Surgeons Group, or book a consultation online.
