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Other than keeping your toenails trimmed and perhaps painted, you may not pay much attention to them — unless a problem develops. Healthy toenails are pink, shiny and smooth, but a fungal infection can cause them to become discolored, thick, brittle and even painful.
Toenail fungal infection, known as onychomycosis, is a common but challenging condition; toenail fungus treatments include a wide range of options with varying success rates.
Toenail Fungus Treatment Treatment Using A Pact Machine
Fungal nail infections are usually caused by fungi called dermatophytes that infect the skin beneath the nail; yeast is another common culprit. Toenails are especially vulnerable to infection when your bare feet contact damp surfaces such as showers, swimming pools and locker rooms. If you have athlete’s foot, the infection can spread to the nails.
Wearing closed shoes such as athletic shoes for extended periods also can contribute to infection if your shoes and/or socks are damp from perspiration or heat. Moreover, if your shoes fit snugly enough to put pressure on your toes, they can damage the nail bed, making it more susceptible to infection.
“If your symptoms are severe or cause pain, or your toenail turns brown or black, it’s best to make an appointment with your primary care doctor or podiatrist instead of trying to treat it yourself, ” says Stacie Ly, MD, an internal medicine physician at Coastal Medical Center Carlsbad.
Fungal Nail Infection Treatment
Toenail fungus infections often require diligent treatment to be successful. Early-stage toenail fungus may respond to home treatments, such as those listed below. Apply the treatment to the affected nail several times daily; you may need to treat for six months or more to clear the infection.
Over-the-counter treatments for toenail fungus include creams, ointments, sprays and liquids. Ask your pharmacist for a recommendation or look for these ingredients, and follow the directions carefully:
If your symptoms do not get better with home treatment, make an appointment with your primary care physician or a podiatrist. They may recommend a prescription-strength topical medication, or an oral anti-fungal pill that you take for two or three months. Oral treatment is usually more effective but may interact with other medications. Also, oral treatment can affect the liver, so you may need to have liver function tests while taking the medication.
The 7 Best Toenail Fungus Treatments Of 2023
In severe cases that do not respond to treatment, the infected nail may be surgically removed in order to treat the nail bed; a healthy nail can then grow back. A chronically infected and painful nail may be permanently removed.
“If your toenail fungus keeps coming back despite taking preventive measures, see your primary care doctor or podiatrist, ” says Dr. Ly. “Something else may be causing it, or you may need a different approach. Your doctor can get to the root of the problem and determine the best course of action.”Do you suffer from thick, discoloured, ragged or brittle toenails due to a fungal infection? Are you looking for the best toenail fungus treatment? Instead of using at-home therapies which never really work, or taking oral medications which can have adverse side effects, there is another option. Toenail fungus treatment does not have to be frustrating.
We offer an alternative treatment to oral medication and medicated nail lacquers which is safe and also effective for fungal toenail treatment. Our office, conveniently located in Taylors Lakes, is home to a dedicated Photodynamic Therapy machine. Our friendly and helpful staff can help you with combatting toenail fungus, helping prevent future infections and permanent damage to nails by offering a personalised plan for your care.
How You Can Stop Foot And Toenail Fungus In Its Tracks
Our amiable and caring staff understand that every patient is unique, so we make sure to tailor every management and treatment plan to each person. To ensure that your fungal toe nail treatment is specially designed for what you need, we provide a personalised approach to foot care.
We have a unique Photodynamic Therapy (PACT) machine for toenail fungus treatment. PACT machines are few and far between, and our practice has one of only two in the western suburbs. These machines offer some of the best toenail fungus treatment because unlike oral medications they do not have harmful side effects such as liver damage. PACT treatment is also more successful than applying anti-fungal nail lacquers because it has a better penetration through the nail and can more easily destroy the fungal cells.
The PACT machine works by killing fungal cells using photochemical reactions between a gel, a special light, and oxygen. The treatment involves placing a photosensitive gel onto your affected nail. The gel bonds to your nail and the fungus in about ten minutes. Then, we expose the affected nail to light from the machine for nine and a half minutes which kills the fungal cells. The light exposure will not affect any healthy skin surrounding the treated area.
Understanding Fungal Nail Infections And Best Treatment Options
Before the treatment, the podiatrist will use a specialised instrument to thin the nail. If you have more severe fungus, we may also give you some highly concentrated urea to apply to the nail between treatments. Depending on how severe the case of fungal infection, the number of treatment sessions will vary.
Our high standards for care and individualised treatment plans for fungal toe nail treatment make Taylors Lakes Podiatry Clinic an exceptional option for your foot care needs. Our specialised equipment offers a safe alternative to other methods of treatment for fungal infections. We know how important proper foot care is, and we will provide the best toenail fungus treatment we can, to help you and your feet feel better again.
Our helpful podiatrists, reasonable prices, and specific plans for care are just some of the reasons to come to us for toenail fungus treatment. Click here to make an appointment online.
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