“I think I have toenail fungus.
How did I get it, and can I get rid of it?”

So, you think you have toenail fungus? Are your nails discolored, deformed, crumbly, brittle or painful? Do you avoid taking your shoes off in public or wearing open toed shoes because you are embarrassed by the condition or odor of your toenails? Do you avoid physical activities because you have pain in your toenails?

YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

Toenail fungus affects roughly 30 million Americans, posing both physical, social, and emotional problems for those affected.

Fungal infection of the toenails, known medically as onychomycosis, is an active infection of the nail caused by fungi known as dermatophytes. The infection becomes progressive and causes the nail to become thickened, discolored, brittle and crumbly. The nail may begin to separate from the underlying nail bed and debris may begin to build up under the nail. The nails may become painful and secondary infections may occur.

So at this point you’re probably asking, “How did I get this infection?” There are many different risk factors for developing a fungal infection of the toenails. These conditions can include wearing tight fitting shoes or hosiery, poor foot hygiene, long term use of nail polish, use of communal showers (dormitory, military, athletic teams), chronic illness that cause suppression of the immune system (HIV, cancer and chemotherapy, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.), and finally repetitive trauma to the nail (safety shoes, runners).   It is also very common for this condition to occur with none of the above risk factors, for reasons unknown.

So how do you get rid of this infection? Traditional approaches to treating toenail fungus are largely limited to topical or topical or oral medications. Topical medications must be applied frequently over a long period of time and the effectiveness is variable due to the fact that the drug does not sufficiently penetrate the nail plate to reach the underlying infection. Oral medications must be taken daily over a long period of time (6-8 weeks) and are associated with adverse side effects. Oral medications are also not recommended for people in poor health or those with diabetes. They are generally more effective at treating the fungal infection than using topical medications. The quest for a safe and effective solution has been frustrating, but not anymore. The newest, most promising approach to addressing the treatment of nails fungus is through the use of a new non-invasive laser therapy.

We at Columbus Foot & Ankle are using the Cutera Genesis Plus 1064 Nd:Yag laser for treatment of onychomycosis (a.k.a. toenail fungus). This particular laser has FDA clearance for use in patients with onychomycosis. Laser treatment worldwide has been showing excellent success rates in patients with mild, moderate, or even severe cases of toenail fungus. The laser treatment consists of three sessions lasting about 20-25 minutes each spaced 4-6 weeks apart. No anesthetic or special preparation is required. During the treatment the patient may feel a sensation of warmth or heat, or sometimes a pinching sensation in the nail but this is not typically painful. There are basically no side effects and the patient leaves the office and is able to immediately carry on with their normal activities. The laser is also safe for all ages and for all medical conditions. Results can generally start being seen in a period of 1-2 months, but it can take some patients up to 9-12 months to grow the affected, damaged nail(s) totally out.

Actual patient treated with laser therapy at Columbus Foot and Ankle Clinic

Call us today to schedule a consultation to see if this treatment may be right for you.

Dr. John R. Hladik, DPM, RN