Having toenail fungus is probably one of the most embarrassing afflictions for anyone. The discolored and brittle toenails can easily make for unhappy and unhealthy feet. The truth is, many people have this condition and just don’t know how to treat it. There are a few things to consider prior to making an appointment for laser treatment for toenail fungus. Jacksonville treatment centers offer several options.
The Importance of Healthy Feet
Healthy feet are in fact happy feet. Toenail fungus can be an unsightly thing to deal with. While the symptoms are minimal, at a glance, toenail fungus can be embarrassing. Fungus can grow on nails and skin. Not caused by poor hygiene, toenail fungus is something that can come from a break in the nail. Believe it or not, it can spread from person to person. Usually it thrives in warm, moist places like locker rooms.
Symptoms
Basically, the only way to tell whether a person has a nail fungus is through looking at the feet. Look closely for thick and discolored nails. Usually, this is a sure sign of the infection. Normally, there is little pain involved. However, it is not completely uncommon for pain in the toes to occur as a result of the toenail fungus. Diagnosis is done at a podiatrist’s office.
Treatment Options
There are several treatments available for treating toenail fungus. Usually, topical creams are prescribed and other antifungal drugs. While these may stifle the infection, they rarely completely eradicate the underlying fungal problem. Sometimes, oral medications are prescribed; however they only yield success in 50% of the cases. Laser treatment for toenail fungus has fast become a viable alternative.
How Laser Treatment Works
Usually a laser treatment session might run anywhere from 30-45 minutes. Ten toes can be treated during one session. A laser is directed towards the infected area, and depending on the severity of the fungal infection, several other sessions might be necessary. Prevention is an essential way to stop toenail fungus from occurring. Following a rigorous hygiene process is also a way to prevent the occurrence or reoccurrence of toenail fungus.
If you are in the market for laser treatment for toenail fungus, Jacksonville podiatrists can be of assistance.
