Toenail fungus is not usually something that people are comfortable talking about. And keeping your toes healthy may not necessarily be a priority on your daily tasks. But what if we told you that it should be?!

You may not realize how important it is to keep your feet healthy until they start showing signs that something is wrong. But the reality is that they are the foundation for our bodies, and as such, maintaining healthy feet should be one of the top items on our to-do list. Especially when it comes to those areas of the body which are normally encased by socks and shoes (where fungus is easily able to thrive) and provide dark, moist, and warm environments.

Spoiler alert: Fungi love dark, moist, and warm environments.

Toenail fungus can be stubborn and difficult to treat, but our HyperBlue laser treatment can zero in on the infection with pinpoint accuracy, eliminating the invasive fungi without damaging any of the surrounding tissues.

What Causes Toenail Fungus?

This unsightly and uncomfortable condition starts when microorganisms find their way under the toenail, typically as a result of a small cut or separation of the nail from the bed. These microscopic organisms feed on keratin – the protein found in nails and hair.

Once the infection sets in, the tissues begin to break down and cause your nail to become thick, brittle, discolored, and even distorted. And, if left untreated, the infection can spread, as well as cause pain and emit a foul odor. Topical treatments may have difficulty penetrating the nail and are, at times, ineffective. Not to mention that toenail fungus is contagious, which means other nails may also begin showing signs of infection.

Of course, there are some causing factors which may lead you to be more susceptible to toenail fungus. Here are some:

  • You are an older adult
  • You sweat excessively
  • You regularly walk barefoot on wet surfaces
  • You have diabetes

There is good news, however – we are here to help you fight back this pesky condition!

Get Rid of Toenail Fungus With Laser Treatment

Laser treatment is a great treatment option for fungal nails. It uses concentrated, intense light beams that travel through the nail and destroy the fungus at its origin, vaporizing the infected tissue while leaving everything around it unharmed.

This technique is safe, painless, and fast, with little known side effects and no down time required. In severe cases, multiple treatment sessions may be necessary to completely eradicate the infection and allow a new, healthy nail to regrow.

The powerful HyperBlue 1530 laser used here at Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists is FDA-approved and can be adjusted to focus as narrow or as wide as necessary, depending on the extent of the infection. With several modes of operation, this efficient and effective therapy can be tailored to meet the needs of your unique feet and toenails.

This treatment can painlessly penetrate the nail to destroy the fungi underneath and takes only minutes to complete. However you should keep in mind that a healthy, new nail typically takes several months to fully grow in and replace the old, damaged one.

With a little patience and a little help from our team, led by Dr. Craig H. Thomajan DPM, FACFAS, you’ll go from hiding your toes to showing them off in no time!

Reoccurring Toenail Fungus

Unfortunately, as this condition is contagious, fungus can still happen even after getting rid of it. So we suggest taking some preventative measures. Here is what you should do:

  • Keep feet clean and dry
  • Trim nails straight across and even with the tips of your toes
  • Wear moisture-wicking socks and shoes that breathe
  • Rotate your shoes, giving them time to air out
  • Treat your feet and footwear with anti-fungal spray or powder
  • Never go barefoot in public places like gym locker rooms and showers or community pool

Are You Looking for a Toenail Fungus Specialist in Austin, TX?

If you are looking for toenail fungus care, you should reach out to an experienced podiatristAustin Foot and Ankle Specialists can help. Our office provides a wide variety of advanced, effective treatment options for all kinds of painful conditions. Ready to schedule an appointment? Contact us online or call our Austin office at 512.328.8900.