What is Onychomycosis – Nail Fungus?

Approximately as many as 15% of Americans suffer from Onychomycosis (nail fungus). Nail fungus, is the infection of the nail and nail bed, causing changes to the appearance of the nail. The treatment of nail fungus is traditionally treated systemically and very difficult due to the location of the fungus both underneath and inside of the nail. Nail fungus infections thrive in moist environments – gym locker rooms, hotel bathrooms, or pools. There are many risk factors that aid in the likelihood of contraction and those include aging, heavy perspiration, and humid environments.

In Difficult-to-Reach Locations

Distal subungual onychomycosis is the most common form of onychomycosis and is usually caused by Trichophyton rubrum, a dermatophyte that invades the nail bed and underside of the nail plate. Topical creams are frequently ineffective for many patients. Oral medications present health risks, requiring liver enzyme testing, and are only effective in a small percentage of users. Many patients undertake years of ineffective treatment and at great expense financially. Often suffering in silence and yearning for more effective options to treat their yellow, brittle, and sometimes painful nail fungus.

Unwanted Side Effects

The sight of darkened, cloudy, brittle, thickened nails affects the confidence of the patient. Nail fungus interferes with many things. Nail fungus prevents people from wearing sandals, getting pedicures, or feeling confident at the beach. Wearing closed-toe shoes instead of sandals can cause excess foot perspiration, perpetuating the fungal infection, especially in warmer climates. Because of their unsightly appearance toes that are exposed to sweaty, closed-toe shoes will continue to cause the fungal infection to get worse. The most effective way to eradicate nail fungus is by laser treatment. Laser energy penetrates through the nail to the nail matrix. Speak to one of our specialist today!

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