Blog Post

Solution for That Toenail Fungus

January 31, 2019

shutterstock_80839891 4x6-2Do you have thick, yellow, discolored toenails? Are you embarrassed to wear your open toed sandals in public? Chances are you have fungal toenails, a condition also known as onychomycosis. It is estimated world wide that over 30 million people have onychomycosis, and it is especially a problem in warm weather climates like Florida. Fungal toenails are caused by an organism that grows on top and under the nail.  The fungus likes to grow in warm, most places, like your shoes.  Many patients pick up fungal toenail infections, in the gym locker room, from a nail salon, wet shoes, or even from trauma.  Fungus can stay in the nail for many years and spread very quickly.  There are currently three treatment modalities for this condition.  They include; topical medications, oral medications, which can have some serious side e ffects, and the newest modality, which is laser therapy. At First Coast Foot and Ankle Clinic we use the first FDA cleared laser, which focuses a concentrated beam of laser light through the nail, to eradicate the fungus living under and in the nail.  The procedure is preformed right in my office, requires no anesthesia and is painless.  Most patients require only one or two treatments and can once again enjoy the satisfaction of wearing open toed shoes. So, if you are tired of looking as those unsightly nails, please contact my office to determine if you are a candidate for laser therapy.