This past winter may not have been one to write home about, but summer coming up is certainly welcome news for many people. No matter if you enjoy outdoor sporting activities or are looking forward to spending time on our Long Island beaches, we are lucky to have many options for those sunny, summer days.
Of course, a case of fungal toenails can quickly dampen any excitement at the prospect of wearing sandals or walking barefoot on fine, white sand. If you look down and see nails that are dull or discolored—common symptoms of toenail fungus—you will likely want to know what can be done to restore them back to health.
Treatment for Toenail Fungus
The good news is that toenail fungus is treatable. Depending on your case, we may recommend any of the following treatment options so you can see the return of clear, healthy nail tissue.
- Laser therapy. Laser treatment for fungal nails uses concentrated light beams (lasers) that can pass through the nail tissue and eradicate spores on, in, and under the toenail. This is a safe option—healthy tissue is unaffected and the procedure is painless—and it doesn’t have any side effects. A typical session is less than half an hour, and you are able to leave our office and go about your regularly-scheduled activities afterwards.
- Oral medication. This particular treatment option is used to attack the offensive fungus from the inside out. The antifungal medication is delivered via your bloodstream, which makes it a better option for targeting fungal spores residing underneath your toenails. Whereas this is a reasonably effective treatment measure, there are sometimes unwanted side effects for some patients.
- Topical medication. In this case, the antifungal medication is applied to the surface of the affected nails as a spray, lotion, cream, or other kind of topical agent. This can be an effective way of eradicating the offensive fungus from the surface, which means topical medications are often best used for mild infections. More severe infections result in fungal growth underneath the toenail, which this kind of medication may not be able to reach.
Preventing the Spread of Toenail Fungus
As with any treatment we prescribe, you play an important role in the success and effectiveness. If you do not consistently use the medication or take the appropriate measures—like keeping your toenails trimmed properly, protecting your feet with sandals or shower shoes in public areas, and keeping your feet clean and dry—reinfection is certainly possible.
Another factor in the success of fungal toenail treatment is catching the condition at an early stage. This is a stubborn infection, one that does not go away easily if the problem has existed for a while. That doesn’t mean you should let long-standing fungal infections go untreated! On the contrary, make an appointment and find out how we can help. The infection will not clear up on its own, so professional care is your best move.
You do not have to live with the embarrassment of unsightly nails. Further, a fungal infection could become a bigger issue if you have a condition that affects your immune system. Instead of suffering with this issue, come see our professionals here at Massapequa Podiatry Associates. We can create a treatment plan to help clear your nails back up.
