TREATMENTS AVAILABLE FOR FUNGAL NAIL
ORAL DRUGS:
- Effective in treating nail infections.
- New nail grows out with no signs of infection.
- Drug must be taken for 3 months
- Not recommended in some patients who have poor health.
- Final result seen after nail grows out (4-12 months).
- Drug side effects: headache, diarrhea, upset stomach, skin rash, (allergic reaction to drug).
- Serious drug side effects: risk of liver damage and heart failure (weekly blood testing may be required to monitor live/heart function).
TOPICAL DRUGS:
- Has some effectiveness in treating nail infections.
- New nail grows out with no signs of infection.
- No significant adverse effects.
- Daily treatment for one year.
- Not effective in most patients because the drug cannot pass through the nail to reach the infection under the nail.
PINPOINTE FOOTLASER:
- Effective in treating nail infections-Most patients receive some improvement in 3,6,9 and/or 12 months after one treatment session.
- New nail grows out with no signs of infection.
- No significant adverse effects.
- Not effective in all patients.
- Final result seen after nail grows out (4-12 months).
- Usual side effects: feeling of warmth (only during treatment).
- Rare side effects: Discoloration/burn marks on surface of the nail. Slight or mild pain (only during treatment). Redness of the treated skin around the nail (lasting 24-72 hours). Slight swelling of the treated skin around the nail (lasting 24-72 hours).
- Rare laser effect:
- Sometimes the laser creates "sparks", on the surface of the nail-this does not cause any problems.
* Extremely rare laser effects (did not occur during clinical studies): Blistering of the treated skin around the nail. Scarring of the treated skin around the nail.
Fungal nails refers to any number of fungal nail infections that can occur on the foot. Since fungal nails are usually more resistant and more difficult to treat than Athlete's Foot, topical or oral antifungal medications may be prescribed. Note: Please consult a physician before taking any medications. Permanent nail removal is another possible form of treatment for tenacious fungal nails.
OUR NEWEST TREATMENT FOR EMBARRISING FUNGAL NAIL INFECTIONS is with the FDA approved PINPOINTE LASER TECHNOLOGY. This gentle laser light works through the nail without the possible serious side effects seen with oral antifungals. The treatment is painless with no anesthesia needed, and usually requires only one treatment. Shoes and nail polish can be worn immediately after treatment. Call for your free consultation now!
Preventing Fungal Nail Infections
After a fungal nail infection has cleared up, take steps to prevent the infection from recurring. Keeping fungi at bay will help prevent a fungal infection of the skin from reinfecting the nail. Before bed, thoroughly wash and dry your feet, and apply a nonprescription antifungalantifungal cream to the entire foot from the ankle down. Use the cream every night, then gradually apply it less often. Keep your feet dry. Dry feet are less likely to become infected. Apply powder to your dry feet after you take a shower or bath.
Other suggestions for preventing fungal nails include:
- Don't share nail clippers or nail files with others.
- Don't share shoes or socks with others.
- Try not to injure your nail, such as by cutting it too short (trauma to the nail may lead to infections).
- Wear dry cotton socks and change them two or three times a day if necessary.
- Wear dry shoes that allow air to circulate around your feet (tight, enclosed, moist shoes contribute to fungal toenail infections).
- Wear shower sandals or shower shoes when you are at a public pool or shower.
Prevention
Follow basic foot care guidelines and, more than likely, you can head off most common foot fungus problems.
- Dr. Jonathan Steinberg
- Patient's Guide
- Platinum Office
- PinPointe FootLaser Expert
Cynosure's PinPointe Laser is a breakthrough in the science of nail fungus treatment. Cynosure lasers have been used to treat aesthetic concerns ranging from the effects of aging skin to getting rid of pigmentations for more than twenty years.