Laser Treatment for Toenail Fungus in Seattle
Laser treatment for toenail fungus in Seattle is the newest treatment option offered for toenail fungus. Toenail fungus is a common condition that affects many people. At Laser Nail Therapy, our doctors strive to provide the best treatment option for you. They will consult and determine if what you have is a toenail fungus infection. Afterward, they would explain how the laser treatment works. Feel free to give us a call at (800) 672-0625 to get more information or to schedule a free consultation at our Seattle clinic.
Different Types of Toenail Fungus Infections
There are different types of toenail fungus infection. They can all express different types of symptoms. Also, there are many factors that can contribute to getting a toenail fungus infection.
Distal Subungual Onychomycosis
- This is the most common type of nail fungus infection.
- When first infected, your nail will become discolored, typically a yellowing color will appear.
- At times it only infects one side of the nail. Other times it spread throughout the entire nail.
- It thrives in warm and moist environments such as inside shoes or socks.
- The fungi enter the nail bed through tiny cracks or breaks in the nail, which can be caused by injury, tight shoes, or other factors.
- It can also invade the nail bed from the tips of nails and spread to the cuticle.
If you are experiencing any of the toenail fungus infections described above, feel free to visit our Seattle clinic for a free consultation with one of our doctors.
White superficial nail fungus
- About ten percent of people who have toenail fungus have this type of infection.
- Symptoms forming are white patches on the nail surface.
- It is caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes, which thrive in warm and moist environments.
- Affects the superficial layers of the nail plate
Less Common Toenail Fungus Infections
These toenail fungus infections are less common.
Candidal onychomycosis
- This is a rare toenail fungus infection caused by yeast
- It usually infects your fingernails, not your toenails
Proximal subungual onychomycosis
- This least common toenail fungus infection
- Typically, people who are immunocompromised, like people with HIV, cancer, or diabetes are more at risk of getting this toenail fungus infection.
- It is caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes, which thrive in warm and moist environments
- The nail may become distorted in shape and emit a foul odor.
If you are experiencing any of the toenail fungus infections described above, feel free to visit our Seattle clinic for a free consultation with one of our doctors.
What to do in Seattle
Seattle is a well-known city in the United States. It is known as the Emerald City because of its lush greenery. The city of Seattle is on the Puget Sound in the Pacific Northwest, surrounded by water, mountains, and forest which includes many of Washington’s National Parks. The city itself and all its surroundings are filled with greenery all year round. There are many activities to enjoy while in the city.
From going on nature walks to exploring the rowdy city and its diverse culture. People who come to Seattle enjoy walking through the city and taking in all the city life it has to offer. From the Space Needle to the many mountain ranges, Seattle is a great place to visit while visiting the Pacific Northwest. Most people of Seattle enjoy being out in nature by hiking, kayaking, camping, and cycling. If you enjoy recreational activities through National Parks, this is the city to visit.
If you are suffering from a toenail fungus infection while visiting Seattle, make sure to check out our Laser Nail Therapy Seattle office at 100 Wall St, Seattle, WA 98121 for a free consultation.
How do you know if you have Toenail Fungus?
There are a couple of ways you can identify if you have a toenail fungus. The most common symptoms of toenail fungus include but are not limited to:
- Discoloration of the toenails
- Brittle toenails
- Thickened toenails
- Irregular or distorted toenail shape
- Foul odor coming from the nail
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, feel free to schedule a free consultation with our nail doctor in Seattle at (800) 672-0625.
Brittle Toenails
A common symptom that people experience when they have toenail fungus is brittle nails. The nails become weak and start to break off. At times, the nails become flaky as well. When nails become brittle, this can disrupt regular nail growth and your nails no longer grow normally.
In some cases, the nail may become detached from the nail bed. Often times the nail can fall off and continue to grow irregularly if left untreated. It is important to see a nail doctor when you start to experience any of the symptoms of toenail fungus.
Discolored Toenails
One of the most common toenail fungus symptoms is the discoloration of your toenails. Many people discover they have a toenail fungus infection by noticing the change in color in their toenails. The toenail can become a yellowing color that might begin as a small spot and eventually cover your entire nail. The discoloration does not always spread. At times, it stays localized to only part of your toenail.
Other times people see white streaks or cloudiness on their nails. This also indicates that you might have a toenail fungus infection. There are times when people might not notice this because it won’t cover the entire nail. Only a small section might be noticeable.
In other cases, people have also experienced brown or even black nails from toenail fungus. It is important to see a nail doctor if you believe you have a toenail fungus infection.
Sports in Seattle
Seattle is home to the Seattle Seahawks. They are a professional football team in the National Football League. This football team was established in 1976 and joined the NFL in 1977. The Seahawks have won eleven division titles including four straight titles from 2013 to 2016. They have also won three conference championships. They have gone to the Super Bowl three times and won the Super Bowl in 2014 against the Denver Broncos. If you enjoy watching football, then you definitely need to watch the Seahawks play while visiting Seattle.
The Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team in Major League Baseball. This team was established in 1977. They have yet to win a World Series but have come close on a few accounts in the early 2000s. Make sure to check out the Seattle Mariners when visiting Seattle and enjoy a ball game as America’s favorite pass time
While visiting Seattle, make sure to visit our foot doctor if you have a toenail fungus or give us a call for more information at (800) 672-0625.
Other Treatment Options for Toenail Fungus
There are other treatment options for toenail fungus. The most common would be topical creams and/or solutions. Another treatment option is oral medication. This is prescribed by a doctor. Topical solutions typically do not require a doctor’s prescription.
People sometimes prefer an alternative treatment that can be considered a home remedy. There is a lot of speculation on whether these home remedy treatments really do work.
Oral Medication
Our doctors do not tend to recommend oral medication. It is a treatment option for toenail fungus. Oral medication does have a higher success rate than topical solutions. It has a cure rate of about sixty percent. Our nail doctor in Seattle does not offer this treatment option. This is because it can lead to liver toxicity.
While taking this medication you would need to take constant blood tests throughout the course of the medication. The reason why they take so many blood tests is to ensure your liver isn’t being damaged. It can also be risky to take if you have any underlying health conditions.
Many people do not want to take such a risky medication as it can lead to other health problems in the future. This is why our Seattle nail doctor at Laser Nail Therapy does not recommend any oral medication. They provide the PinPointe laser treatment that is safe with no side effects. Schedule a free consultation with one of our nail doctors to get more information regarding laser treatment for toenail fungus.
Topical Treatment Option for Toenail Fungus
People typically tend to try topical solutions and/or creams first when they first discover that they have a toenail fungus infection. These topical treatments tend to have a low success rate. They are typically five to ten percent effective. People sometimes use topical solutions for years with little to no results.
The reason topical solutions have a low success rate is that topical solutions do not go all way through the nail. the toenail fungus infection is not only on your nail but also under your nail on the nail bed. If all the fungus is not killed, then you won’t be cured of the toenail fungus infection.
With topical solutions, it is best to use them after receiving laser treatment at one of our Seattle clinics. These topical solutions can help prevent reinfection. Laser treatment at our Seattle clinic kills all the fungus that is present on your nail through your nail bed. Visit our website to explore the topical solutions offered in our Seattle clinic.
The Space Needle of Seattle
A well-known and must-visit attraction in Seattle is the Space Needle. It stands at six hundred and five feet and gives a 360-degree view from the three main viewing areas. The Space Needle has an indoor observation deck and an open-air viewing area. It also has an observation level with a revolving glass floor. The Space Needle was built in 1962 for the World’s Fair. The tower’s futuristic design was inspired by the idea that the fair needed a structure that symbolized humanity’s Space Age aspiration. Make sure to check out the Space Needle while visiting Seattle.
Toenail Fungus Toenail Removal Treatment
Some people believe that removing your entire nail will get rid of the toenail fungus infection. This is not true. The toenail fungus infection is not just on your nail, it is also on your nail bed. If you do not treat your nail bed then the infection will not go away. When your new nail begins to grow, you will notice that it is still infected.
The nail bed has to be treated in order to get rid of your toenail fungus infection. Our nail doctor in Seattle recommends PinPointe laser treatment as it has the highest cure rate on the market. It is also safe and pain-free. Consult with our board-certified podiatrists to learn more about laser treatment and how it can cure your toenail fungus infection.
Preparing for Toenail Fungus Laser Treatment in Seattle
People often wonder if there is any specific preparation that you need to do before getting laser treatment for toenail fungus. There is not much you need to do. First, you would need to remove all nail polish from your nails. Your nails must be bare before going to your consultation. This is because the doctor will first examine you and determine if what you have is a toenail fungus infection. They can’t do that if there is nail polish on your nails.
Also, trim your nails if you are able to. If your nails have become thickened due to the toenail fungus infection then the doctor would be able to take care of that. They debride your nails before they before laser treatment. Lastly, make sure to bring a clean pair of socks if you wear closed-toed shoes. This is to ensure that you do not get reinfected after the laser treatment is performed as fungal spores can still be present in the socks you arrived in.
There is no other preparation needed besides having bare nails and attempting to trim your nails. The nail doctors will go over everything you need to know regarding the laser treatment during your consultation.
How does Laser Treatment for Toenail Fungus work?
Laser treatment for toenail fungus is a newer treatment option for toenail fungus. It is the most effective treatment. Our nail doctor in Seattle uses the PinPointe Foot Laser. It has a cure rate of eighty-five percent with just one treatment.
Our board-certified podiatrists will first debride your nails if they’re too thick. They will trim and file down your nails down to ensure the laser penetrates all the way through your nail bed. Afterward, they will perform the laser treatment over the debrided nail. The laser uses a concentrated heat source that targets the fungus only. The laser is applied over the nails in a grid-like pattern to ensure the entire nail is covered. This will kill all the fungus that is present on your nail and your nail bed. It also doesn’t damage the surrounding skin. The laser beams are emitted in pulses to ensure the treatment won’t be painful. Most people feel a warming sensation when the treatment is performed.
Once the treatment is finished, the doctor will explain any necessary post-treatment care. Although all the fungus has been killed, there is always a chance for reinfection in your surrounding environment. It is important to follow all necessary post-treatment care to ensure the toenail fungus infection will not return. In some cases, some nail doctors will recommend more than one treatment. If that is your case, the follow-up treatments are given at a reduced rate.
Call our Seattle clinic to schedule a free consultation and get your toenail fungus treated today at (800) 672-0625 or visit our Laser Nail Therapy website for more information.
Seattle and Coffee
If you are a coffee enthusiast then you will enjoy how Seattle has its coffee culture. The Original Starbucks has located in Seattle where now many people around the world enjoy their Starbucks coffee. Seattle can be known as a world center for coffee roasting. Many of the city’s inhabitants are coffee enthusiasts. The city is known for its prominent coffee culture and numerous coffee shops. The people of Seattle take their coffee very seriously. So even if you stop by a Starbucks or dainty coffee shop in the city, make sure to have at least one coffee while visiting Seattle to see what all the buzz is about.
How do people get a Toenail Fungus Infection?
Toenail fungus can be found all around our environment. Fungal spores infect your toenails by entering through your nail bed. Fungal spores tend to thrive in dark, warm, moist environments. A common way people get infected is when they wear the same tight-fitted closed-toe shoes for prolonged periods of time. This is especially true fo people who work on their feet for long hours. This can create the perfect dark, moist environment for fungal spores to grow and infect your nails. Or when there is trauma to the toenail, it makes you more prone to fungal infections.
You can also transfer those fungal spores if you do not change your socks every time you switch shoes. This leads to having multiple shoes with fungal spores, allowing the infection to grow more.
You can also get a toenail fungus infection by walking barefoot in public spaces. This includes swimming pools, hot tubs, hot springs, saunas, gyms, locker rooms, and communal showers. People who already have a toenail fungus infection might be walking around barefoot potentially putting people at risk of getting toenail fungus.
Nail Salons and Toenail Fungus
People often get a toenail fungus infection at nail salons. When getting your pedicure and even manicure, people can get nail fungus. Make sure to always go to a clean and sanitary nail salon. And that all the tools they use are disinfected and sterile.
If you enjoy getting your nails done and don’t want to risk getting nail fungus, you may bring your own tools to be used only on you. When nail salons use the same tools on various customers at a time, they are putting you at risk of getting a toenail fungus infection. Many people who suffer from toenail fungus infection get a pedicure to hide their toes. This can lead to many others getting infected if they do not disinfect their tools.
Home Remedies for Toenail Fungus
People will sometimes choose to try out home remedies first before seeking professional treatment. Most home remedies are not very effective as they are not supported by scientific findings. One of the more common home remedies is using tea tree oil. It is applied directly to the nail, like topical solutions. Although, the reason this might not be as effective is that it does not penetrate through the nail to the nail bed.
Some people also try using Vicks VapoRub to cure their toenail fungus infection. It might be able to alleviate some symptoms and possibly cure your toenail fungus. Although, there is not much scientific research that claims it works for everyone.
Another common home remedy is soaking your toes in hydrogen peroxide. It can kill some of the fungal microbes, but most of the time it does not fully cure you. This is a good remedy to try after you have received medical treatment and used a preventative measure to avoid reinfection. A reason this might not fully cure your toenail fungus infection is that the hydrogen peroxide does not fully penetrate your nail bed. Therefore, not all the fungus dies and toenail fungus infection can continue to spread.
It is important to seek a professional diagnosis from a board-certified podiatrist. In our Seattle clinic, our podiatrist is a specialist in toenail fungus. Give us a call to schedule a free consultation at our Seattle clinic at (800) 672-0625.
Laser Treatment for Toenail Fungus in Seattle
Laser treatment is the most effective treatment for toenail fungus. If you have been struggling with a toenail fungus infection for a couple of months or even years, we recommend you schedule a consultation with our nail doctor in Seattle. Visit our Seattle clinic if you are interested in laser treatment for toenail fungus. We are open every day from 9 am-9 pm for scheduling. Our board-certified podiatrists provide the best treatment to all our patients and have cured hundred of toenail fungus infections. Feel free to call us for more information regarding laser treatment and to schedule a free consultation today at (800) 672-0625.
