If you have diabetes, you already know how important it is to take care of your feet. But did you know individuals with diabetes are more likely to develop nail fungus (onychomycosis)? This common condition can cause the toenail to become thick, brittle, and develop a putrid odor. In even more developed cases, it can become painful. Left untreated, nail fungus can lead to further foot complications. This is why early, effective treatment for this condition is a necessity for your health.
Why Diabetics Are More Vulnerable
Diabetes can affect your feet in several ways that make fungal infections more likely:
- Reduced Circulation: Prolonged periods of high blood sugar levels can reduce blood flow to your feet. This slows healing and makes it harder for your body to fight off infections.
- Nerve Damage: Many people with diabetes develop neuropathy, causing numbness in the feet. This means you might not notice small cuts or injuries around your nails, allowing fungus to enter.
- Decreased Immune Response: Diabetes can weaken your immune system, making it more difficult to clear infections. This includes fungal infections embedded in the nails.
Because of these factors, even a minor nail infection can linger, worsen, and lead to discomfort. These thickened nails are uncomfortable, and in severe cases, infections can affect the surrounding skin or deeper tissues.
Why Treating Nail Fungus Matters
For most, nail fungus is only a cosmetic nuisance; however, for those with diabetes, an untreated fungal infection can develop into much more than that. Thick, brittle nails can make it harder to walk comfortably, causing pain with pressure in shoes. This can increase the risk of developing ulcers or secondary infections. Treating nail fungus promptly helps prevent these issues while supporting overall foot health.
Traditional Treatments vs. Laser Therapy
Traditional treatments for nail fungus include topical creams and oral antifungal medications. While these can work for some patients, they have noticeable limitations:
- Topical treatments often cannot penetrate the nail deeply enough to reach the infection. Topical treatments cure nail fungus less than 5% of the time. But topical medication is great when used to prevent reinfections.
- Oral antifungal medications can interact with other medications and can impede liver metabolism: a prominent concern for people managing diabetes. Among other side effects, some patients have also reported rashes and headaches from routine treatment with oral antifungals. And most severe side effects include liver failure.
This is where laser nail therapy comes in as a game-changer.
Why Laser Therapy is Ideal for Diabetic Patients
During laser nail therapy with our PinPointe™ FootLaser®, the fungus is safely and painlessly removed from a patient’s nail. In over 80% of cases, patients only require one treatment session to completely remove the fungus. This cutting-edge method is an efficient option for treating nail fungus in diabetic patients. Here’s why:
- No Drug Interactions: Unlike antibiotics and other capsular treatments, laser nail therapy does not involve taking any medications; it will not interfere with your diabetes medications or other prescriptions.
- Safe and Non-Invasive: Laser treatment is a targeted, local therapy that uses gentle light energy to penetrate the nail and destroy the fungus at its source without harming surrounding tissues.
- Comfortable and Quick: Most patients report only a warm sensation during treatment, and the treatment usually concludes in an hour. There is no downtime, so you can walk out and continue your day immediately.
- No Systemic Side Effects: Since laser therapy does not involve medication, there are no risks of liver complications or other side effects associated with oral antifungals.
- Effective Results: The PinPointe™ FootLaser® is FDA-cleared for treating nail fungus and has helped many patients see clearer, healthier nails grow out over time.
We Offer Free Consultations with Our Medical Doctors
At our clinics, we understand the unique concerns of diabetic patients and are committed to helping you care for your feet safely. We offer free consultations with our medical doctors. Our doctor will examine your nails, answer all your questions, and explain whether laser treatment is the right option for you.
If you have diabetes and notice thickened, discolored, or brittle toenails, don’t wait. Taking preventative action now can help you reduce future complications and keep your feet healthy.
To learn more or to schedule your free consultation, give us a call today at 800-672-0625. Our friendly team is ready to help you take the first step toward clear, healthy nails so you can walk confidently and comfortably.
