In California, it’s sandal season! The time of the year when you let your feet free from winter boots. Although you want to wear sandals, there might be a reason for you to hide your feet. Some people prefer wearing closed shoes to hide toenail fungus. It can be a source of embarrassment because, with fungus, the nails become yellow, thick, and deformed. This is not always easy to hide under nail polish.

Cause of Toenail fungus

The main cause of toenail fungus is the overgrowth of fungi in the nail. Toenail fungus may develop and thrive in work or winter boots. This type of warm and moist environment allows fungi to thrive. Fungal nail infections can also come from nail salons with tools that are not properly disinfected. Nail clippers and emery boards can spread nail fungus if they are not sanitized.

Walking barefoot in public places where the fungus is common also puts you at risk of toenail fungus. Fungi thrive in damp environments such as a public swimming pool and gym showers.

Fungi can also attack the toenail when it is injured. Trauma to the nail creates cracks where the fungi can enter and infect the nail bed. If you have poor blood circulation or immune system, you have a greater chance of developing the infection.

Treatment options for Toenail Fungus

There are several methods for treating toenail fungus. Home remedies, topical antifungals, oral antifungal medication, and laser therapy. Home remedies and topical treatments may be able to relieve some symptoms, but they are not very effective. When taking pills, patients need to monitor their blood for toxicity. Therefore, it can also be dangerous because it has side effects that can be damaging to the liver.

Laser treatment for toenail fungus is the most efficient treatment option for toenail fungus. The PinPointe Foot Laser typically requires only 1 treatment to clear up the toenails. It uses a concentrated heat source to kill the fungus without damaging the nail or the surrounding skin. You can go back to your normal activities right after the treatment and it does not have any side effects.

If you have toenail fungus, consult with a podiatrist to discuss the treatment. Our podiatrists use the PinPointe FootLaser, the most effective laser on the market with the highest cure rate. Contact us to schedule a free consultation. We have over 150 clinics nationwide, including Miami Beach, FL.