How did I get Toenail Fungus?
Toenail fungus infections may cause embarrassment, become uncomfortable, and be difficult to get rid of. At Laser Nail Therapy, we can help you find the best Toenail Fungus Cure in San Antonio, TX. With many years of experience and high success rates, our doctors at Laser Nail Therapy are specialized in the most effective ways to get rid of toenail fungus. If you’re ready to say goodbye to your fungal infection, call us today to schedule a free consultation.
Toenail fungus is most common among the elderly. This is due to the fact that with age, people’s immune systems slow down. Also, with age, nail growth slows as well.
Additionally, athletes struggle with this as well. Fungus thrives in dark and moist areas. If your shoes and socks are often sweaty, this is a perfect environment. It is important to wear socks that absorb sweat. Also, changing shoes and spraying them with antifungal sprays will help avoid fungus growth.
San Antonio Lifestyle may increase the risk of Toenail Fungus
Residing in San Antonio does not make you more prone to catching toenail fungus, but if you partake in certain activities, it just might. It is important to understand which activities will increase the risk of catching toenail fungus. This way, you can limit or avoid those activities or maybe find safer ways to perform certain activities. San Antonio, Texas, has a hot and humid climate, which can increase the risk of developing toenail fungus infections. Some specific lifestyle factors in San Antonio that may increase the risk of toenail fungus include:
- Outdoor activities: San Antonio is known for its outdoor recreational activities, such as hiking, running, and swimming, which can expose the feet to fungus-friendly environments, such as damp and humid conditions.
- Wearing sandals: In San Antonio, people tend to wear open-toe shoes, such as sandals, during the hot summer months, which can increase the risk of toenail fungus infections as the fungus can grow in warm, moist environments.
- Public pools and gyms: San Antonio has many public swimming pools and gyms. In wet and hot public environments, people can be exposed to the fungus that causes toenail infections.
- High humidity: San Antonio has high humidity throughout the year. Creating a conducive environment for the growth of fungus.
- High temperature: San Antonio has high temperatures throughout the year. This creates a conducive environment for the growth of fungus.
Practice wearing shoes that allow feet to breathe, keeping feet dry, and practicing good foot hygiene. It is also important to see a podiatrist if you suspect that you have a toenail fungus. Best to catch the infection early on before it progresses to the matrix of the nail, making it more difficult to get rid of.
People most at risk of Catching Toenail Fungus
Anyone can develop toenail fungus. However, certain factors significantly increase the likelihood of infection. Age, medical conditions, immune health, and daily habits all influence risk.
As people get older, their risk rises. Toenail fungus appears most frequently in older adults because circulation slows and immune defenses weaken over time. When the immune system cannot respond as efficiently, fungal organisms gain an advantage. In contrast, fungal nail infections rarely affect children under six years old.
Certain medical conditions also increase susceptibility. For example, athlete’s foot can easily spread from the skin to the nails if left untreated. Because both conditions involve the same types of fungi, ignoring a skin infection allows spores to migrate under the nail plate. Prompt treatment of athlete’s foot reduces this risk.
Diabetes presents another major risk factor. Reduced circulation and decreased sensation in the feet make injuries more likely to go unnoticed. Even small nail trauma creates openings where fungal organisms can enter and establish infection.
Additionally, individuals with weakened immune systems face higher vulnerability. This includes people undergoing chemotherapy, living with autoimmune conditions or HIV, receiving organ transplants, or taking immunosuppressant medications. When the body’s natural defenses decline, fungi can multiply more easily.
Understanding these risk factors allows individuals to take preventive steps earlier and seek treatment promptly if symptoms develop.
Increased risk of Toenail Fungus in Athletes
Athletes or people who enjoy playing sports are more susceptible to toenail fungus infections for a few reasons. First, people playing sports are much more likely to cause repetitive trauma to their feet. Especially in sports that include a lot of running or kicking. Usually, trauma happens to their toenails. This weakens the nail bed and gives the fungus a place to start the infection. Additionally, athletes tend to wear tighter shoes to provide support for training and avoid other foot injuries, such as sprained ankles. The tight shoes lead to minimal airflow in the shoes. This traps sweat and moisture inside the shoes. Dark, moist, and warm conditions make it a perfect environment for fungus to grow, multiply, and thrive.
Toenail Fungus Infections in San Antonio, TX
Toenail fungus is a common condition that affects about 10% of the total population worldwide. Moreover, it is also a common issue in San Antonio, TX. Toenail fungus infections can be caused by various factors. Such factors include a humid climate, poor hygiene, and frequent exposure to damp environments.
The transitional humid subtropical climate in San Antonio, TX, makes it easier for fungus to survive and spread. Furthermore, the humidity in San Antonio, TX, averages about 80% in the early mornings during most of the year. This type of weather creates optimal conditions for toenail fungus to spread in the skin and toenails. Fungal spores, which are invisible to the naked eye, opportunistically latch onto any possible host. And they thrive in damp environments.
Poor hygiene can lead to toenail fungus by providing a warm and moist environment for the fungus to grow. When feet are not kept clean and dry, sweat, bacteria, and fungal spores can accumulate in the toes, creating the ideal conditions for a fungal infection to develop. Additionally, if a person has a pre-existing skin condition such as athlete’s foot, poor hygiene can accelerate the condition and lead to the spread of the fungus to the toenails.
Popular Sports in San Antonio, TX
Some popular sports in San Antonio, TX, include American football, basketball, baseball, soccer, and golf. The city is home to the WLAF San Antonio Riders, the San Antonio Spurs of the NBA, and the San Antonio Missions minor league baseball team. Additionally, San Antonio has several semi-professional and amateur soccer teams, as well as several golf courses and country clubs. It is safe to say that people living in this city enjoy staying active professionally, semi-professionally, and leisurely. And with increased physical activity, there’s an increased risk for toenail fungus. If you start noticing any signs of a fungal infection, call us right away at (800) 672-0625. We will then be able to schedule a free consultation with one of our experts conveniently located in one of our San Antonio, TX offices.
Basketball in San Antonio, TX
Basketball plays a major role in San Antonio, TX, at both professional and amateur levels. The San Antonio Spurs have built a strong legacy in the NBA, winning five championships and reaching the playoffs for more than two consecutive decades. The team competes at the AT&T Center, a venue that also hosts major concerts and events throughout the year.
Beyond the professional stage, basketball thrives across youth leagues, high schools, colleges, and community programs. Institutions such as the University of Texas at San Antonio and Trinity University support competitive NCAA programs, while parks and recreation centers throughout the city provide courts for athletes of all ages.
However, frequent training and competition increase certain health risks, including toenail fungus. Basketball players spend long hours in tight athletic shoes, and intense activity causes excessive sweating. Warm, moist environments inside shoes create ideal conditions for fungal growth. Repeated nail trauma from sudden stops, pivots, and pressure inside footwear further increases vulnerability.
Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, often causes thickened nails, discoloration, brittleness, and separation from the nail bed. Without treatment, the infection can worsen and spread.
Players can reduce their risk by keeping their feet clean and dry, wearing breathable footwear, changing socks frequently, and avoiding shared nail tools. At the first sign of nail changes, seeking professional evaluation ensures early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Laser Nail Therapy San Antonio Clinics
Laser Nail Therapy offers toenail fungus laser treatment in San Antonio, TX. With three locations in San Antonio alone, we may accommodate your schedule. We will help you get rid of the stubborn toenail fungus infection. Additionally, we have only the most experienced podiatrists specializing in treating toenail fungus in all of San Antonio. If you suspect that you have a toenail fungus infection and you live in San Antonio, TX, it is recommended to see a podiatrist. The doctor will be able to perform a proper diagnosis and treatment. They will be able to recommend the most appropriate treatment options for your specific case. Toenail fungus treatments may include topical or oral antifungal medications, removal of the infected portion of the nail, or laser therapy. Also, it’s important to keep in mind that toenail fungus is a persistent condition. Additionally, if left untreated, it will progress and get worse.
Thick, Discolored Toenails in San Antonio
If you have noticed that your toenails are getting thicker than normal and are very hard to trim, you may be infected with toenail fungus. The organisms that cause toenail fungus thrive in dark, moist places. You can come into contact with these organisms that cause toenail fungus in gyms, locker rooms, public pools, and showers. Wearing tight shoes for extended periods of time and perspiring or exercising can also allow the fungus to start growing in your toenails.
To start, toenail fungus might be difficult to spot, but you may start to notice that your toenails start to become discolored. Commonly, they develop white spots or may turn yellow or brown. This is a sign that you have a fungal infection in your toenails and should seek treatment.
Laser Nail Therapy is a leading provider of laser treatments for toenail fungus in all of San Antonio, TX. We successfully treated thousands of patients with toenail fungus. Before your nails get any worse, call us at (800) 672-0625 to schedule a FREE Consultation to see if the laser treatment is the best option for you.
Dealing with Thick Toenails
If you have very thick, difficult-to-trim toenails, try to soak your feet for ten or fifteen minutes in warm water before trying to cut the nails. For extra pampering, add some bath or Epsom salts to the warm water. This will create a soothing foot bath and will soften the nails so they will be easier to trim.
Once the nails are softened from the foot soak, use very sharp nail trimmers and make small cuts along the top of the nail. Be extremely careful not to split the nail down into the nail bed. Clean the nail trimmers/scissors between each toe. This will help to prevent the spread of the toenail fungus infection from one toe to the next.
Treatment for Thick Toenails in San Antonio, TX
Thickened toenails are a sign of a toenail fungus infection. If you have thick, ugly toenails that are difficult to trim or maintain, you may need to treat the cause with toenail fungus treatments using laser technology. Because another type of treatment will have very low success rates due to the advanced infection.
Toenail Fungus Laser Treatment in San Antonio is one of the most effective treatments for thick toenails and has no side effects. The treatment is also painless, which means it will not require any anesthesia. Our PinPointe FootLaser treatment focuses only on the infected tissues and targets the fungus in a way that won’t damage any healthy tissue around the nail.
Pulsing laser technology avoids overheating the tissue around the nail and ensures that the treatment is comfortable for every patient. The fungus infection is killed after the treatment is performed. Usually, in just one treatment, the nails will grow out thin and normal, no longer thick and ugly.
To inquire about Toenail Fungus Laser Treatment for thick toenails, call us at (800) 672-0625 today and schedule a free consultation with one of our toenail doctors in San Antonio, TX.
FAQs about Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus infections are most often caused by repeated exposure to moist, wet areas for extended periods of time. Communal showers, such as those found at schools, gyms, or public pools, are also often sources of infection. Having athlete’s foot is also a risk factor for developing toenail fungus. An athlete’s foot is a fungal skin infection of the foot that can, over time, transfer to the nail bed.
Tight-fitting shoes, worn for extended periods of time in hot, sweaty conditions, also provide an environment for toenail fungus to thrive in. Repeated trauma to the toenails can weaken the nails and provide cracks for toenail fungus to creep into the nails.
It is possible to contract a toenail fungus infection from a nail salon. If the sanitary conditions of a salon are not sufficiently maintained, toenail fungus can lurk in the cracks and crevices of equipment used between clients. The fungus then gets passed from one client to the next. Proper hygiene and a strict cleaning regimen will reduce the chances of toenail fungus being passed on by customers of a nail salon. It is important to avoid nail salons that lack good sanitation. Our doctors also recommend bringing your own instruments as an option to be absolutely safe.
It is possible to get a pedicure at a nail salon, but it is not recommended when you have toenail fungus. However, it is important to choose a salon that is equipped with proper sanitation equipment. This way, they’re able to clean all the used instruments properly. Otherwise, your infection will spread to others. Also, we recommend being upfront about your condition. So that the nail technician will be prepared to properly sanitize all used equipment. In some cases, the nail salon might ask you to bring your own tools and nail polish to avoid spreading the fungal infection.
When it first starts, toenail fungus is not very noticeable. It may start as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your toenail. As time goes on, the discolored spot may start to take up more of the surface area of the toenail. Also, your toenail may become thicker or distorted, making it difficult to cut your toenails. Your toes may become painful, especially if the affected toe is under the pressure of tight, closed-toe shoes.
Toenail fungus may turn your toenail black, yellow, green, brown, or white. The color of the fungus will depend on the type of infection. The nail can become brittle or crumbly. Pieces of the nail may break off. And the nail may fall off completely. The skin around the infected toenails may get red, irritated, swollen, or cracked.
Toenail fungus is contagious in the sense that it is possible to spread it and get it from other people. However, most people are resistant to the fungus and will only develop it if there are some underlying problems. Because toenail fungus is so common, you can expect that more than one person in a household may have it. But that doesn’t necessarily mean that one person passed it to another. The fungus spores that commonly cause toenail fungus are present in most moist, wet areas, including home bathrooms, bathtubs, and showers. A person who becomes infected with toenail fungus usually has weakened nails and then gets exposed to the fungus. Rather than just exposure to another person with a toenail fungus infection in their nails.
Several treatment options are available for toenail fungus, including topical medications, oral antifungals, surgical nail removal, and laser therapy. Each approach varies in effectiveness, convenience, and potential risk.
Topical medications require daily application for many months and often take up to a year to show results. Because they struggle to penetrate thickened nails and reach the infections under the nails, cure rates remain relatively low, especially in moderate to severe cases.
Oral antifungal medications work systemically and typically clear infections faster than topicals. However, they carry potential side effects, including liver complications and skin reactions. Physicians often require blood monitoring during treatment to ensure safety.
In severe or painful cases, doctors may remove the infected nail surgically. However, if the nail matrix remains infected, the fungus can return as the nail regrows.
Laser treatment targets fungal organisms under the infected nail without systemic medication. The procedure is non-invasive, requires no downtime, and patients can resume normal activities immediately. Visible improvement occurs gradually as healthy nail growth replaces the damaged portion.
In some cases, toenail fungus may clear up without treatment. But this is generally not the case. Without treatment, toenail fungus can become chronic and may even lead to permanent nail damage. It is best to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. Over-the-counter or prescription antifungal medication, topical or oral, can be used to treat the fungus and prevent it from spreading. Additionally, keeping your feet clean and dry and wearing breathable shoes can help prevent the fungus from recurring.
Best Toenail Fungus Treatment in San Antonio, TX
If you’re looking for the best toenail fungus laser treatment for toenail fungus in San Antonio, you’ll find it at Laser Nail Therapy. Our podiatrists have the very latest in laser technology and can treat your toenail fungus in a quick and painless way. There’s no need to suffer from toenail fungus any longer! Call us and schedule your free consultation today.
FAQs about Toenail Fungus Laser Treatment
Laser treatments for nail fungus deliver clinically supported results. In many cases, one laser session eliminates the infection. Most patients notice visible improvement in the appearance of their toenails after a single treatment. To protect those results, doctors strongly recommend proper post-treatment care to reduce the risk of reinfection and avoid additional sessions.
Pulsating laser light targets the fungus that lives inside and under the toenail and the nail bed. The light heats the tissue and destroys all fungus present. This eliminates the fungal infection.
The laser is pulsed to avoid overheating the tissue being treated. It makes the treatment painless.
We offer an in-house financing option. You may split up the cost of the treatment into a total of 2 installments. The first payment will cover 50% of the total cost, and the second payment will be 50% 30 days later. This will allow you to make payments you can afford while achieving better nail health!
Most patients only need one laser treatment to get rid of toenail fungus. In very serious cases, it may take a second or even third treatment. Your podiatrist will be able to let you know how many treatments to expect.
While advanced toenail fungus can cause serious health problems with a person’s ability to move and exercise, it is generally considered an aesthetic issue and isn’t covered by insurance. However, if you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or a Health Savings Account (HSA), you may use them to cover the cost of the toenail fungus laser treatment.
The toenail fungus laser treatment appointment will take about one hour, including the consultation as well as the treatment. The doctor will treat all the nails on the infected foot. The treatment doesn’t harm any healthy tissues. The treatment area will feel warm during treatment, but no pain will be experienced. A pulsing laser is used to avoid overheating the treatment area. It will not cause damage to any surrounding tissues. Patients may immediately resume regular activities, including wearing shoes and performing their favorite physical activities.
When arriving at your toenail fungus laser treatment appointment, you should ensure that your feet are clean and free of all nail polish. Bring an additional clean pair of socks and plan to spend a minimum of an hour at the office. You will be able to wear your shoes again immediately after the treatment and drive yourself home from the office. If your toenail fungal infection is severe, our doctor will also perform debriding of the top of the nails to thin them out. This will help the laser to be more effective and be able to penetrate the nail bed to kill the fungus.
For additional questions about preparing for your upcoming toenail laser treatment, please call our office at (800) 672-0625.