Toenail fungus specialists in Los Angeles can vary. People with a toenail fungus infection can be confused about what treatment to get. Our nail doctors will first consult you. They will examine you. Once they confirm the infection, they will explain treatment options.
How to know if you have Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus first starts off with a single white or yellow mark, usually at the tip of the toenail. Sometimes it may form small ridges on the nail plate. Over time, as the infection evolves, symptoms include:
- Discoloration of the toenails
- Thickening of the nails, making them almost impossible to cut
- Crumbly, ragged, or flaky nails
- Cheese-like odor
Toenail Discoloration
Toenails sometimes become discolored. When it’s a minor injury, little white marks may form. These usually go away within a few weeks. When a toenail turns purple or black, it’s from an accumulation of blood due to an injury. If it’s severe, the toenail may fall off, and a new one will form. Purple, brown, or black discoloration not related to an injury is a sign of melanoma. This is a type of skin cancer. It is treatable when diagnosed in its early stages.
Toenails becoming Thick or Brittle
Toenails may sometimes change in shape or texture. This is common in elderly people. It typically happens due to poor blood circulation in the foot. When there are signs of circulation issues that may be contributing to changes in toenails. Most podiatrists may determine if there are issues with the feet that can develop from insufficient circulation. And some of these issues may require treatment.
Nails start lifting from the Nailbed
Once toenails separate from the nailbed, they typically will not reattach. If it’s only a partial separation, it’s best to see a podiatrist. The doctor will be able to determine if the rest of the nail needs to be surgically removed. At-home removal of the toenails may result in an infection. It usually takes about 6-12 months for a toenail to fully grow back.
Causes of Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus is caused by the same organism responsible for athlete’s foot, ringworm, and jock itch. If you notice some signs of athlete’s foot, our doctors recommend getting that treated as soon as possible. It is very common for fungus can move from the skin of the foot to the nail bed through small cracks or cuts. The fungus may also be spread person to person when sharing shoes, nail clippers, or even walking barefoot. Nail salons are also common places where people can be infected if tools are not properly cleaned between clients.
Toenail Fungus Prevention
There are many ways to prevent toenail fungus. First, you should never share nail clippers. It can easily spread to all your nails. Also, you can infect others around you. Furthermore, always clean and disinfect your nail clippers after every use.
Another way to avoid getting toenail fungus is to wear shoes in public places. This includes public swimming pools, hot tubs, hot springs, gyms, saunas, and locker rooms. People can easily get infected by walking barefoot in these kinds of places.
Why Choose Laser Nail Therapy?
Laser Nail Therapy doctors are all board-certified foot specialists trained in all areas of the foot and ankle, and specifically laser treatments for toenail fungus.
If you have caught toenail fungus, it can be easily treated using one of our FDA-approved PinPointe lasers, which typically only takes one treatment. Other treatments, like topical solutions and oral medication, are not as effective. Topical solutions have an extremely low cure rate. This is because the solution does not penetrate all the way through the nail bed. This is because it can lead to liver toxicity. You would need to have consistent blood tests throughout the course of taking the medication.
Our nail doctor in Los Angeles, CA, recommends this treatment for toenail fungus. The PinPointe Laser treatment has the highest cure rate in the market. It has no side effects and no recovery period. As a result, you can go about your daily activities right after the treatment. Also, there’s no pain.
Advantages Over Traditional Treatments
Compared to topical treatments and antifungal oral medication, laser treatment is:
- Safest. The PinPointe laser therapy for toenail fungal infections has no side effects. Also, the treatment is practically painless; most patients feel a slight warming sensation during treatment.
- Most Effective. When combined with the debridement of thick nails, the laser treatment has a cure rate of 85% which is the highest compared to all other treatment options.
- Most Convenient. Laser Nail Therapy typically requires just a one-time treatment.
How does the treatment work?
The doctor goes over each nail with the laser light in a grid pattern. The laser light wavelength targets the fungus, causing the fungus to die due to heat damage. Since the laser light targets the fungus, it will not hurt the nail or surrounding skin.
Is there a recovery period post-treatment?
The treatment has no recovery period. Right after the treatment, patients may resume all their regular activities.
Does insurance cover this procedure?
Insurance companies consider this procedure to be cosmetic and therefore they do not cover it. However, if a patient has a Health Savings Account or a Flexible Spending Account, they may use those. Otherwise, payment for treatment may be made via cash, debit, or credit cards.
Laser Treatment for a Toenail Fungus in Los Angeles
Toenail fungus treatments in Los Angeles can vary. If you have caught nail fungus, it can be easily treated using the FDA-approved PinPointe laser, which typically only takes one treatment. Other treatments like topical solutions and oral medication, are not as effective. Topical solutions have a very low cure rate. This is because the solution does not penetrate all the way through the nail bed. This is because it can lead to liver toxicity. You would need to have consistent blood tests throughout the course of taking the medication.
Our nail doctor in Los Angeles, CA, recommends this treatment for toenail fungus. The PinPointe Laser treatment has the highest cure rate in the market. It has no side effects and no recovery period. As a result, you can go about your daily activities right after the treatment. Also, there’s no pain.
What to expect during your consultation?
Our physicians spend quality time with every patient to diagnose them and determine the best treatment option for each patient. It is important to understand every patient’s needs.
Recommending the PinPointe Foot Laser Treatment to most patients infected with toenail fungus is a no-brainer. This treatment doesn’t have any harmful side effects. It is also practically painless. Most patients feel it is a small pinprick. And lastly, the treatment is the most effective one when compared to other treatment options.
The state-of-the-art laser technology that our nail doctors use is designed to safely target and kill fungus and fungus spores. This treatment does not harm any surrounding tissue.
If you have any signs of nail fungus, call us at 800-672-0625 at our Los Angeles, CA location, or visit our website for more information on our doctors at one of our over 150 locations.
