Toenail Fungus Treatment In Egg Harbor Township

Do You Have Toenail Fungus?

Many people don’t realize they have a fungal nail problem. Moreover, many people that do never seek treatment. Still, fungal toenail infections are a common foot health problem.

Fungal toenail infections can persist for years without ever causing pain. The disease, characterized by a change in a toenail’s color, is often considered nothing more than a mere blemish, but it can present serious problems if left untreated.

Also referred to as Onychomycosis, fungal nail infections are an infection underneath the surface of the nail, which can also penetrate the nail. In addition to causing difficulty and pain when walking or running, fungal nail infections are often accompanied by a secondary bacterial and/or yeast infection in or about the nail plate.

A group of fungi called dermatophytes easily attack the nail, thriving off keratin, the nail’s protein substance. When the tiny organisms take hold, the nail may become thicker, yellowish-brown or darker in color, and foul smelling. Debris may collect beneath the nail plate, white marks frequently appear on the nail plate, and the infection is capable of spreading to other toenails, the skin, or even the fingernails.

Our office uses the best FDA approved product on the market, the Sciton JOULE™  http://www.sciton.com/products/joule.html to treat toe nail fungus using the ClearSense http://www.scitonclearsense.com/index.html treatment!  This treatment is 100% FDA approved.

ClearSense is an easy treatment to perform; the laser technology heats the nail and the nail bed with laser energy resulting in a decrease of nail fungus and an increase in the growth of clear nails. The treatment involves passing the laser beam over the infected nails and surrounding skin. The treatment is repeated until enough energy has reached the nail bed and the desired temperature is reached. 

Most infections improve after one 15-20 minute treatment. Immediately following treatment, no visual change in the nail will be detected, as it takes time for the clear nail to grow out. The number of treatments will vary depending on the severity of the nail fungus but can range from 1-4 treatments. 

No significant side effects have been reported and patients may resume normal activities immediately.

Nail bed injuries may make the nail more susceptible to all types of infection, including fungal infection. Those who suffer chronic diseases, such as diabetes, circulatory problems, or immune-deficiency conditions, are especially prone to fungal nails. Other contributory factors may be a history of Athlete’s foot and excessive perspiration.

You Can Prevent Fungal Nail Infections By Taking These Simple Precautions:

• Exercise Proper Hygiene And Regularly Inspect Your Feet And Toes.
• Keep Your Feet Clean And Dry.
• Wear Shower Shoes In Public Facilities Whenever Possible.
• Clip Your Nails Straight Across So That The Nail Does Not Extend Beyond The Tip Of The Toe.
• Use A Quality Foot Powder – Talcum, Not Cornstarch – In Conjunction With Shoes That Fit Well And Are Made Of Materials That Breathe.
• Avoid Wearing Excessively Tight Hosiery, Which Promotes Moisture. Socks Made Of Synthetic Fiber Tend To “Wick” Away Moisture Faster Than Cotton Or Wool Socks, Especially For Those With More Active Life Styles.
• Disinfect Home Pedicure Tools And Don’t Apply Polish To Nails Suspected Of Infection.

Depending on the type of infection you have, over-the-counter liquid antifungal agents, while sometimes effective, may not prevent a fungal infection from recurring. A topical or oral medication may need to be prescribed, and the diseased nail matter and debris removed by a process called debridement.

In some cases, surgical treatment is prescribed, during which the infected fungal nail is removed. Permanent removal of a chronically painful nail, which has not responded to any other treatment, permits the fungal infection to be cured, and prevents the return of a deformed nail.