How Did I Get Fungal Toenails?
So how did you get into this mess?
The short answer is that you came into contact with the fungi, and they found a way under the nail. It doesn’t take a large opening for them to do this—small cuts or separations in the nail you may not even be able to notice is all they need.
Some common situations that can lead to fungal toenails include:
- Having athlete’s foot. This condition is also caused by dermatophyte fungi, and they can easily spread from your foot to your nails (and back again) via your socks and shoes.
- Going barefoot in public, especially around showers, locker rooms, pool decks, saunas, and other “sweaty” environments.
- Wearing damp, sweaty shoes and socks.
- Having dry, brittle nails and/or skin.
- Simply being an older adult. As we age, toenails grow more slowly and circulation declines, providing more opportunity for fungi to set in.
- Having conditions that compromise circulation or immune system function, such as diabetes.
- Getting a pedicure at a spa or salon that does not properly sterilize their tools.
Can I Treat Fungal Toenails on My Own?
Unfortunately, the answer to this question is usually (although not always) no.
The nail offers substantial protection for the fungi underneath, meaning topical antifungal powders and sprays usually can’t get to the micro-organisms they’re supposed to kill. It is nearly impossible for most over-the-counter products to penetrate the nail plate and get into the nail bed where it can be effective.
You can’t wait out a fungal toenail infection, either. The nail provides an effectively limitless supply of keratin, so fungal toenails will not go away independently.
The Optimal Treatment Solution: Combination Therapy
In order to give you the absolute highest possible chance of eliminating the fungi and clearing your nails, we often recommend a combination therapy incorporating both laser therapy and oral topical medications. By attacking the fungi from both the “inside” and “outside” at the same time, truly outstanding results have been achieved.
This includes:
- Laser therapy sessions. The treatment course usually includes three total sessions over a five-month period.
- “Pulse dosing” oral antifungal medications. If oral medication is needed, we generally recommend that you take the medication for 7 days in a row, one week per month.
- Topical medication. We both carry and prescribe topical medication that is able to penetrate the nail plate in order to get the medication effectively where it belongs.
The fungal nail laser focuses a beam of light with a very carefully selected set of specifications. Essentially, the beam can pass through your nail and is completely harmless to your body’s healthy cells. However, it is deadly to the types of fungi that cause fungal toenails.
Are There Other Treatment Options?
While combination therapy is often our top recommendation, it may not be right for everyone. We can provide treatment using laser alone, oral medications alone, or even a program of topical medications.
Our goal is always to give you a range of options and help you determine which approach is the most appropriate for your needs.
How Long Until I See Results?
No matter which treatment option you choose, it will take time to achieve full clearing of the nail.
The reason is that, even though you may kill all of the fungus, the damaged toenail they leave behind will still be there, waiting to grow out and be replaced by clear nail.
That said, with laser, most people do begin to see a significant, noticeable clearing of their toenails after just one or two treatments. Full results depend on how quickly your toenails grow.
Will the Fungus Stay Away?
An infection, unfortunately, can always return if you are not careful. It will be important to take precautionary, preventative measures after treatment to keep your feet safe. You will want to:
- Avoid walking barefoot in public places like showers and locker rooms.
- Rotate pairs of shoes and always change socks and shoes if they become damp.
- Use antifungal powders and sprays on your feet and in your shoes.
- Keep your hands and feet clean.
- Treat any ongoing fungal skin rashes, like athlete’s foot as quickly as possible.
- Avoid wearing nail polish and artificial nails.
- Avoid tight or restrictive shoes.
Do these things, and you’ll have a great chance of keeping your fungal toenail infection away for good.
