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Nail fungus is properly called onychomycosis. It can occur both on toenails and fingernails. It afflicts about 12% of the population, and 50% of Americans get toenail fungus by the age of 70, as the incidence increases with age. Children rarely get it. It is thought to have a hereditary component, so if you parents have/had it, you are more susceptible to it.
Our facility in Boca Raton uses advanced laser treatments to eliminate nail fungus. Patients often find this type of treatment convenient because most cases require only one treatment.
What causes Nail Fungus? Nail fungus infections occur when microscopic fungi enter the area through a small nick or cut in the nail. The fungus then grows and spreads in the moist warm environment created by socks and shoes. Locker rooms, hotel carpeting, public pools and other areas of exposure can result in nail fungus, as can walking barefoot almost anywhere. Sharing shoes with someone who has it can cause the infection to spread, though nail fungus is not as highly contagious as athlete's foot.
How do you know if you have Nail Fungus? Nail fungus is hard to miss! The nail becomes hard, thickened, turns yellow, and may also have ridges and/or spots. If untreated, you may lose the nail. It doesn't itch, burn or bleed, but the raised nail can be quite uncomfortable in certain styles of shoes, particularly the ones women love to wear, like high heels, which add pressure to the toe area due to the heel height and the common style of pointed toed-shoes. The only way to know for certain is to visit with us for an accurate diagnosis.
How do we treat Nail Fungus? Dr. Schwedelson will carefully evaluate your nails in our Boca Raton Aesthetic Center and make the best treatment recommendation based on the severity, extent and location of the condition. Although there are over-the-counter treatments for nail fungus available at the drug store, most of them have proven to be fairly useless in solving the problem. Treatment options include antifungal creams, lotions, gels and lacquers as well as oral medications like Lamisil, itraconazole, fluconazole and terbinafine. Unfortunately, the oral medications carry the risk of liver damage. Laser treatments have been evaluated to eliminate the infection, while preserving the nail and surrounding skin. Many men and women avoid wearing sandals when they have toe fungus, because of the embarrassment. Unfortunately, this can actually contribute to the problem, keeping the moist heat in the socks, especially here in Florida. Dr. Schwedelson may be able to file down the exterior of your nails to create a smoother surface, which can lessen discomfort. This is a painless option that can be done in the office in only a few minutes, without anesthesia or downtime. While not curing the fungus, it will at least make you more comfortable and less embarrassed about your feet!
How to avoid a fungal infection in your nails These steps will help diminish the chance of getting a fungal infection:
Never go without shoes - wear at least flip-flops - in locker rooms, public showers, club, hotel or public pool areas and hotel rooms.
Make sure your shoes fit well.
Always wear clean, dry socks after bathing and change your socks when they become moist after a work-out at the gym or after playing tennis or other sports.
Occasionally wear sandals to allow your toes to "breathe" and keep your feet clean and dry.
Don't wear your socks to bed, as your feet can sweat and hold in that moisture, which encourages fungal growth
What causes Nail Fungus?