Dealing with nail fungus can be an uncomfortable topic, but to talk about and experience. As an affliction it can be painful and in some cases even debilitating. And while it can be awkward to talk to a doctor about it, it’s important to realize that it is more common than you might think and is very treatable. So, here’s what you need to know about getting rid of nail fungus.
What is nail fungus?
Nail fungus occurs when a type of fungi has penetrated the nail and infected the skin of the nail bed underneath. Nail fungal infections can be caused by a variety of different fungi, but most commonly:
- dermatophyte
- yeast
- molds
Nail fungus can affect part or all of a single nail, several nails, or even the surrounding tissue. It is more common in toenails but it can also affect fingernails.
Symptoms
The symptoms of a fungal nail infection can often mimic other diseases, such as psoriasis. There are some telltale signs that the problem is caused by nail fungus, however. These can include:
- The problem starting with a white or yellow spot under the tip of the nail
- Discoloration of the nail
- Thickening of the nail
- Crumbling at the edge of the nail
- In some cases, the nail can begin to lift away from the nail bed
- A foul smell
Nail fungus doesn’t always cause pain but it can do. The pain will be more obvious when pressure is applied to the affected area.
Why does it happen?
The infection is caused by fungus penetrating through the nail, and this is usually through small cracks in the nail or other damage. Because our nails become more brittle as we age, fungal nail infections are more common in older people.
Other risk factors include:
- excessive sweating
- athlete’s foot
- poor circulation
- walking barefoot in damp communal areas (like changing rooms)
- the feet being moist for a long time
- diabetes
- psoriasis
- wearing artificial nails or shoes that cause the foot to sweat
- peripheral arterial disease
How to get rid of nail fungus
Mild cases of nail fungus may not need any treatment but if the toenail is becoming damaged and/or lifting from the nail bed or you are experiencing pain and discomfort, there are treatments that can help.
These include:
- antifungal oral medication
- topical antifungal ointments
- nail softening kits (to prepare for scraping of the excess nail)
Unfortunately, most of these treatment options aren’t great because they fail to attack the underlying fungus due to the presence of the nail.
Laser nail fungus treatment
If you’re looking for a more effective solution, then it may be worth checking out laser nail fungus treatment. This method involves using heat to kill the fungus under the nail and is by far, our most effective treatment option to deal with nail fungus like onychomycosis. It’s quick, clean and is non-invasive. It reliably kills the fungus while also revitalizing the nail.
Summary
So, if you’ve got a nail fungus that just won’t go away, perhaps it’s time to try laser nail fungus treatment. If you’d like to know more then book an appointment with Glow Aesthetic Center in Encino, CA today.
At Glow Aesthetic Center, we strive to provide the best possible treatment. Call (818) 905-8815 or fill out the form on our Contact or Book an Appointment pages to schedule a consultation. You’re just one quick call away from healthy, sandal friendly toes again!