onychomycosis - toenail fungus

Onychomycosis which is commonly known as toenail fungus refers to when the toenails are infected with fungus. Although many types of fungus are responsible for this infection, ND YAG laser therapy can destroy them.

On the body, the fungus is usually harmless. However, the case is reversed when the fungus finds its way into the toenails. What the fungi do is feed on toenail tissues. The same fungus is responsible for athletes’ foot and yeast infection in females.

One common symptom of toenail fungus is an unpleasant smell from your toenails. Also, you may notice dry or cracked toenails. Other symptoms include:

• Very thick toenails which are difficult to trim
• Discolored toenails either white, yellow or black
• Misshapen toenails
• Nails loosening from the nail beds.

While sweating in your shoes can cause toenail fungus, you can also get it from a friend. Inadequate care for your toenails can allow the fungus to thrive, leading to an infection. The following are primary causes of toenail fungus:

• Age: Older people are more likely to have toenail fungus as the nails become dry and brittle with age
• Sweaty shoes
• Staying with a person who has a fungal infection
• An injury in the foot or toenail
• Athlete’s foot
• Walking barefoot in a swimming pool, gym showers locker rooms
• Dirty socks.

 Your knowledge of how laser therapy for toenail fungus works is incomplete without knowing the precautions. One advantage of these precautions is they can fight the causes of the infection before your treatment.

• Carefully exfoliate your toes and feet to remove dead skin cells. In the process, you may remove fungus present in dead skin tissues.
• Carry an extra pair of cotton socks to wear after your treatment session. You risk reinfection if you wear the same socks you wore to the initial treatment.
• Trim your toenails before your treatment sessions. Some infected toenail parts may be removed in the process.
• Clean your nail polish before your procedure. Failure to completely clean your nail polish can hinder the results of the procedure. Nail polish restricts the laser from penetrating the nail bed.

We recommend a series of 2-4 treatments, spaced out  every 1-2 weeks. Although each individual case may be slightly different, typically people can notice a significant difference after the first treatment, when new nail beds begin to grow in.