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Banish Toenail Fungus Before Sandal Season
About 13.8% of people 18 and older in North America have toenail fungus. Many fungal nail infections are usually caused by ringworm, with the rest caused by molds and yeasts.
However, when you have toenail fungus, you don’t care much about statistics. You only have a few questions:
- How can I get rid of it?
- How long does it take?
- How can I prevent another case?
Our caring and expert podiatrists at North Park Podiatry diagnose and treat toenail fungus at our San Diego, California, offices. Although you can eliminate your nail fungus, if you want pretty tootsies by summer, you must start now.
How can you banish your toenail fungus before sandal season? Here’s the lowdown.
How funky is your fungus?
If you have a mild case, you may be able to clear your fungal infection with an over-the-counter treatment. However, for moderate to severe cases, or if you want to ensure you get it right, you must consult a podiatrist.
Another reason to head to the podiatrist is that you might not have toenail fungus. It could be another condition, such as psoriasis, that affects the health and appearance of your nails. You don’t want to treat the wrong condition. That’s why we start every toenail fungus consultation with an in-depth exam and diagnosis.
Oral therapy beats topical
Although mild cases of toenail fungus may respond to topical antifungals, you’re more likely to clear your toenails more quickly and completely with a prescription medication.
Laser therapy may be your best option
If you’re reluctant to take oral medications, laser therapy also kills the underlying infection that causes your toenail fungus. The laser heats up your nail to reach and eliminate the underlying fungus.
When compared with many medications, laser therapy is more effective. Laser therapy also had fewer adverse events than oral therapy.
You need to start now
A healthy new toenail must grow out in order for your toenail fungus to “disappear.” That means that treatment is not an overnight miracle cure. The sooner you start eradicating the fungus behind your infection, the sooner your toenails will be display-worthy again.
Medical pedicures restore your nails
In addition to curing your toenail fungus with effective treatments, we help you get back into sandals while you’re healing. Our experts provide medical pedicures, which immediately improve the look of your toenails.
We don’t recommend giving yourself a pedicure or going to a nail salon. Toenail fungus is highly contagious. You could spread the fungus to other toenails or to your fingernails.
A medical pedicure involves scraping out fungus from underneath your nail. Then, we sand, buff, and reshape the distorted surface of your nail. We finish the pedicure with a topical antifungal, in addition to whatever other treatments you receive.
We also remove dead skin from your feet and treat any calluses, corns, or other abnormalities. Your feet look better and feel better after a medical pedicure.
Are you ready to show off your toes this sandal season while you grow back healthy, fungus-free nails? Contact our friendly team by phone or online appointment form for a toenail fungus consultation today.