When feet are affected by big toenail fungus, it can cause the nails to be destroyed. This fungi which affect both the big toe and other toes thrive in moist conditions. Such conditions are prevalent in the warmth that modern day living does bring about because of its insistence on shoes and socks.
Symptoms of Big Toenail Fungus
When feet are affected by big toenail fungus, the protein or keratin in the hard surface of the nails acts as a feed for the fungi. While this rarely affects children, most people do get affected once they are over 70 years of age. The nail that is affected will become yellow or brown and show signs of thickness and overgrowth. There will be debris under the nail that emits a foul smell. Ultimately the nail crumbles and falls off.
When the big toenail becomes very thick because of this fungal action, it becomes difficult to wear shoes, as the extra thickness presses down on the toe and causes pain while walking. Fungal infection can spread through contact with infected persons, and is therefore distributed from locker rooms and public facilities. People who suffer from poor circulation or diabetes are also prone to big toenail fungus.
Diagnosis and Treatments
Most people seek medical help for foot problems, only when they are in some form of discomfort or pain. By this time the big toenail fungus will have become firmly entrenched and require medical intervention for its treatment. Doctors will take samples from the big toenail or other toenails and will be able to confirm the presence of fungi, when these samples are viewed through a microscope.
Curing Big Toenail Fungus Through Laser Treatment
Big toenail fungus can be a chronic condition even if it is not painful. The best thing to do when such discoloration and thickening is noted is to trim the nail and carefully file it down. A podiatrist will do a professional job of this and will suggest medicated nail polish for mild infections. Oral treatments may also be suggested, but some of the drugs do have side effects, that rule it out for people with other medical conditions.
Medical practitioners are increasingly turning to laser procedures to remove the big toenail fungus.
Practitioners of this treatment say it is very effective and does not cause any side effects like some medications do. Treatments take 30 to 45 minutes if all the toes need to be treated. Patients may need to go for follow up treatments if the need arises. The laser kills the big toenail fungus and inhibits any further growth, thus allowing the body to prepare its own defenses to combat the fungus and clear the affected nail.
Why Choose Clear Toes Clinic?
If you are suffering from big toenail fungus and are looking for an effective remedy, Clear Toes Clinic’s laser removal services has been proven to achieve lasting results. Contact us to see how we can help you.
