Toenail infection, also known as onychomycosis, brings with it a variety of unpleasant, not to mention gross, symptoms. If not treated immediately and properly, it can even lead to the complete removal of the toenails.
Toenail infections usually begin as a small yellow or white-colored spot underneath the toenail. As the fungus spreads, the nail becomes increasingly thicker, eventually becoming more discolored and disfigured. Although these symptoms may seem to pose only cosmetic concerns at first, ignoring them will only lead to more severe problems.
Symptoms of Toenail Fungus
The following symptoms appear as a result of onychomycosis:
- Thickening and deformation of toenails
- Jagged, flaky and crumbling toenail edges
- Dark discoloration because of debris stuck under the nails
- Foul-smelling odor
- Pain
Causes of Toenail Fungus
Toenail infection is caused by three different types of organisms. Yeasts and molds have been found to cause onychomycosis, but it is mainly caused by dermatophytes, fungi that attack the hair, nails and skin, and also feed on nail tissue. Dermatophytes commonly thrive in warm and humid environments, such as swimming pools and showers. Also, enclosed spaces such as moist socks and shoes will also provide an ideal environment for the fungi to grow.
Toenail Fungus Treatment Options
Despite the availability of oral and topical treatments in the market, the rate of recurrence is still high. Additionally, these medicines are expensive and carry certain risks with usage.
Laser treatment for toenail fungus is a very effective and proven method of getting rid of toenail fungus. The laser emits high-energy pulses, which are able to penetrate through layers of nail and skin tissue in order to kill the infection-causing pathogens. During the procedure, the patients usually experience no pain at all, and no anesthesia application is needed.
Unlike topical treatments, laser treatments are better at removing onychomycosis for good. After the procedure, patients can expect to see clear nail growth within a few months. For more information about laser treatment for toenail fungus, visit www.cleartoesclinic.com, the leading toenail fungus treatment clinic in Houston.
