LASER NAIL FUNGUS CHAMPLIN, MN

TOENAIL FUNGUS

What is Nail Fungus Infection?

Nail fungus is a fungal infection in one or more of your nails. An infection with nail fungus may begin as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. As the nail fungus spreads deeper into your nail, it may cause your nail to discolor, thicken, become brittle, develop crumbling edges and separate from nail bed— an unsightly and potentially painful problem.

It is the most common disease of the nails and constitutes about a half of all nail abnormalities. The prevalence of onychomycosis is about 6-8% in the adult population.

Cause of Infection

The causative pathogen of onychomycosis include dermatophytes, Candida, and nondermatophytic molds. Dermatophytes are the fungi most commonly responsible for onychomycosis in the temperate western countries; while Candidaand nondermatophytic molds are more frequently involved in the tropics and subtropics with a hot and humid climate. Trichophyton rubrum is the most common dermatophyte involved in onychomycosis.

Risk Factors

Aging is the most common risk factor for onychomycosis due to diminished blood circulation, longer exposure to fungi, and nails which grow more slowly and thicken, increasing susceptibility to infection. Nail fungus tends to affect men more often than women, and is associated with a family history of this infection

Other risk factors include perspiring heavily, being in a humid or moist environment, psoriasis, wearing socks and shoes that hinder ventilation and do not absorb perspiration, going barefoot in damp public places such as swimming pools, gyms and shower rooms, having athlete’s foot(tinea pedis), minor skin or nail injury, damaged nail, or other infection, and having diabetes, circulation problems or a weakened immune system

Treatment

Treatment of onychomycosis is challenging because the infection is embedded within the nail and is difficult to reach; full removal of symptoms is slow and may take a year or more.

Pharmacological: Oral and topical antifungal medications. Oral medications may have liver toxicity which require monitorin gof Liver Enzymes

Laser: Nd:YAG laser is used for onychomycosis treatment. Nail is heated to a certain temperature which disrupts the wall of the fungus. Usually needs multiple treatments for optimal benefits.

Contact Us for a Consultation

If you have questions about Laser Nail Fungus treatment process please contact one of our staff by calling V-Kare Family Dentistry & Cosmetics Clinic, Champlin, MN at 763-323-6564, or you can send us a message through our online Contact Us Form