If you’re embarrassed by discolored, flaking toenails, you’re not alone. It’s estimated that a toenail fungus affects about 20% of all Americans. The doctors at Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers offer conventional medical care for toenail fungus. However, the team realizes that a fungal infection can be hard to eliminate, so they also offer treatment with the HyperBlue PLUS® laser. If you’re concerned about toenail fungus, schedule an appointment online or call one of the two locations in Arlington or Mansfield, Texas.
A fungal toenail infection, called onychomycosis, occurs when a fungus, yeast, or mold manages to invade the nail through a tear or crack in the surrounding skin. Once the organism gets a hold, it begins to grow and cause a fungal infection.
The organisms that cause a toenail infection thrive in dark, moist places, including inside your shoes. While anyone can develop the problem, these factors increase your risk:
You’re also more likely to develop a fungal infection if you go barefoot in damp, public places like gyms and swimming pools.
The first sign of a toenail fungus is a white or yellow spot that appears under the tip of your toenail. This discoloration marks the area where the fungus invaded.
As the infection spreads deeper into the toenail, the nails become thick and take on a yellow, green, or black color. Your toenail may become misshapen. It’s also common for the nail to become fragile, making the edges crumble or crack.
The standard treatment for a fungal infection begins with topical medication to eliminate the microorganism. When that treatment doesn’t help, your doctor may prescribe oral antifungal medications. However, treatment with oral medication can take time time to cure the infection.
The doctors at Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers offer another effective treatment that treats the problem: the HyperBlue PLUS laser. When your doctor uses the HyperBlue PLUS, the laser passes through the toenail and kills the fungus without damaging the nail or the surrounding skin.
You may need three laser treatment sessions to eliminate the fungus. When your treatments are finished, the fungus is dead, but the nail must grow out to clear away the damaged nail and replace itself with new nail keratin.
If you develop signs of toenail fungus, call Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers or schedule an appointment online.
