South Texas Podiatry is now a part of A Division of USFAS! You might notice a few changes in our EMR, location, and logo as we work diligently to ensure a seamless transition for all our patients.
Onychomycosis or nail fungus is a fungal infection of the toenails. The fungal infection can be within the nail plate itself, the skin under the nail or the growth plate (nail matrix).
Fungal infections of the nails can make the nails appear unsightly due to discoloration and thickening of the nails. The nails may become yellow and brittle. Thick nails can become painful or ingrown.
Onychomycosis can take what seems like a long time to cure especially when the nail fungus has penetrated the growth plate of the nail. Treatment is aimed at clearing fungus from the growth plate or nail matrix so that new nail, free of fungus is produced and eventually grows out clear. If the growth plate is damaged, then the nail can be cleared of fungus but may not look completely normal due to damage to the matrix.
The effectiveness of topical medications can be limited due to lack of ability of topical medication to penetrate through the nail plate to the nail bed and growth plate. If you’re looking for a more cutting-edge solution to your stubborn nail fungus, Dr. Davis at South Texas Podiatry can help. Schedule your first appointment with us today to get started with the best nail fungus treatment available.
Oral nail fungus medication has been a mainstay of treatment for years but due to the relatively high dosages needed and long length of treatment time there is concern for potential liver toxicity. Patients on a number of such medications need to obtain liver function testing to ensure that no problems are occurring. Additionally, patients taking certain medications such as cholesterol medications need to be aware of potential interactions.
Lasers have been introduced as a means of eradicating nail fungus in a painless, drugless way. A laser is a device that emits monochromatic light, that is, light of a specific frequency. This is opposed to polychromatic light such as sunlight which contains a broad spectrum of frequencies. Additionally, lasers emit light that is coherent, that is, the wavelengths of light are parallel and highly focused.
The spectrum of visible light contains wavelengths from 390 to 700 nm. Wavelengths of light that are longer than 700 nm or shorter than 390 nm are not visible to humans.
It has been shown that specific wavelengths of light have certain biologic effects. Research on treatment of nail fungus has shown that focused wavelengths at 980 nm to about 1300 nm appear to be effective for treatment. The ability to supply such specific wavelengths, highly focused and at sufficient power and penetration are the factors that allow nail fungus to be treated not only in the nail plate but the nail bed and nail matrix (growth plate).
It is important to see a doctor who is experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of nail fungus and who can custom tailor a treatment plan that is successful. Remember that there is not one miracle cure or one time treatment for this condition so be aware of some of the cure claims on the internet.
Once lasers have been used to treat the nails, the nails then need to grow back out. Nails, like hair, are in a state of steady growth with toenails growing at about 1/8 inch per month.
It is important that the nails grow out as completely fungus free as possible to prevent reinfection.
The organisms that cause nail fungus are found just about everywhere so reinfection during the process of new nail growth needs to be prevented. Certain prescription topical agents are effective in this process.
No! Most patients who opt for laser nail fungus treatment feel no pain during the procedure. Laser treatment is also relatively short, taking about 20 to 30 minutes to complete and requiring no anaesthesia.
There is no rule that one must rely only on one method to clear fungal nails. Sometimes a combination of methods are more successful. For example, combining laser treatment with topicals or even a very low dose of a safe oral agent can enhance success.
If you are looking for the best podiatrist in San Antonio, Texas, you’ve come to the right place. Nail fungus and other foot and ankle ailments shouldn’t put you on the sidelines. If you or a loved one are in need of a foot doctor, visit our office at 109 Gallery Circle, Suite 119, San Antonio, Texas 78258, or call us at (210) 490-3668 to get more information.