Onychomycosis, a fungal infection that often affects the toenails, can be difficult to treat. This is because the fungi are beneath the hard, sturdy surface of the nail, which makes it harder for treatments to reach the infection. Traditionally, treatments that may be prescribed for onychomycosis include topical solutions, which are applied directly to the surface of affected nails, and oral medications, which are taken in pill form. Topical medications are not always effective, while oral medications are fairly effective but can cause side effects that need to be monitored closely. Recently, laser treatments, which aim to kill fungi using a concentrated beam of light, have become increasingly popular. If you have toenail fungus, please consult with a podiatrist, who can help find the right treatment for you. 

Laser treatment can be an effective way to get rid of toenail fungus. If you have any questions about laser treatment, consult with Dr. Michael D. Garvin from Florida. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment for fungal nails.

What Are Toenail Fungal Infections?

Onychomycosis, or fungal infection of the nail, is a relatively common and non-serious condition. Around 10 percent of U.S. citizens are afflicted with fungal nails. Common forms of fungus that infect the nail include dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds.

Symptoms of Toenail Fungal Infections Include:

• Nail thickening
• Brittleness of the nail
• Discoloration of the nail

Diagnosis for Fungal Nails

Fungal infections are diagnosed by fungal culture and microscopy. This will rule out any other conditions such as nail trauma, psoriasis, lichen planus, and onychogryphosis.

What Is Laser Treatment?

Laser treatment is a non-invasive, safe, quick, and painless procedure that uses the heat from a laser to kill fungus in the nail. Each infected nail is targeted with a laser for several minutes. The treatment is usually utilized several different times over a select period. During this time, a podiatrist will keep an eye on the infection.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Port St. Lucie, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.