Environment
Dark, moist footwear can create an environment where fungus thrives.
Fungal Toenail Care
A Clearer Path for Fungal Nails
Understand how fungal nails develop, how the practice confirms the condition and what its laser treatment program involves.
01 — Understand
How fungus finds an opening
Toenail fungus can involve dermatophytes or yeast and thrives in dark, moist environments such as the toe box of a shoe.
Nail trauma
Cutting a nail too short, dropping something on the toe or kicking an object may disrupt the seal beneath the nail plate and create an opportunity for fungus to enter the nail bed.
Genetics
The current practice page also identifies genetics as a possible factor.
The visible changes happen slowly: discoloration, thickening and curvature may develop over time.
02 — Confirm
Confirm what is changing the nail
The practice describes fungal nails as commonly appearing brown or white before the nail plate thickens and curves.
These changes can eventually cause discomfort inside shoes. A sample of the nail plate may be taken and sent for analysis to identify the organism involved.
Brown or white discolorationThickening nail plateIncreasing curvatureDiscomfort in shoes
03 — Treat
A measured laser treatment program
The current practice page describes laser nail therapy as non-invasive and painless, with continued improvement in the nail plate’s appearance over time.
3Treatment visits
- Visit 01Begin treatment
- Four weeksReturn for visit 02
- Four more weeksComplete visit 03
10 minutesper foot, according to the current practice page
Explore the program
What happens after treatment begins?
Use the tabs to review the schedule and follow-up information currently provided by the practice.
Ten minutes per foot
The current practice page states that treatment time is approximately ten minutes per foot.
Three treatments, four weeks apart
The laser nail therapy program is described as a series of three treatments scheduled four weeks apart.
Quarterly or semiannual options
The practice page also describes quarterly or semiannual maintenance treatment plans.
04 — Continue
Healthy-looking growth takes time
The practice states that the appearance of the nail plate can continue improving each month during the program.
9–12+ months
The practice states that a removed toenail can take nine to twelve months or longer to grow back and may still return with fungus. It notes that nail removal is rarely necessary with the practice’s treatment protocols.
Take the Next Step
Ask whether laser therapy fits your nail concerns
Talk with the team about the visible changes, previous treatments and evaluation options available at the practice.