In the United States, approximately 23 million individuals are struggling with nail fungus problems, according to the American Podiatric Medical Association. Take note that toenail fungus is a more common condition compared to fingernail fungus. The condition is likewise quite difficult to treat once the fungus has successfully gotten under the nail.
If you’re having issues with toenail fungus, you can come in for a consultation here at The Nail Restoration Center in our McLean, VA, Fairfax, VA, Ashburn, VA, or Reston, VA, office for proper treatment.
Treating Toenail Fungus
The severity of the condition and the type of fungus will dictate how long the treatment would run. Treatment of toenail fungus infection is difficult and will require a combination of self-care strategies and medications from your podiatrist. Your nail condition may improve, but this is not a guarantee that there will be no repeat infections. Some of the treatment options you may encounter are:
- Oral Antifungal Drugs. Often the treatment of choice because it can clear infections faster and allows for new nail growth without the infection. The dosage would normally be spread across six to 12 weeks. Results will only be visible once your nails have completely grown back. The elimination time of the infection would depend on its severity.
- Medicated Nail Polish. This is an antifungal nail polish that you apply on the infected nails and its surrounding skin daily. You will need to wipe off the piled-on layers with alcohol after seven days with a fresh application. This normally takes a year to eliminate the infection.
- Medicated Nail Cream. Rub this antifungal cream after soaking the infected nails. Your nails may require thinning to allow the medication to get through to the fungus underneath. Your podiatrist may recommend a nonprescription lotion with urea to thin your nails or debride them using a file or similar tool.
- If there is difficulty penetrating the nail with the recommended medications, your doctor may suggest the temporary removal of the affected nail to allow the antifungal medication to fight off the underlying infection. Severe and extremely painful infections may necessitate the permanent removal of the nail.
Getting Rid of Severe and Recurring Toenail Fungus Infections
One of the most extensively used treatment options here in our McLean, VA, Fairfax, VA, Ashburn, VA, and Reston, VA, offices for severe and recurring toenail fungal infection is PediLase. This treatment option uses a patented laser for podiatry and dermatology applications.
The specially designed laser can treat nail fungus pathogens as its beam can go directly through the nail to safely reduce the level of infection. A series of quick treatments with the gentle laser light will eliminate the infection on the nail bed, but will not affect the healthy tissues.
The PediLase laser treatment is not combined with any drugs to eliminate potential side effects from oral medications. The treatment likewise promotes the growth of clear nails with significant improvement of the condition after the initial treatment, allowing the patient to wear shoes and apply nail polish immediately after.
Need Help Getting Rid of Toenail Fungus? Talk to Us
Arrange a consultation with one of our podiatrists here at The Nail Restoration Center by calling our McLean, VA, office at 703-556-8637, Ashburn, VA, office at 703-723-9267, Fairfax, VA, office at 703-273-9818, or Reston, VA, office at 703-723-2719.