Tag Archives: toenail fungus

Toenail Fungus

Causes and Symptoms of Toenail Fungus

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Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common condition caused by an overgrowth of fungi in, on, or under the nail. Here are the causes and symptoms:

Causes:

  1. Fungal Infection: Fungi like dermatophytes or yeasts can enter the nail bed through tiny cuts or separations between the nail and skin.
  2. Moisture and Warmth: Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, making places like sweaty shoes or damp socks a breeding ground.
  3. Poor Hygiene: Not keeping feet dry and clean can contribute to the growth of fungus.
  4. Injuries or Trauma: Nail injuries can make it easier for fungi to invade and infect the nail.

Symptoms:

  1. Thickened Nails: The affected nails become thicker than usual, making them difficult to trim.
  2. Discoloration: Nails may turn yellow, brown, or white. In some cases, they might darken or develop white spots.
  3. Brittle or Crumbly Nails: Infected nails can become brittle, crumbly, and prone to crumbling or breaking.
  4. Distorted Shape: Nails may change shape, becoming oddly shaped or warped.
  5. Foul Odor: In advanced cases, the infected nail might emit a foul odor.
  6. Pain or Discomfort: In some instances, toenail fungus can cause pain or discomfort, especially when wearing shoes or walking.

Prevention and Treatment:

  • Good Hygiene: Keep your feet clean and dry, especially after being in damp or sweaty conditions.
  • Proper Footwear: Wear breathable shoes and moisture-wicking socks.
  • Avoid Walking Barefoot: Particularly in public places like pools or gym showers.
  • Prompt Treatment: If you suspect a fungal infection, seek treatment early to prevent it from spreading.
  • Topical Treatments: Over-the-counter antifungal nail creams or ointments may help treat mild cases.
  • Oral Medications: In severe cases, oral antifungal medications prescribed by a doctor might be necessary.
  • Surgical Options: In some cases, surgical removal of the nail might be considered if the infection is severe or recurrent.

Always consult Chicago Housecall podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan, as severe cases might require medical intervention.

Call housecall podiatrists at Chicago Home Foot Care at 312-998-0974. Our Chicago podiatrists can provide a proper diagnosis based on your symptoms, medical history, and potentially recommend imaging studies or other diagnostic tests to identify the underlying cause and determine the appropriate treatment.

ingrown toenail

Beat Ingrown Toenail

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Ingrown toenails can be quite uncomfortable! Here are some tips to help alleviate the discomfort and prevent further issues:

  1. Soak your feet: Soaking your feet in warm water can soften the skin around the nail and reduce swelling. Add Epsom salts for added relief.
  2. Proper cutting technique: Trim your nails straight across to prevent them from growing into the skin. Avoid cutting them too short or rounding the edges, as this can encourage ingrowth.
  3. Wear comfortable shoes: Tight shoes can put pressure on your toes, exacerbating ingrown toenails. Opt for comfortable, well-fitting shoes that give your toes enough space.
  4. Keep your feet clean and dry: Cleanliness is important to prevent infections. Dry your feet thoroughly after bathing and wear breathable socks made of natural fibers to keep moisture away.
  5. Use a toe protector or cotton: Placing a small piece of cotton under the ingrown edge of the nail can help lift it away from the skin and relieve pressure. Toe protectors available at pharmacies can also help in a similar way.
  6. Over-the-counter remedies: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen can help with the pain and swelling associated with ingrown toenails.
  7. See a professional: If the ingrown toenail is causing severe pain, redness, or signs of infection (like pus or increased swelling), it’s advisable to see a podiatrist or a foot specialist. They can provide professional care, including lifting the nail edge, removing the ingrown portion, or prescribing antibiotics if an infection is present.

Remember, taking good care of your feet and nails is crucial in preventing ingrown toenails. If you’re prone to them, being proactive with proper nail trimming and foot care can make a significant difference in reducing their occurrence.

Call housecall podiatrists at Chicago Home Foot Care at 312-998-0974. Our Chicago podiatrists can provide a proper diagnosis based on your symptoms, medical history, and potentially recommend imaging studies or other diagnostic tests to identify the underlying cause and determine the appropriate treatment.

toenail fungus laser treatment

Laser Toenail Fungus Treatment

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Laser toenail fungus treatments, also known as laser therapy or laser nail therapy, are non-invasive procedures used to treat onychomycosis, a common fungal infection of the toenails. This condition can lead to discoloration, thickening, and brittle nails, and it’s often challenging to treat with topical medications alone. Laser treatments offer an alternative option for managing toenail fungus.

How Laser Toenail Fungus Treatments Work: During a laser treatment session, a specialized laser device is used to emit focused beams of light onto the affected toenails. The laser energy penetrates the nail plate, targeting and heating the fungal cells responsible for the infection. The goal is to destroy or weaken the fungus without causing harm to the surrounding healthy tissue.

Benefits of Laser Toenail Fungus Treatments:

  1. Non-invasive: Laser treatments do not involve surgery or the use of oral medications, reducing the risk of potential side effects.
  2. Quick and painless: The procedure is usually quick and painless, with no need for anesthesia.
  3. Minimal downtime: Patients can resume normal activities immediately after the treatment.
  4. Potential for better results: Laser therapy may offer improved results compared to traditional topical treatments alone.

Limitations of Laser Toenail Fungus Treatments:

  1. Variable effectiveness: While some patients experience significant improvement, results may vary depending on the severity of the infection and the type of laser used.
  2. Multiple sessions may be required: Some individuals may need several treatment sessions spaced over several months to achieve optimal results.
  3. Cost: Laser treatments can be relatively expensive, and they may not always be covered by health insurance as they are considered cosmetic or elective procedures.
  4. Not a guaranteed cure: There is no guarantee that laser treatments alone will completely eliminate the toenail fungus. Combining laser therapy with other antifungal measures and good foot hygiene is often recommended for better results.

It’s essential to consult with a podiatrist at Chicago Home Foot Care before considering laser toenail fungus treatments. They can evaluate your specific situation, discuss available treatment options, and determine whether laser therapy is the right approach for you. In some cases, they may recommend a combination of treatments to address the fungal infection more effectively.

Call for an appointment: 312-998-0974
Toenail Fungus

How Can I Get Rid of Toenail Fungus?

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How Can I Get Rid of Toenail Fungus?

Are you embarrassed about your unsightly toenails?

If your toenails look discolored, thickened, or are becoming more brittle or painful, you may have toenail fungus under your nails.

Podiatrists at Chicago Home Foot Care can help you take care of not only your feet and ankles, but also your toenails.

Toenail fungus starts when dermatophytes (a type of fungus) enter the bed of your toenails through small cracks, blisters, or scrapes. You can pick up this type of fungus if you go barefoot in warm and damp environments like public showers and pools.

Once inside your nails, the fungus grows and turns them yellow. This discoloration is typically the first sign of a fungal infection. If you don’t treat it right away, your nails may become brittle, and feel painful to the touch over time.

In the worst-case scenario, untreated toenail fungus can take root deep in the tissue layers of your nail and become much more difficult to eliminate.

Symptoms

  • Warped or oddly shaped nails
  • Yellowish nails
  • Loose/separated nail
  • Buildup of bits and pieces of nail fragments under the nail
  • Brittle, broken, thickened nail

Laser for fungal toenail is a pain free and fast procedure, to treat any type of fungus infection in your nail. This technique uses laser light to penetrate and vaporize nail bed and special frequency kills only infected cells, with this method there’s no down time and it does not affect your everyday life.

Chicago toenail fungus treatments are available at European Foot & Ankle Clinic in our four locations:

5501 W Belmont Ave, Chicago IL Phone: 773-205-0106

6037 S Archer Ave, Chicago IL Phone: 773-585-8003

5950 Hohman Ave, Hammond IN Phone: 219-501-0115

4000 S Western Ave, Chicago IL Phone: 773-376-3100

Ways to prevent toenail fungus:

  1. Wash your feet with soap and water daily, and dry them with a clean towel.
  2. Clip your toenails straight across with a clean clippers.
  3. Wear clean socks daily.
  4. Change your gym shoes after a workout. In fact, alternate pairs if possible, letting your footwear dry out between wearings.
  5. Wear flip-flops or shower sandals in the locker room and poolside, too.
  6. Keep your toenails short

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toenail fungus

Dealing With Toenail Fungus

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Toenail Fungus Treatments

Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common condition that can be stubborn to treat. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan. Here are some tips for dealing with toenail fungus:

  1. Maintain proper foot hygiene: Keep your feet clean and dry, especially after bathing or swimming. Make sure to thoroughly dry the affected toenails, as moisture encourages fungal growth.
  2. Trim and thin the nails: Regularly trim your toenails straight across and file them down to thin the infected areas. This helps reduce the thickness of the nail, making topical treatments more effective.
  3. Wear breathable footwear: Choose shoes made of breathable materials, such as leather or mesh, to allow air circulation. Avoid wearing tight or narrow shoes that can cause excessive sweating.
  4. Use antifungal treatments: Over-the-counter antifungal creams, ointments, or sprays can be applied to the affected toenails and surrounding skin. Look for products containing active ingredients like clotrimazole or terbinafine. Follow the instructions on the packaging for proper use.
  5. Apply nail lacquer: Prescription-strength antifungal nail lacquers, such as ciclopirox or amorolfine, can be effective in treating toenail fungus. Apply as directed, typically once or twice a week, and remove the layers with alcohol every seven days before reapplying.
  6. Consider oral medications: In severe or persistent cases, oral antifungal medications may be prescribed by a healthcare professional. These medications have potential side effects, so they should be used under medical supervision.
  7. Protect your feet in public areas: Toenail fungus can be contagious, so take precautions in public areas like swimming pools, gyms, or showers. Wear shower shoes or sandals to minimize contact with surfaces where fungi may thrive.
  8. Be patient and consistent: Treating toenail fungus takes time, and improvement may be gradual. Consistency in following the treatment plan is key. It can take several months for a healthy nail to grow and replace the infected portion.

Remember, these tips are general recommendations, and the effectiveness of treatments may vary from person to person. Consulting with a healthcare professional, podiatrist, will provide you with a proper diagnosis and personalized treatment options based on the severity of your condition.

Call to schedule our house calls podiatrist visit: 312-998-0974

Lear more: https://chicagohomefootcare.com

Please call us 312 998 0974 today we can help you or your close one in need of foot doctor care to receive it in the comfort of your home.

Serving patients near me: 60007 60018 60106 60131 60176 60290 60601 60602 60603 60604 60605 60606 60607 60608 60609 60610 60611 60612 60613 60614 60615 60616 60617 60618 60619 60620 60621 60622 60623 60624 60625 60626 60628 60629 60630 60631 60632 60633 60634 60636 60637 60638 60639 60640 60641 60642 60643 60644 60645 60646 60647 60649 60651 60652 60653 60827 60804 60701 60706 60707 60803 60699 60697 60002 60010 60089 60015 60020 60030 60031 60035 60040 60041 60044 60045 60047 60048 60069 60046 60060 60064 60088 60061 60083 60084 60085 60087 60096 60099 60101 60502 60504 60103 60106 60108 60527 60188 60514 60561 60515 60516 60126 60519 60137 60139 60521 60143 60532 60148 60157 60540 60563 60565 60523 60172 60181 60555 60184 60185 60559 60187 60189 60190 60191 60517

toenail fungus

Toenail Fungus Laser Treatment

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Toenail Fungus. Laser Treatment

Toenail fungus laser treatment is a medical procedure that uses a laser to target and eliminate fungal infections in the toenails. The laser heats up the infected area, which destroys the fungus and promotes healthy nail growth.

The procedure usually takes around 30 minutes to an hour and is performed by a podiatrist or dermatologist. It is typically painless, but some patients may experience a warming or tingling sensation during the treatment.

Toenail fungus laser treatment is considered a safe and effective alternative to traditional treatments such as topical antifungal medications or oral medications that can have side effects. However, it can be more expensive and may not be covered by insurance.

It’s important to note that toenail fungus laser treatment may not work for everyone, and it may take several treatments to fully eliminate the infection. In addition, good nail hygiene practices such as keeping feet clean and dry, avoiding tight-fitting shoes, and regularly trimming nails can help prevent future infections.

Schedule visiting foot doctor appointment by calling: 312-998-0974

toenail fungus

How to Treat Toenail Fungus

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Toenail Fungus

Toenail fungus infections often start as athlete’s foot, a skin infection, before spreading to the toenails, although they can also occur on just the nails. Symptoms of toenail fungus include changes in the texture, color, and shape of the nail. The nail may become crumbly, brittle, or thickened and develop yellow, white, or brown spots. Chicago Home Foot Care mobile foot successfully treat patients with foot nail fungus.

Have you noticed a yellow discoloration in one or more of your toenails? Is the toenail thicker and harder to trim than usual? Is the nail starting to thicken, making it uncomfortable to wear your everyday shoes? If so, then you could be dealing with a nail fungus. Toenail fungus develops when the toenails have been in moist or wet environments and did not receive proper care afterward. For instance, areas such as communal showers can often be a breeding ground for fungus. Because of this, athletes can be more prone to developing fungal toenails. This is a common problem that occurs more often in older adults. Nail fungus isn’t just a cosmetic problem and can result in lasting issues for the affected toenails without the right treatment.

How to Treat Toenail Fungus

Laser treatments have shown to be more successful than topical ointments and can clear the infection without damaging the healing tissue. For minor cases, creams and topical medications are used to treat fungal nails. However, when the condition is a bit more serious, oral medications are used because they have proven to be very effective.

Laser for fungal toenail is a pain free and fast procedure, to treat any type of fungus infection in your nail. This technique uses laser light to penetrate and vaporize nail bed and special frequency kills only infected cells, with this method there’s no down time and it does not affect your everyday life. Unfortunately all Illinois insurance providers seeing Nail Fungus Laser treatment as a cosmetic procedure , this service can only be provided for private payers.

It can take six months or longer to start seeing clear nail growth after proper treatment.

Please call to schedule our foot doctor visit: 312-998-0974

Read more: https://chicagohomefootcare.com/services/nail-fungus

 

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Get Rid of Toenail Fungus

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Get Rid of Toenail Fungus

What is Toenail Fungus? Toenail fungus is an infection that lives underneath the nail, in the skin of the nail bed. Toenail fungus is more than a cosmetic concern. Toe nail fungus is a condition often referred as Onychomycosis.

Toenail fungus can be a common occurrence among adults and children alike, so how do you know when to see a foot doctor for your toenail fungus? Untreated toenail fungus can lead to some serious short and long-term effects, making it important for your overall health to seek treatment.

The micro-organism thrives in dark, moist environments–sweaty socks and sneakers being prime candidates. Untreated toenail fungus can also lead to foot pain and difficulty walking, which are two signs that your toenail fungus has progressed to a level of needing professional medical attention. Foot pain occurs as a result of the fungus affecting the thickness and shape of the nail.