The nails on your fingers and toes require special care to prevent fungal infections. Such infections can make them look unsightly and unattractive. Doctors call this infection onychomycosis, and it can be improved with laser treatment.
Source: WikipediaWhat Are Fungal Nail Infections?
Fungi are living organisms that normally live on your body. They do not present health problems until certain conditions make them grow out of control. These infections in your toenails tend to grow rapidly during wet conditions, such as wearing damp shoes. This dampness comes from sweat or water. These organisms also inhabit public swimming pools and showers. If you frequent public areas with water, be sure to wear shoes that cover your feet and toes.
What Are the Symptoms?
You may experience several noticeable symptoms from getting a toenail infection. These symptoms can affect one or more toes. However, most infections can spread to other toes and the skin near the toes, if the conditions are just right.
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Discolored Nails
One of the most common and typical symptoms is discoloration in the nail bed. The nail bed is the hard covering that protects the blood vessels and tissues of your finger and toenails. In the case of toenail infections, the nail bed may turn yellowish or some other unnatural color due to the fungus living beneath the nail. At first, you may notice white spots. The spots may later enlarge and take up much of the nail surface, which becomes dull.
Unless, you know about fungal infections, you may not be overly concerned about the spots. After the discoloration takes place, you may notice that they are brittle and crumbly. They may crumble to the touch. This problem can actually make the nail bed lift up. Laser treatment gets with of weak, brittle nails and restores them to a healthy state and they will grow normally on the tissue.
Pain
When the nail bed lifts, pain can set in and make wearing footwear very uncomfortable. The pain can be a dull aggravating ache, or it can also be searing and very painful. Pain medication may help relieve your symptom. As the fungus destroys your toenails, they may become misshapen. If you have the tendency to cut away the infection, you will eventually cause them to look unbalanced. In addition, the crumbling will change its appearance.
How Does a Doctor Diagnose Onychomycosis?
A podiatrist, or doctor who treats foot conditions, may use a number of methods for diagnosis. He may remove areas of the infected nail and examine it. This examination may reveal the type of fungus. What Is the Treatment for Nail Infections? Laser treatment is a popular way to relieve your symptoms.
Laser treatment of the fungal nails uses a safe light to treat the condition. It is normally pain-free but you may feel some discomfort if your nail bed has lifted. Other options are available to you. Your doctor may also prescribe antifungal medications. Keep in mind that your treatments do not kill them; however, they can clear up the problem. You can help prevent further infections by keeping your feet and nails dry and avoid wearing wet shoes.