Toenail fungus is a fungal infection of the toenails. It can affect one or more of your toenails. Since it is visually noticeable in the form of discoloration, toenail fungus is a great source of embarrassment in public situations, causing people to hide their feet in shoes and socks.
Toenail fungus occurs as a result of yeasts, molds, or a fungus called dermatophytes. Fungi typically form in warm, moist environments, such as those provided by shoes and socks. Certain underlying conditions, such as diabetes, may also place individuals at an increased risk of developing toenail fungus.
One of the first signs of toenail fungus is a white or yellow dot beneath the nail. While there are multiple classifications of toenail fungus, your toenail(s) may be infected if they are dark, brittle, thickened, or misshapen. As the fungus progresses, it can lead to further discoloration, crumbling and/or thickening of the nails. In some cases, infected toenails may separate from the nail bed.
To diagnose toenail fungus, a consultation with a board-certified dermatologist is necessary. During your consultation, your dermatologist will examine the affected toenail(s) to determine whether a toenail fungus is causing your symptoms.
Oral medications used to be necessary for treating toenail fungus. While they successfully treated the fungus, these medications often posed a risk of liver damage as well as potential interactions with other medications. Topical creams may have also been prescribed; however, they often proved ineffective. Another treatment option for toenail fungus was antifungal polishes; however, treatment under this method took at least six months, during which no other form of polish could be worn on the toenails
The Genesis Plus Laser is a new, minimally invasive method for treating toenail fungus. Two short treatment sessions spaced six weeks apart are typically sufficient for treating toenail fungus.
The Genesis Plus Laser is safe for nearly everyone, including diabetic patients, seeking a solution for nasty toenail fungus. This treatment method is much safer than the once-popular oral anti fungal medications.
Many patients begin noticing slight results after their first Genesis Plus Laser treatment and report full results within three to six months. It is important to understand that everyone heals at a different rate, so each patient’s results may vary.
You no longer have to be embarrassed about your toenail fungus. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our board-certified dermatologists and learn more about the Genesis Laser.
With 40+ locations conveniently located in NYC, Westchester, Long Island, New Jersey, and Connecticut, a top-rated dermatologist is just around the corner.
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