Nail Fungus Specialist
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Southwest Family Medicine Associates
Family Medicine Physicians & Physician Assistants located in Dallas, TX
Nail fungus is common and it may not bother you initially. But your infection may get worse and cause your nail to thicken and yellow. Most anti-fungal treatments aren’t that effective at getting rid of the fungus. At Southwest Family Medicine Associates in Dallas, the experienced medical team has a more natural solution to treat your fungal infection — their laser nail fungus treatments. To schedule a free consultation to see how laser treatment can improve your nail fungus, schedule a free consultation by clicking the request appointment button today and select Cheryl McLeod, our Laser Technician. You can also text our office at 214.393.6863 or call Cheryl directly at 469.893.1244 or our main office number at 214.393.2940.
Nail Fungus Q & A
What is toenail fungus?
Toenail fungus, medically referred to as onychomycosis, is a common infection that develops when a fungal organism gains access to the tissue under your nail. Your warm, moist nail bed serves as the perfect environment for the fungal organism to grow.
Anyone is vulnerable to developing a toenail fungus, but you may be more at risk if you:
- Walk around barefoot in communal areas (showers, pools, locker rooms)
- Sweat heavily
- Have a history of athlete’s foot
- Have a nail injury
- Have diabetes
Your risk of developing onychomycosis also increases as you get older because your nails tend to be more dry and brittle, which may lead to cracks that allow the fungus to gain access to your nail bed.
What are toenail fungus symptoms?
Your toenail fungus may alter the color and texture of your nail. Common symptoms include:
- Brittle or crumbly nails
- White or yellow discoloration to the nail
- Change in nail shape
- Foul smell
- Dark debris under the nail
Fungal infections can also affect your fingernails, but the infection is more often found in the toenails.
How is toenail fungus treated?
Toenail fungus is difficult to treat. You may start with an over-the-counter anti-fungal cream. If that doesn’t work, traditional medical treatment may include a medicated nail polish or cream or oral anti-fungal medication. Removal of the nail is also a suggested treatment for toenail fungus.
The experienced team at Southwest Family Medicine Associates knows how ineffective traditional medical treatments are for onychomycosis and offers a more natural option rather than medication with their laser toenail fungus treatment.
The laser emits energy that bypasses your nail and targets the fungal organism underneath. The heat created by the laser destroys the fungus without affecting your nail or the tissue under your nail.
What can I expect during laser toenail fungus treatment?
Laser toenail fungus treatment is performed at the office. During treatment, your provider uses a pulsed laser and directs the laser energy at the affected toenails. The entire treatment takes about 30 minutes. If you feel any discomfort during your laser treatment, be sure to let the team know so they can adjust your treatment.
Though it’s possible to eliminate your fungal infection after one laser treatment, additional sessions may be needed to ensure complete eradication of the fungus.
To learn more about laser toenail fungus treatment and how it can help you get rid of your onychomycosis, call Southwest Family Medicine Associates today or click the online appointment button.