Toenail fungus is a contagious fungal infection caused by a microscopic organism. In the majority of cases, the first sign that something’s wrong is a small white or yellow spot underneath your toenail. As the infection progresses, additional nail symptoms can arise, such as:
Unfortunately, once you have a fungal infection in your toenails, it can be challenging to treat, and then it can quickly spread to other toes and the skin on your feet. That’s why our team of experienced podiatrists at City Podiatry in New York City rely on Aerolase® laser technology. If you’re in Midtown Manhattan, we can kill your toenail fungus once and for all.
At least 10% of Americans have toenail fungus, and these numbers increase with age. About 20% of people in their 60s find themselves dealing with toenail fungus, and at least half of men and women in their 70s show symptoms.
Why the increase as you age? Because your nails grow brittle, leaving them more vulnerable to cracks where microscopic organisms can live. Your immune system also weakens, so it has a harder time fighting off infections. These changes create a thriving environment for fungal infections.
Once established, toenail fungus is notoriously difficult to treat because the organisms causing your infection can penetrate deep inside your nail. Not only can they sit on top of your nail or grow beneath it, but they can also get in between the nail layers themselves.
Once this happens, the fungal infection can even penetrate your nail matrix — the area that generates new toenail cells. This makes toenail fungus incredibly tricky to eliminate because even your new nail growth can have the infection.
While toenail fungus is usually more of a cosmetic issue, it can become painful and make it difficult to walk. It’s also crucial to seek expert care as quickly as possible if you have diabetes, an immune disorder, or any circulation problems to avoid additional complications.
Traditional remedies for toenail fungus focused on oral and topical medications and surgery. But we bring the latest innovations in laser treatment to our practice.
Aerolase, a gentle yet effective laser therapy system, penetrates deep into your nail bed and matrix, where it administers targeted levels of heat to kill your fungal infection. Unlike other toenail fungus laser systems, this advanced technology delivers 650-microsecond bursts of energy.
This innovative approach creates a uniquely pain-free treatment session with fewer chances of pigmentation changes in the treatment area. While Aerolase sessions are comfortable, you may feel small amounts of heat or a slight pinching sensation during your treatment.
To effectively eradicate toenail fungus, we often recommend three treatment sessions every 3-4 weeks. But, we evaluate each treatment plan on a case-by-case basis, given the extent of your infection.
To make sure your toenails are ready for sandal season, call us at City Podiatry or schedule an appointment online today.
