What is Toenail Fungus?
To begin, toenail fungus, or more formally known as onychomycosis, is a fungal infection that occurs underneath the surface of the nails and can be caused by a wide range of fungi types. Fungi are very small organisms, also known microorganisms, that can take hold of the nail and cause discoloration, thickening, and sometimes foul smells. Additionally, debris may collect underneath the nail plate, and you might also see white marks on the nail plate. The infection has the capacity of infecting other toenails if it is initally only present in one or only a few toes, the skin surrounding the foot, and even the fingernails. If the speard of the infection is ignored, it can make walk painful and uncomfortable. In addition, the resulting thickened nails are often difficult to trim and as a result, make walking painful, especially when wearing shoes.
What are the Causes of Toenail Fungus?
Since fungi and other microscopic organisms are found almost everywhere in our surroundings, it is very difficult to avoid them and our toenails are particularly vulnerable as they have more direct contact with our surroundings, especially when we are barefoot. Moreover, fungi populate and thrive in damp areas such as locker rooms and showers, places where we are more likely to be barefoot.
With that being said, sometimes it's not very clear how you might have developed a fungal infection, so here are some common causes:
Dr.Syamak Yamini in Encino and Los Angeles, CA can provide a comprehensive examination of your toenails to identify possible causes and any underlying health conditions that could be contributing to fungal toenails.
How is Toenail Fungus Treated?
Treatment options depend on the nature and severity of the fungal infection. Dr.Syamak Yamini located in Encino and Los Angeles, CA can confirm the presence of the fungal infection by performing various lab tests, determine possible cause(s), and ultimately formulate an appropriate treatment plan for you, which may include topical or oral medication, debridement, and/or laser therapy.
The laser therapy utilized by Dr.Yamini is approved by the FDA and may be the most effective way of treating toenail fungus for you. Dr.Yamini uses state-of-the-art laser treatment to safely treat your toenail in a timely manner.
In some cases, a minor in-office procedure may be done by Dr. Yamini at the Encino, Porter Ranch, or Los Angeles office to temporarily remove the affected nail(s) to allow direct application of topical antifungal. Additionally, permanent removal of affected nail that has not responded to more conservative treatment may be performed by Dr.Yamini to cure the infection.
