Located midway between Los Angeles and San Diego, Laguna Beach is a unique example of the variety in topography available among Southern California beach towns. Along the ocean, the city boasts seven miles of beautiful beaches, coves, and tide pools. And, with more beachfront lodgings than any other town in California, Laguna Beach is a popular tourist destination.
Next to the City of Laguna Beach, in stark contrast to the cities 27 coastal beaches and coves, lie 20,000 acres of protected wilderness. Adventurous visitors will discover miles of mountain biking trails, hiking trails that stretch for miles and offer breathtaking views along the way, and marine sanctuaries where visitors can observe marine life, up-close and undisturbed by the presence of motorized boats.
Surfing Lessons in Laguna Beach
Whether you are a surfer looking to increase your ability or a complete novice looking to get out on the water for the very first time, Laguna Beach has some fabulous, private surfing instructors just waiting to teach you the ropes.
Lavida Laguna
Lavida Laguna offers semi-private lessons for just $125 per person. Surfing lessons are limited to three students per instructor and are taught at the Thalia St. beach, which offers gentle waves, perfect for beginning surfers. Lavida Laguna boasts experienced instructors with a high success rate for getting brand new surfers up and riding during their very first lesson. No prior surfing experience is necessary, but an ability to swim is a must.
Lavida Laguna Surf Shop
Goff Surf School
The Goff Surf School in Laguna Beach offers surfing lessons and Stand Up Paddle (SUP) lessons for beginner to moderate surfers. The instructive sessions last for one and a half hours and cost $110. The lessons are private, with one instructor per student, however, a reduced fee is available for semi-private lessons. The instructors provide everything necessary to teach a new surfer the ropes, including the board, the wetsuit, and the knowledge.
Goff Surf School
California Surf Experience
The California Surf Experience offers overnight surfing camps for more confident surfers and lessons for beginners. The company offers private lessons, family lessons, and even lessons for birthday parties. Beginning lessons consist of basic instruction on paddling out, popping up, and surfing etiquette. The 90-minute lessons are given on the Anita Street Beach, which offers a designated beginning surfers area. The surfboard, wetsuit, and 90-minute instruction are all included for $110.
The California Surf Experience
Art and Culture in Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach is home to a thriving artistic colony that traces its roots to the very settlement of the city. First settled in late the 1800s, Laguna Beach had attracted a group of plein-air painters by the early 1900s, and the first art gallery opened in 1918, later becoming the Laguna Beach Art Museum. Artists William Wendt, Frank Cuprien, and Edgar Payne were the founding members of the Laguna Beach Art Association, established in 1918. By 1920, there were 300 residents of Laguna Beach and most were working in artistic fields. The beautiful coastal settings of Laguna Beach were ideal for movie sets, and dozens of silent films were shot there beginning in 1913.
Early art festivals began popping up as early as 1921, eventually becoming the Festival of Arts and the Pageant of the Masters that continue today. In the ‘60s and ‘70s, Laguna Beach was the center of “hippie” culture in Southern California and home to several hippie groups and communes, including the “hippie mafia,” known as The Brotherhood of Eternal Love. Laguna Beach continued to attract a large number of wealthy and influential creatives over the years, creating a bohemian spirit that thrives today.
Coastal Culture
Laguna Beach has hosted a number of beach and ocean competitions throughout the years. A contender for the longest running surf competition, the Brooks Street Surfing Classic has been held 52 times in the past 60 years in Laguna Beach. The city also hosts the ‘Vic” Skim-boarding World Championship at Aliso Beach, and the Laguna Open Volleyball Tournament, the second oldest tournament in the US.
Avoiding Being Barefoot on the Beach?
If you are among the millions of people who suffer from thick, brown, unsightly toenails, you may not want to attend beach competitions or learn to surf. Embarrassment about thick toenails keeps many men and women from feeling comfortable engaging in any activity that requires removing their shoes. While understandable, this embarrassment needn’t continue. There is help! Thick toenails are caused by toenail fungus and they can be cured!
What Causes Thick, Brown Toenails?
If you notice that your toenails are getting increasingly thick and difficult to cut, you may have a toenail fungus infection. The microbes that cause toenail fungus flourish in dark, moist places. You can come into contact with the microbes that cause toenail fungus in places like public pools or showers. Wearing tight shoes while doing sweaty work or exercising can also give fungus an opportunity to take root in your toenails.
In the beginning, toenail fungus is difficult to spot, but you may notice that your toenails start to thicken and get more and more difficult to cut. This is a sign that you have a fungus infection in your toenails and should seek treatment.
Dr. Kleis is the leading provider for laser nail fungus treatments in Southern California. He has successfully treated hundreds of patients for toenail fungus infections, restoring their natural beautiful nails. Before your toenails get any thicker, you should schedule a consultation with Dr. Kleis to see if laser toenail surgery is right for you.
Toenail Fungus in Laguna Beach
Toenail fungus is caused by microbes that exist everywhere in the environment and thrive in moist, dark places. Fungi, mold, and yeast can all infect the nails and these microorganisms are nearly always present in environments with sufficient moisture and lack of sunlight. Moist, dark areas are prime places for fungi microbes to thrive, but they exist in nearly every environment, and we are always coming into contact with them.
Up to 10% of the population is estimated to suffer from toenail fungus infections. This condition is so common because the microbes that cause the infection are all around us all the time. When we wear tight fighting shoes that trap sweat and moisture next to our skin, we help to create an environment where fungus can take hold on our feet and toenails.
Healthy nails are more resistant to infection from fungus causing microbes. People most at risk for developing toenail fungus are athletes, elderly people, and people with other health conditions that lower their immune system. Some of the most common places to come into contact with toenail fungus are public pools, gyms, and showers, but the microbes are present everywhere in our environment.
Types of Toenail Fungus
There are several types of toenail fungus. Medical terms for toenail fungus are onychomycosis and tinea unguium.
Onychomycosis
The most common fungi to cause toenail infection is Trichophyton rubrum or T. rubrum. T. rubrum causes onychomycosis, a condition that causes the nail to raise up from the nail bed. Usually, this process begins at the end of the toe, raising the toenail up and eventually causing the toenail to become thick and flaky. This condition is often accompanied by athletes foot between the toes or on the bottom of the foot.
A less common form of onychomycosis is called “proximal subungual onychomycosis” and starts at the base of the toenail, at the cuticle. From there, the toenail begins to raise up and spread toward the tip of the toenail. This form of onychomycosis is most often seen in patients with diabetes.
Yeast Onychomycosis
Candida is a common form of yeast that can cause yellow, brown, white or thickened nails. Patients with Candida toenail or fingernail infections often have yeast infections in their mouths, as well. Candida fungal infections cause the nails to flake off and exposes the nail bed underneath. Candida infections are sometimes accompanied by paronychia, an infection of the cuticle around the nail.
Onychomycosis Treatments in Laguna Beach
Onychomycosis can be treated with oral medications, topical medicines, or laser treatments. Oral medication carries risks of side effects and topical medications have a hard time penetrating the nail to kill the fungus. Laser treatments, however, have proven effective against all types of toenail fungus and have no side effects. The laser treatment is painless and won’t harm healthy tissue, eliminating the need for anesthesia or pain medication after the treatments.
Laser Onychomycosis treatments last about thirty minutes, during which the patient experiences a warming sensation where the laser is focused, but no pain. The laser light heats the fungal organisms, killing them without harming healthy tissue. Patients are able to return to normal activity as soon as the treatment is concluded.
White Superficial Onychomycosis
A toenail fungus most commonly found in tropical environments is called white superficial onychomycosis. This fungal infection typically has a powdery white material on the top of the nail and is caused by a fungus known as Trichophyton mentagrophytes.
White Superficial Onychomycosis Treatment
Laser toenail fungus treatment is effective in treating white superficial onychomycosis. The treatment is painless and only takes about thirty minutes. Nearly all patients report clearer, more beautiful toenails after a single laser treatment.
For more information about laser treatments for white superficial onychomycosis, call Dr. Kleis at (714) 760-4944
Tinea Unguium
Another name for toenail fungus is Tinea Unguium. Tinea Unguim causes toenails to become thick and discolored. Infected toenails often become thick and misshapen, difficult to cut or care for. Discolored nails may be green, yellow, brown or black. Toenails infected with fungi can also be thick and flaky or begin to crumble. Sometimes toenails even fall off due to toenail fungus infection.
If you have thick, unsightly toenails, call Dr. Kleis for a consultation. He can diagnose your toenail problem and help arrange for the treatment you need to restore your beautiful, natural nails.
Yellow Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus infections can cause your toenails to get thick and unsightly. Often, toenails will become discolored, turning yellow as they grow thick and ugly. Toenails that are infected with toenail fungus are hard to care for and can make men and women self-conscious. Left untreated, toenail fungus infections can cause pain and discomfort upon walking. The toenails become so thick and misshapen that they create pressure and pain when standing or walking.
Yellow Toenail Treatment in Laguna Beach
Toenail fungus can be treated most effectively, and with the fewest side effects, using laser toenail therapy. Dr. Kleis is the only laser care center in Southern California to offer two different laser machines that can target a wider range of fungus causing microorganisms. Using the Cutera Genesis Plus and the Clear Q lasers, Dr. Kleis can treat yellow toenail infections in a way that ensures a high success rate with no side effects for his patients.
Toenail Fungus Symptoms
In the beginning, toenail fungus can be hard to spot. It can look like a white or yellow spot under the tip of the toenail. The first symptoms of toenail fungus can be so slight, however, that most people don’t know they have it until their toenails start to thicken and become misshapen.
Symptoms of toenail fungus infections include:
- Thick Toenails
- Misshapen Toenails
- Discolored Toenails
- Flaky Toenails
- Toenails That Fall Off
Thick, brown toenails are an indication that you likely have a toenail fungus infection. Fungal infections can also give you discolored toenails that are white, green, yellow, or black. Toenails that flake off and crumble are also a sign of toenail fungus.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kleis today to discuss a course of treatment that will have you rushing to put on sandals once again!
Toenail Fungus Pain
The fungi, mold, and yeast that cause toenail fungus infections do not cause pain in and of themselves. However, if left untreated, the nail will often become thick and distorted, making the wearing of shoes extremely uncomfortable and causing pain when standing or walking.
Aside from being uncomfortable, the fungus infected nail will sometimes lift off the nail bed, creating a gap where bacteria can grow. Bacteria cause infections that can be painful and often smell bad. If you have distorted toenails that are causing you pain or have an odor that you can’t seem to get rid of through proper hygiene, you should schedule a visit with Dr. Kleis to have your condition evaluated. Whether you are suffering pain from a toenail fungus infection or a bacterial infection, Dr. Kleis can recommend the appropriate course of action.
Laser Treatment for Toenail Fungus
Dr. Kleis uses two different lasers to treat toenail fungus. The Cutera Genesis Plus and the Q Clear lasers allow Dr. Kleis to target a wider range of the microorganisms that cause toenail fungus. Laser treatment for toenail fungus poses no risk, as there are no side effects. The entire procedure is pain-free and no recovery time is required. Patients report a slight warming sensation in the area that is targeted by the laser treatment, but the healthy tissues remain unharmed, allowing them to return to normal activity as soon as the procedure is complete.
Call Dr. Kleis today to schedule a consultation about laser treatment for your toenail fungus.
Will Medicare Cover Laser Treatment for Toenail Fungus?
Normal foot care is not generally covered by Medicare, though some Medicare supplement plans do provide coverage for additional benefits, including foot care. If a patient has underlying health issues that affect the feet, such as diabetes and diabetic nerve pain, Medicare will sometimes pay for a podiatrist visit to address that condition.
Medicare Part B plans will sometimes include benefits that cover podiatry and could include benefits for laser treatment. Call your plan provider or allow our office to assist you in determining benefit coverage from your Medicare supplement plan. Call Dr. Kleis at (714) 760-4944 to speak to a customer care specialist who can help you determine your Medicare and supplemental benefits.
Does Insurance Pay For Laser Nail Treatments?
While advanced toenail fungus can cause problems with a person’s ability to move and exercise, it is generally considered an aesthetic issue and isn’t covered by insurance. However, plans vary and you should ask your insurance provider or allow one of our customer care specialists to inquire for you. To see if your insurance plan will pay for Laser Nail Treatments, call our office at (714) 760-4944
Does Laser Nail Treatment Hurt?
Laser nail treatments last about thirty minutes. The laser is focused only on the affected toenail and doesn’t harm any healthy tissues. The area will feel warm during treatment, but no pain is experienced. A pulsing laser is used to avoid overheating the area or causing damage to surrounding tissues. No anesthetic is required and, generally, no pain relievers are necessary following treatment. Patients are immediately able to resume regular activities, including wearing shoes and painting their toenails.
Fast Toenail Fungus Treatment In Laguna Beach
If you’re looking for the best laser treatment for toenail fungus in Southern California, you’ll find it with Dr. Jeffery Kleis. Dr. Kleis, DPM is a podiatrist in Costa Mesa, serving all of Orange County. Dr. Kleis has the very latest in laser technology and can treat your toenail fungus quickly and painlessly. There’s no need to suffer from toenail fungus any longer, call Dr. Kleis and schedule your consultation today.