Toenail fungus happens everywhere. In fact, about 10% of the US population suffers from unsightly toenail fungus. Dr. Jeffery Kleis, DPM, is a podiatrist in Costa Mesa who specializes in helping people with toenail fungus achieve the freedom to walk barefoot on the beach again!
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.
Toenail Fungus Laser Treatment in Costa Mesa
Dr. Kleis is a dedicated podiatric specialist with over 25 years experience in treating foot problems using the least invasive techniques available. A national speaker and research associate for laser technology, Dr. Kleis has trained doctors all over the world on the use of laser technology for the treatment of toenail fungus. Dr. Kleis’ Costa Mesa practice is the only location in Southern California to offer dual laser techniques to target a wider range of toenail fungus causing microorganisms.
Laser toenail fungus treatment is safe for everyone. The focused, laser technology uses pulses to ensure that the surrounding tissues aren’t harmed and that the treatment remains safe and pain-free. By only targeting the microbes beneath the nail, this noninvasive treatment won’t harm the surrounding tissues. The treatment is pain-free and doesn’t require an anesthetic. Most patients see improvement in their nails after a single treatment.
Find out if you’re a candidate for laser treatment for toenail fungus, call Dr. Kleis at (714) 760-4944 to schedule a consultation.
Dr. Kleis is located at:
1503 S Coast Dr., Suite 317
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
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.
How To Tell If It’s Toenail Fungus
There are a number of conditions that look similar to toenail fungus. The only way to know for sure is to see your podiatrist. He or she will perform an examination and may need to take a scraping of the nail for lab analysis. Once toenail fungus has been diagnosed, treatment can be prescribed.
Toenail Fungus Treatment
There are several different treatments for men and women suffering from toenail fungus. Oral medications are quite effective in clearing fungal infections but have been shown to have moderate to severe side effects including diarrhea, upset stomach, rashes, liver damage, and even heart failure. Many patients with other health problems aren’t candidates for oral medication because of the serious nature of the possible side effects.
Topical treatments for toenail fungus do not have side effects but can be less effective than oral medications in clearing up the infection. Topical treatments have to penetrate the nail in order to attack the fungi living beneath the nail surface. If the topical medications aren’t able to penetrate the toenail, the fungus won’t be eliminated.
Laser treatments for toenail fungus are shown to be most effective with the least chance of side effects. Patients in poor health are still candidates for laser toenail treatments, as the laser treatment doesn’t require any anesthetic or carry any side effects. Laser treatments are fast and effective, leaving patients with clearer nails with zero recovery time.
Toenail Fungus Medication
There are several prescription oral medications for toenail fungus, as well as several topical medications. Oral medications must be taken for several weeks to several months and can have serious side effects.
Topical medications are less effective than oral medicines, as it can be difficult for the medications to penetrate the nail and attack the fungus beneath. However, topical medications do not have the same side effects as oral medications.
Laser nail fungus treatments are effective and have zero side effects. Nearly all patients report at least some improvement in the appearance of their nails after just one treatment and a clinical study reported no adverse side effects from laser use.
What is the best treatment for toenail fungus?
The best treatment for toenail fungus is lasers. Clinical studies show that 80% of patients showed clear toenails after a single treatment. It is important to note that the treatment kills the fungi, but it can take up to a year for the toenail to completely grow out and eliminate the appearance of toenail fungus. But, that doesn’t mean the fungus isn’t gone. Lasers kill toenail fungus, usually in a single treatment, using heat to kill the fungus or mold cells without causing discomfort to the patient.
Toenail Fungus Removal
Dr. Kleis uses two different lasers in his office to remove toenail fungus. The Cutera Genesis Plus and the Q-Clear lasers allow Dr. Kleis to use different light wavelengths to penetrate the nail and kill a wider spectrum of organisms within the nail. Most patients experience improvement in the appearance of their toenails after a single laser treatment. Removing toenail fungus with lasers is pain-free and doesn’t require any recovery time.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Kleis to see if laser treatment to remove toenail fungus is right for you!
Toenail Disorders That Are Not Fungus
Many things can make your toenails look different than they normally do. Trauma can cause dark discoloration beneath the nail and even result in a lost toenail or fingernail. Vitamin deficiencies can cause ridges in the toenail and melanoma can present as a dark spot or streak beneath the toenail.
If you notice anything different about your toenails and you’re not sure of the cause, it may be wise to seek the advice of an experienced podiatrist like Dr. Kleis, DPM.
Dr. Kleis has decades of experience in diagnosing and treating disorders of the feet and can help you determine the cause of your toenail problems and the best course of treatment. Call Dr. Kleis to schedule an appointment to discuss your concerns about your toenails, before a slight problem turns into a bigger one.
Lines or Ridges in Toenails
Lines or ridges in your fingernails or toenails are common and have a variety of causes. Age is one of the leading causes of vertical ridges, which are usually harmless. However, sometimes toenail ridges are signs of underlying conditions that need treatment. Diagnosing the cause of your toenail ridges is key to determining your overall health state and an appropriate course of treatment.
Some causes of vertical ridges in your toenails include:
- Anemia
- Trachyonychia
- Peripheral Vascular Disease
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
Horizontal ridges in your toenails may be signs of a serious condition and should be evaluated by a doctor. Horizontal ridges may be a sign of:
- Kidney Disease
- Diabetes
- Thyroid Disease
If you have ridges in your toenails that concern you, schedule an appointment with Dr. Kleis by calling (714) 760-4944 or (866) 333-8710.
Brittle Nails
Toenail fungus can cause your toenails to become brittle and break easily. They may also flake and become unsightly. Nail polish can help hide the damage from toenail fungus, but that’s a temporary solution. For healthier, more beautiful toenails, get treatment for your toenail fungus by visiting Dr. Kleis, DPM. Dr. Kleis has years of experience diagnosing and treating toenail fungus and foot disorders. He can help you determine a course of treatment that will have your toes ready for sandals in no time!
Call (714) 760-4944 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kleis and discover how easy it can be to have toenails you’re anxious to show off!
White or Yellow Nails
While white or yellow nails may be a sign of toenail fungus, it can also have other causes. Onycholysis is a separation of the nail from the nail bed. When there is space between the nail and the bed, it will cause a discoloration that is actually the space between the nail, rather than a discoloration of the nail itself. This condition, if it persists, can result in a fungal infection of the toenail, but is not itself a fungal infection. To treat Onycholysis, trim your nails short and keep them clean, but don’t try to clean under the nail itself. Use polish to hide the color of the nail and allow time for the nail to grow out.
Hematoma Under The Nail
If your toenail has experienced trauma recently, you may get a bruise or hematoma under the nail. This can result in a large black, red, or purple area under the nail. This is not a fungal infection and will grow out as your nail grows. It is possible that trauma will result in the loss of your toenail. This is normal and shouldn’t concern you.
However, if you have a black spot under your nail that wasn’t caused by trauma, you should visit a podiatrist or dermatologist to ensure that the spot is not a melanoma.
Green Nails
Green nails can be caused by a bacterial infection called Pseudomonas. This bacteria grows between the nail and nail bed. This type of infection can occur if there is a separation between the nail and nail bed. Pseudomonas infection will give off a foul odor and result in a green discoloration of the toenail. To treat the infection, keep the toenail trimmed short and avoid soaking the toenail in water. As the nail grows out, the separation that is allowing the infection to grow should grow out, as well, eliminating the space for infection to grow. Polish can be used to hide the color as the toenail grows. If the infection persists more than a few months, you may wish to seek treatment from a podiatrist. They can prescribe treatments that aren’t available over the counter.
Pitted Nails
Psoriasis and other skin problems can affect the nail matrix, which is the area from which the nail grows. The nail may also be tan in color. Treatments for this condition will be pursued as an overall treatment of psoriasis.
Swelling and Redness Around the Toenail
An infection of the cuticle around the toenail is called paronychia. The infection is often bacterial and can be treated by soaking the affected foot in warm salt water and otherwise keeping the foot clean and dry. If the infection is chronic, yeast can sometimes infect the area, causing further damage. If you are concerned that the infection is not clearing up well, you may wish to seek the advice of a podiatrist.
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
Payment Plans for Laser Nail Treatment
If you’re not sure how to pay for laser nail treatments, but still want to have beautiful toes, we offer financing through Care Credit. You can fill out an application online and get approval before you schedule your treatments. You can make payments you can afford while achieving better nail health!
Laser Toenail Fungus Treatment In Costa Mesa
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 and the surrounding areas. Dr. Kleis offers 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.
Dr. Kleis is located at:
Call (714) 760-4944