In the northwestern-most corner of Orange County, tucked between Long Beach and Huntington Beach, lies the seaside community of Seal Beach. The City of Seal Beach includes the beach of Seal Beach, a popular destination for surfers, sunbathers, and wildlife enthusiasts. From the walk leading to the beach, visitors can take in the view of the Pacific Ocean from Long Beach on the north to Huntington Beach on the south, with mountains behind and the Seal Beach Municipal Pier stretching out into the ocean.
Historical Seal Beach
Once known as “Anaheim Landing”, the eastern part of Seal Beach served as a shipping port for wine growers twelve miles inland, in Anaheim. Vineyard owners would haul their wares to the port for shipment and receive goods from other areas there, as well. However, the arrival of the railroad in Anaheim reduced the need for a shipping port, as rail became much more convenient. Over time, “Anaheim Landing” became simply a place to seek relief from the summer heat.
Seal Beach was also the scene of Orange County’s very first amusement park, the “Joy Zone.” Built in 1916 from decommissioned attractions from the closing of the San Francisco Panama-Pacific International Exposition, the “Joy Zone” was marketed as an attraction for all ages, with alcohol consumption being legal within the city limits. This led to some success, as the surrounding areas were all “dry” cities. However, first World War I and then Prohibition put an end to the success of the “Joy Zone.”
Bootleg Liquor & Gambling in Seal Beach
The location of Seal Beach, right at the county line, with several waterways leading inland, and a very small police force, led to the city being the center of a booming “bootleg” economy, with liquor being offloaded in the bay and carried upstream to waiting customers. This illegal rumrunning opened the door to other nefarious activities. From 1928 to 1939 the city was home to at least six open gambling houses and gambling ships used their harbor to entice customers from across the county line in Long Beach.
Pressure from an increasingly aggressive State Attorney, as well as a move by gangsters to consolidate gambling enterprises in Southern California, led to most of the gambling establishments moving their operations inland to Las Vegas. Seal Beach returned to entertaining sunbathers and fishermen.
Surfing in Seal Beach
Seal Beach has been a major player in the rising popularity of surfing in America since it was first brought to the mainland. The town hosted the very first US surfing competition, where local legends Jack Haley and Mike Haley won the first two national awards. When Blackie August arrived in Seal Beach after World War II, the popularity of the sport soared. August taught many of the local young people how to surf and his son was one of the surfers used in the film “Endless Summer.” August lived in Seal Beach until twelve years before his death in 1991, when he moved to Huntington Beach.
Surfers in Seal Beach enjoy surfing the area along the wooden Municipal Pier and at the mouth of the San Gabriel River. The mouth of the river has been nicknamed “Stingray Bay,” as stingrays are attracted to the warm water that dumps into the bay from the river.
Harbor Surfboards is a longboard manufacturing company based in Seal Beach. The company has called Seal Beach home since its inception in 1959.
Annual Events in Seal Beach
Every year the local Lions Club hosts a pancake breakfast on the same weekend as the Rough Water Swim, which has been held at the same time each year since the 60s. The City of Seal Beach hosts a Christmas Parade in December, a Classic Car Show in April, and a summer concert series during July and August. In September, the city hosts an annual Kite Festival.
Seal Beach Municipal Pier
Seal Beach is home to the West Coast second-longest pier, the Seal Beach Municipal Pier. The pier has been damaged several times over the years and required extensive reconstruction, but the people of Seal Beach have ensured that the repairs always made. The pier is used for fishing and taking in the beautiful views of both land and sea. A Ruby’s Diner Restaurant was located at the end of the pier, but it closed in 2013. Other food vendors ply their trade along the length of the pier however, feeding hungry fishermen, sunbathers, and sightseers.
A Day at the Beach in Seal Beach
Seal Beach enjoys a semi-arid Mediterranean climate. This means that the summer weather is a little warmer in Seal Beach than some of the other coastal towns in Southern California. In July, August, and September, Seal Beach residents and visitors can expect temperatures in the upper 80s to low 90s, plenty warm enough to leave people looking to cool off with a day at the beach. And Seal Beach offers a wide, sandy expanse for doing just that.
For the thousands of people in Southern California who suffer from thick, unsightly toenails, however, a day at the beach is no picnic! Some people assume that, as they age, their toenails will just become thick and discolored, making it embarrassing to remove their shoes in public or attend activities that require bare feet. But, thickened and unsightly toenails do not have to be a natural part of the aging process.
If you have thick toenails and would like information about how to get rid of them, contact Dr. Jeffery Kleis, DPM, a podiatrist located in Costa Mesa, and schedule a consultation today.
What Causes Thickening 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 treatment is right for you.
How To Cut Thick Toenails
If you have toenails that are thick and difficult to cut, it can be helpful to soak your feet for ten or fifteen minutes in warm water before trying to cut the nails. For extra pampering, try adding some Epsom salts to the warm water, creating a soothing foot bath and softening the nails so they will cut more easily.
Once the nails are softened from the foot soak, use very sharp nail trimmers and make short cuts along the top of the nail, being careful not to split the nail down into the nail bed. Be sure to clean the instruments between each toe so that you don’t spread the toenail fungus infection from one toe to the next.
How To Get Rid of Thick Toenails
Very thick toenails are a sign of toenail fungus infection. If you have thick, unsightly toenails that are difficult to cut or maintain, you may need to treat the cause with toenail fungus treatments using laser technology.
Laser toenail fungus treatment is one of the most effective treatments for thick toenails and is free from any side effects. The treatments are painless and don’t require any anesthesia or pain relief afterward. The lasers treat only the infected tissues, targeting the fungus organisms in a way that won’t damage the healthy tissue around the nail.
Pulsing laser technology avoids overheating the tissue around the nail and ensures that the treatments aren’t uncomfortable. The fungus infection is destroyed, usually in a single session, and your nails will grow out beautiful and normal, no longer thick and ugly.
To inquire about laser treatment for thick toenails, call Dr. Kleis at (714) 760-4944
How do you get toenail fungus?
Anyone can get toenail fungus. The fungi, mold, and yeasts that cause toenail fungus are commonly found in most moist, wet areas. Going barefoot in public showers is a common way to come into contact with fungus causing pathogens. Not everyone who comes into contact with toenail fungi will actually get toenail fungus. Persons with weakened nails are especially prone to developing nail fungus.
Athletes are prone to toenail fungus, partly because of the tight fitting shoes they wear and sweaty workouts they endure. Athletes are also prone to repeated nail trauma, which weakens the nail and provides an opportunity for nail fungus to begin.
Elderly people are more prone to developing toenail fungus, due to an overall weakened immune system caused by age. Other conditions that make a person more susceptible to toenail fungus include diabetes, AIDS, cancer, psoriasis, and taking immunosuppressive medications like steroids.
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. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Kleis by calling (714) 760-4944 today.
Toenail Disorders That Are Not Toenail 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
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.
How do I know 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.
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.
Best Toenail Fungus Treatment In Seal Beach
If you’re looking for the best laser treatment for toenail fungus in Seal Beach, you’ll find it at The Laser Nail Specialists. 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.