Laser Treatment for Toenail Fungus in Lake Forest

Nestled in the Saddleback Valley between Irvine and Mission Viejo, lies Lake Forest, California. The City of Lake Forest has just over 77,000 residents and ranks as one of the safest cities in the nation. The city has been incorporated since 1991, when the residents renamed the area from El Toro, as it had been known, to Lake Forest.

El Toro to Lake Forest

Since 1863 the community now known as Lake Forest was called El Toro. Originally settled by the Serrano family, the land eventually passed to Dwight Whiting, who managed to bring the Santa Fe rail line through the area. Originally a farming community that produced lima beans, among other crops, the area was selected as the site of a Marine Corps Air Station in 1942. The end of World War II saw an increased need for residential neighborhoods and commercial property, as the community welcomed back many servicemen who had trained at the nearby airfield and returned to make their home after the war.

The community continued to be known as El Toro until residents began lobbying for incorporation in the late 80s and 1990. One of the major points of disagreement, however, surrounded the issue of the new city’s name. Older residents wanted to keep the traditional El Toro, while residents of the newer, master-planned communities lobbied for a name change to Lake Forest. In the end, Lake Forest carried the day.

The city draws its name from two man-made lakes within the city limits. The lakes were created as the centerpiece for master-planned communities and they are maintained and managed by neighborhood associations, Lake Forest Beach and Tennis Club and the Sun and Sail Club. The city also draws its name from a man-made forest of eucalyptus trees that were planted by Dwight Whiting in the early 1900s.

Oakley Inc. in Lake Forest

A company made famous for its expensive sunglasses, Oakley, is based in Lake Forest. While Oakley produces an entire line of sports performance equipment including sports visors, ski and snowboarding goggles, watches, shoes, apparel, backpacks, and other sports accessories, the most universally recognized products are the sunglasses.

The Oakley Company was founded in the garage of Lake Forest resident, James Jannard, in 1975. The company’s initial investment was $300, as Jannard began making and marketing his first product, “The Oakley Grip.” The grip was a motorcycle grip unlike any that had ever been seen before, and Jannard traveled to motocross events, introducing the world to his revolutionary grip. The material used for those first motorcycle grips is still used today in the earpieces of the company sunglasses, the nose pieces of many products, and many of the company watch bands.

Lake Forest Neighborhoods

The City of Lake Forest includes several master-planned communities that retain their own identity within the city limits.

Foothills Ranch in Lake Forest

Foothills Ranch became a part of Lake Forest in 2000, adding 10,899 people to the population of the city. Foothill Ranch is the home of several well-known companies, including Oakley, Nike, and Kawasaki. Foothills Ranch is also the home of Saddleback Church, an evangelical megachurch, pastored by Rick Warren and affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention.

Foothills Ranch is also the site of Heritage Hill Historical Park and Museum. The museum is home to the original adobe home of Jose Serrano, the original settler of Lake Forest, as well as others of the oldest buildings in Orange County.

Portola Hills in Lake Forest

Pertola Hills was a master-planned community developed in the 1980s and 1990s as a combination of 14 different housing tracts. The homes of Pertola Hills included condos, townhomes, semi-detached housing, and single-family homes. Smaller neighborhoods within Pertola Hills include Canyon View, Canyon View West, Bella Palermo, Canyon Rim, Montecito, Seranado, Sycamore Ridge, Alderwood, Antiqua, Portola, Crestmont, Crown Pointe, Live Oak Estates, Portola Hills Estates, and The Oaks. Portola Hills became a part of Lake Forest in 2000, adding 6,391 people to the city’s population.

The Parks of Lake Forest

The City of Lake Forest boasts 30 public parks, as well as the Whiting Ranch Regional Wilderness Park. The parks of Lake Forest offer everything from swimming to equestrian trails, basketball to golf. Free summer concerts and community theater thrive at the parks in Lake Forest. What could be more relaxing than taking in a summer concert or family picnic at one of Lake Forest’s many beautiful parks?

Thick Toenails Are no Walk in The Park

If you’re one of the many Californian’s suffering from unsightly toenail fungus, however, a day in the park may leave your feet hurting and sore. Toenail fungus causes the toenails to thicken and become discolored, often making them difficult to care for and maintain. In the advanced stages, toenail fungus can make walking and enjoying activities particularly painful. If you suffer from thick, discolored toenails, there is hope! Dr. Jeffery Kleis, DPM, is a podiatrist in Costa Mesa that specializes in the treatment of thick toenails and toenail fungus. Dr. Kleis offers the very latest in laser technology to treat toenail fungus below the nail without damaging the surrounding tissue.

Laser treatment for thick toenails is quick and painless and requires no recovery time. To find out if you’re a candidate for laser toenail treatments, call Dr. Kleis at (714) 760-4944 to schedule a consultation.

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.

What Causes Thick 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 Care For 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 Treat 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

Toenail Fungus

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.

Athletes With Toenail Fungus

Athletes are more susceptible to toenail fungus for several reasons. First, they are more likely to cause repetitive trauma to their toenails, weakening the nail bed and giving fungi a place to take hold. Also, the types of shoes worn by athletes tend to be tight in order to provide proper support for training. The tightness of the shoes, however, means that there is little air flow, trapping sweat and moisture inside the shoe and providing ideal conditions for toenail fungi to grow.

Toenail Fungus in Older People

As men and women age, they become more susceptible to a variety of ailments. The cell regeneration slows down and healing doesn’t happen as quickly as it used to. The natural aging process, even for people who are otherwise in excellent health, makes older people more likely to get toenail fungus. It’s so common among the elderly that people often think nothing of Grandpa’s ugly thick toenails or expect Grandma to wear sandals when her toes look like “that.”

But, being over 55 doesn’t mean you have to give in to toenail fungus or stop showing your toes. Beautiful, healthy nails are possible at any age with laser treatments for toenail fungus. Laser treatments for toenail fungus don’t have any side effects, are not painful, and don’t require anesthesia or pain medication. This makes it appropriate for patients of all ages, including older people with toenail fungus.

Toenail Fungus In People With Health Conditions

Underlying health conditions like diabetes and heart disease can lower the body’s overall ability to fight infection. Lowered immunity makes it easier for toenail fungus to take hold and grow. In fact, people with diabetes are more than twice as likely to get toenail fungus as the general population. Not only are people with health conditions more likely to get toenail fungus, but they are also less likely to qualify for oral medications to fight it. The possible side effects of oral treatments for toenail fungus make it difficult for people with diabetes, heart conditions, or liver disease to qualify for treatment.

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. Dr. Kleis uses two different lasers in his office, allowing him to target a wider range of fungus causing organisms. The lasers target only the microbes beneath the nail and don’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.

If you’re not sure if you’re a candidate for oral anti-fungal treatments for toenail fungus, call Dr. Kleis at (714) 760-4944 to schedule a consultation. Dr. Kleis can schedule laser toenail treatment that won’t put your health at risk!

Types of Toenail Fungus

There are several types of toenail fungus. Medical terms for toenail fungus are onychomycosis and tinea unguim.

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

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

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.

Lake Forest 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!