Laser Treatment For Toenail Fungus in Orange County

Home to amusement parks, whale watching, and top-notch surfing, it’s no wonder Orange County, California is one of the top tourism destinations in the world! Orange County offers a wide array of activities sure to please everyone in the family.

Orange County is the third most populated county in the State of California and the sixth most populated county in the nation, with more than three million people calling Orange County home. The county has four cities with populations exceeding 200,000 and small towns that house fewer than 10,000 residents.

Residents of Orange County enjoy climates that are as varied as their population centers. Coastal cities like Newport Beach experience very little temperature variation throughout the year, with an average high temperature between 63 and 72, year-round. Inland cities, like Anaheim, experience warm winters and hot summers, with average winter temps in the low 60s and summer temperatures in the upper 80s.

Disneyland in Orange County

For children of all ages, Disneyland in Anaheim, Ca, is the iconic symbol of fun and adventure. More than 16 million people flood Orange County each year just to visit Disneyland. The amusement park is the county’s largest employer, providing jobs to nearly 30,000 employees and more than 3,000 independent contractors.

Disneyland Resort opened in 1955, the only theme park built entirely under the direction of Disney founder, Walt Disney. Initially built on a 160-acre site, the complex, including Disneyland and Disney California Adventure, three Disney hotels, and the Downtown Disney District, has expanded to cover more than 500 acres.

Knott’s Berry Farm

Knott’s Berry Farm is located in Buena Park, C, in northwestern Orange County. Built on the site of a former berry farm run by the Walter Knott family in the early 1900s, Knott’s Berry Farm is a popular, regional amusement park that draws over six million visitors each year. In the beginning, Knott’s Berry Farm was a produce stand, selling the family berries, preserves, and pies to passersby. In 1934, the Knott’s family began serving fried chicken dinners, which became a popular tourist draw, prompting the family to add a restaurant to their growing enterprise. The amusement park was operated by the Knott’s family until the late 1990’s when it was sold to the Cedar Fair chain of amusement parks. Today, Knott’s Berry Farm is the most visited park in the Cedar Fair chain.

Healthy Living in the OC

Recent moves among health-conscious activists in Orange County have raised concerns about the over health and access to health care in Orange County. Orange County Healthier Together is a county-wide initiative, led by the Health Improvement Partnership, that strives to align private resources and public health systems to provide better health and improved access to healthcare for communities throughout Orange County.

In Orange County, the top three leading causes of death were Heart Disease, Cancer, and Alzheimer’s Disease. These three causes accounted for 10,680 deaths in 2016, more than all other deaths reported in Orange County in that year. Plans to improve health and quality of life in Orange County include improved health from pregnancy through old age through better education, better access, and proactive strategies for addressing priorities.

On the Beach in Orange County

Orange County is home to many beautiful beaches, including the home of American surfing, Huntington Beach. Walking along the sandy shores of Southern California is a dream that draws millions of visitors to Orange County every year. But, fun in the sun and sand is no dream at all for people suffering from unsightly toenail fungus.

Toenail fungus can make toenails thick and difficult to cut and maintain. The nail is often discolored, flaky, and may even crumble, making them impossible to trip or paint. Nobody with toenail fungus wants to run barefoot on the beach. Instead, toenail fungus suffers hide their feet in closed toe shoes and hope it goes away.

Toenail Fungus in Orange County

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.

Laser Toenail Fungus Treatment In Orange County

If you’re looking for the best laser treatment for toenail fungus in Orange County, 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. Call (714) 760-4944 

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 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

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 

Toenail Fungus FAQs

What is Toenail Fungus?

Toenail fungus is a growth of yeast, mold, or fungi that live in the nail or nail bed. Oftentimes, damage to a healthy nail or a lowered immune system provides an opportunity for the microbes that are nearly always present in our environment a place to take hold around the toenail and begin to grow.

Toenail fungus can look like a thick, discolored nail. It can be brown, white, black, or yellow. In the beginning, fungus often looks like a white or yellow spot under the tip of your toenail. As the infection persists, you may experience a thickening of the toenail, or it may lift from the nail bed or become flaky.

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 the 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 immuno-suppressive medications like steroids.

What Does Toenail Fungus Look Like?

In the beginning, toenail fungus is not very noticeable. It may start out as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your toenail. As time goes on, your toenail may become thicker or distorted, making it difficult to cut your toenails. Your toes may become painful, especially if the affected toe is under pressure.

Toenail fungus may turn your toenail black, yellow, green, or white, depending on the type of infection. The nail can become brittle or crumbly. Pieces of the nail may break off or the nail may fall off completely. The skin around the infected toenail may also get red, irritated, swollen, or cracked.

What Does The Beginning of Toenail Fungus Look Like?

Toenail fungus often begins as a small white or yellow spot under the tip of the nail. It is generally not painful or particularly noticeable in the early stages. As the infection grows, the nail may become discolored, thicken, or become distorted.

Can I get Toenail Fungus From a Pedicure?

It is possible to contract toenail fungus from a nail salon. If the sanitary conditions of a salon are not sufficiently maintained, toenail fungi can lurk in the cracks and crevices of basins and equipment. These fungi can then be passed from one customer to another. Proper hygiene and a strict cleaning regimen will reduce the chances of toenail fungus being contracted by customers of a nail salon. It is important to avoid nail salons that lack good sanitation.

Can I get a Pedicure While I Have Toenail Fungus?

It is possible to get a pedicure, even if you have a toenail fungus. However, it is important to choose a salon that is equipped with proper sanitation equipment and be upfront about your condition so that the nail technician will be prepared to sanitize properly afterward. Calling ahead will ensure that the salon you choose is equipped to handle your situation.  In some cases, a customer will be asked to provide their own manicure tools and nail polish to avoid spreading the fungus.

Is Toenail Fungus Contagious?

Toenail fungus is contagious in the sense that it is possible to get it. However, most people are resistant to the fungus and will only develop it if there are some underlying problems like lower immunity, damaged nails, or prolonged exposure to moist, wet conditions surrounding the feet. Because toenail fungus is so common, you can expect that more than one person in a household may have it, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that one person passed it to another. The fungi, mold, and yeast that commonly cause toenail fungus are present in most moist, wet areas, including home bathrooms, bathtubs, and showers. A person “catches” toenail fungus by having weakened nails and then being exposed to the fungus, rather than simple exposure to another person with toenail fungus.

How to Treat Toenail Fungus

According to the Mayo Clinic, there are a number of treatments for toenail fungus. These treatments include oral medications, topical treatments, and surgery.

Oral medications work with your body to clear the infection more quickly than topical treatments but come with side effects like liver problems and skin rash.

Topical treatments can take longer to work, sometimes up to a year to clear a fungal infection. Surgery can be used to remove the infected nail and allow a new, healthy nail to grow. This treatment is usually only prescribed if the infection is very severe and/or painful.

Laser treatments are the easiest way to get rid of toenail fungus. Lasers target the fungi under the nail and kill it, with no side effects and no discomfort. Other than a slight warming sensation, the patients feel very little during treatment. Once the lasers have killed the fungus, the nail simply grows out, healthy and normal. In some cases, your podiatrist may recommend more than one laser treatment, to ensure that all fungi have been eliminated.

How to Treat Toenail Fungus at Home

There are several home remedies for toenail fungus. People use Vicks VapoRub, Snakeroot extract, essential oils, and hydrogen peroxide, among others. While some of these methods may work when the fungal infection is in the early stages, advanced toenail fungus needs to be treated in a doctors office for best results.

Will my Toenails Grow Back After Fungus Treatment?

Yes! After treatment, you can expect your toenail to continue to grow out at its natural rate, replacing the unsightly nail with a beautiful, healthy one.

Does Peroxide Get Rid of Toenail Fungus?

Hydrogen peroxide can kill fungus microbes. Soaking your foot in peroxide can, in some cases, help toenail fungus. However, because it is difficult for hydrogen peroxide to reach all of the areas of the toe where the fungus can grow, such as under the nail, in the nail bed, it can be difficult to completely treat advanced fungus with peroxide alone. Using peroxide as a preventive or early intervention tool can be quite effective, however.

Will Toenail Fungus Go Away on Its Own?

In most cases, toenail fungus will not go away on its own. It requires treatment to cure it and prevent the spread to other, healthy toenails.

Can I Cut My Toenails if They Have Fungus?

Yes, you can cut your toenails, even if they have fungus. To avoid spreading the fungus to other toenails, be sure to thoroughly clean the cutting instruments between toes using bleach or peroxide. To make cutting your toenails easier, soak your feet for ten minutes or so in warm water to soften the nails. Then, use sharp nail clippers to cut straight across, using small cuts to avoid splintering the nail and damaging the nail bed.

Does Nail Polish Cause Toenail Fungus?

While nail polish doesn’t exactly CAUSE toenail fungus, it can increase your chances of getting it. Dark nail polish, especially if worn all the time, can block sunlight from reaching your nail bed. Sunlight can kill fungus microbes and prevent toenail fungus from growing. Keeping your nails constantly covered up with polish can increase your chances for toenail fungus to grow. Also, nail salons are a place where you might come into contact with fungi if the nail technicians aren’t vigilant about cleaning pedicure instruments between customers. Use care in choosing a nail salon and, if possible, visit in the morning when instruments are generally the cleanest.

My Toenail Fell Off – Is It Fungus?

There are several reasons why your toenail might fall off. Trauma is the most common reason for losing a toenail. However, if your toenail thickens over time, lifting from the nail bed and eventually falling off, it is very likely a fungus and you should seek treatment from your podiatrist.

Can my fingernails get fungus?

Yes, any nail can get a fungal infection. It is not as common for fungal infections to infect a fingernail because hands are generally kept drier and not exposed as frequently to hot, damp, confined conditions.

Why Don’t Fingernails Get Fungal Infections As Often As Toenails?

Our feet are often confined for hours per day in hot, sweaty shoes. The shoes block the sunlight and don’t allow sweat to dry, creating an ideal environment for fungus and mold like athletes foot and toenail fungus to thrive. Hands get wet, but then are quickly dried, not providing the moist, wet conditions fungus need to grow.

What is the Best Treatment for Toenail Fungus?

The best treatment for toenail fungus is laser toenail fungus treatment. Clinical studies show that 80% of patients showed clearer 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.

To schedule a consultation to discuss your laser treatment for toenail fungus, call Dr. Kleis at  (714) 760-4944 

Laser Treatment For Toenail Fungus FAQs

Can Laser Treatments Clear up Toenail Fungus?

Laser treatments for nail fungus have been clinically proven to work. Nail fungus is often resolved after a single laser treatment. Most patients report that the appearance of their toenails is improved after a single treatment. However, a second or third treatment may be required for severe infections.

How Do Laser Toenail Fungus Treatments Work?

Focused laser light targets the fungal organisms that live in and under the toenail and nail bed. The light heats the tissue, destroying the fungal microbes and killing the toenail fungus.

The laser is pulsed to avoid overheating the surrounding tissues, making the treatment pain-free. No pain relievers will be required after the procedure and no anesthetic is necessary to perform it.

How Much do Laser Treatments for Toenail Fungus Cost?

Costs for laser toenail fungus treatments vary, depending on the severity of the infection and the number of treatments required. When you visit with Dr. Kleis, he will work with you to determine the best course of treatment and go over the expected cost with you.

Can I Make Payments on Laser Treatments for Nail fungus?

We offer financing through Care Credit. You can fill out an application online and get approval before you schedule your treatments. Make payments you can afford while achieving better nail health!

Do Laser Treatments Work for Toenail Fungus?

Laser treatments are one of the most effective ways to treat toenail fungus. Often in as little as one treatment, patients will see clear, beautiful nails begin to appear. Toenails grow slowly, however, and the damaged nail must be given time to grow out and be cut off before the whole nail will look perfectly restored.

How Many Laser Treatments Does it Take to Get Rid of Nail Fungus?

Many times a single laser treatment will get rid of toenail fungus. In very serious cases, it may take a second or even third treatment. Your podiatrist will be able to let you know how many treatments to expect.

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.

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.

How do I Prepare For Laser Nail Therapy?

When arriving for your laser nail treatment appointment, you should ensure that your feet are clean and free of all nail polish. Wear clean socks and plan to spend a minimum of an hour at the office. You will be able to wear your shoes again immediately after the treatment and drive yourself home from the office. If your toenail fungal infection is severe, Dr. Kleis may ask you to schedule an additional treatment session.

Orange County Laser Toenail Fungus Therapy

Laser treatments are one of the most effective ways to treat toenail fungus. Often in as little as one treatment, patients will see clear, beautiful nails begin to appear. Toenails grow slowly, however, and the damaged nail must be given time to grow out and be cut off before the whole nail will look perfectly restored.

Laser Nail Specialists and Dr. Kleis offer financing through Care Credit. You can fill out an application online and make payments you can afford while achieving better nail health!

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.

 

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