Laser Treatment for Toenail Fungus in Laguna Hills, CA

Located east of Laguna Canyon and Laguna Beach, lies the affluent neighborhood of Laguna Hills, California. Once a part of the Rancho Niguel land grant owned by Don Juan Avila, Laguna Hills was later purchased by Lewis Moulton and used to raise sheep and cattle. In the early 1960s, the Mouton Ranch was subdivided and housing development began.

Laguna Hills incorporated in 1991 and later annexed the nearby communities of North Laguna Hills and Westside. The City of Laguna Hills is home to approximately 31,000 people and serves as a bedroom community for people working in the greater Los Angeles area.

Expensive Lifestyles in Laguna Hills

According to Sperling’s, the Laguna Hills cost of living is double that of the US average. The primary reason for this is the increased cost of housing the city. Homes in Laguna Hills average 4 times the cost of houses in other parts of the country, with a median home cost of $760,300.

Things to do in Laguna Hills

Visitors and residents of Laguna Hills won’t have to travel far to find fun activities to fill their days.

Big Air Trampoline Park in Laguna Hills

Families with children will love visiting the Big Air Trampoline Park in Laguna Hills. Attractions at the Trampoline Park include the Big Court, The X Wall, The Battle Beam, The Laser Maze, The Big Slam, Extreme Dodgeball, The Pit, and Lil’ Air.

The Big Court is a matrix of trampolines that allow kids and adventurous adults to flip and fly from trampoline to trampoline. The X Wall is a rock climbing simulation wall that allows competitors to race the clock. The Battle Beam allows two competitors to joust on a narrow beam over a foam pit. The Laser Maze is the first trampoline-related laser maze on the West Coast. Competitors have to make it across the room without breaking a single laser beam!

Big Air Trampoline Park

23251 Avenida de la Carlota

Laguna Hills, CA  92653

(949) 305-9788

StressBusters Wellness Day Spa

If you’re living in or visiting Laguna Beach and you’re feeling stressed out, never fear! The StressBusters Wellness Day Spa on Moulton Pkwy offers a variety of services that are sure to relieve stress and leave you feeling like a new man or woman. The spa true love of StressBusters, according to their website, is healing massage. They choose organic products for all areas of the spa and focus on providing a soothing and beautiful spa experience.

StressBusters Wellness Day Spa

26548 Moulton Pkwy #D

Laguna Hills, CA  92653

(949) 831-1988

Parks in Laguna Hills

The City of Laguna Hills maintains fifteen beautiful parks that offer picnic tables, playground equipment, softball and baseball fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, BBQ grills, and shelters.

Beckenham Park

Alicia Parkway

Laguna Hills, Ca  92653

Cabot Park

Cabot Road and Rapid Falls Road

Laguna Hills, CA  92653

Clarington Park

Alicia Parkway

Laguna Hills, CA  92653

Costeau Park

Alicia Parkway and Costeau

Laguna Hill, CA  92653

El Conejo Park

Paseo de Valencia

Laguna Hills, CA  92653

More Laguna Hills Parks

Toenail Fungus in Laguna Hills is No Walk in the Park

For residents of Laguna Hills suffering from toenail fungus, a walk in the park may be out of the question. Toenail fungus can cause the toenail to thicken, putting pressure on toes and making it uncomfortable and even painful to walk.

Toenail Fungus Pain is a Problem in Laguna Hills

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 do I know if it’s toenail fungus?

Some 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

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!

Cool Laser Technology for Treating Toenail Fungus

Dr. Jeffery Kleis stays on the cutting edge of technology when it comes to fighting toenail fungus for his patients. In the past, Dr. Kleis has used two lasers in his practice, allowing him to better target a wider variety of microbes and achieve a higher rate of success for his patients.

Recent advances in cool laser technology have led to the development of the LunaLaser by Erchonia, a world leader in medical laser technology. The LunaLaser allows for the treatment of toenail fungus without the use of heat. The dual diode delivery mechanism employed by the Luna Laser focuses two wavelengths of visible light on the infected tissues, creating a combining effect of Nitric Oxide and Reactive Oxygen Species within the cells. This combination results in the creation of peroxynitrite, basically a type of naturally occurring hydrogen peroxide, which eliminates fungal pathogens within the tissues.

All of this laser treatment has been tested and proven to be clinically effective in four separate, independent trials. In addition to being effective in up to 89% of trial participants, not a single adverse reaction was reported by any participant in the trial.

Cool laser treatment for toenail fungus will not be uncomfortable and patients can return to normal activities immediately after treatment. The treatments are taken in the physician’s office and last no more than thirty minutes. More than one treatment may be required to achieve maximum results.

Find out if you’re a candidate for treating toenail fungus with laser technology by scheduling an appointment with Dr. Kleis today!

Toenail Fungus Treatment

There are several different treatments for men and women suffering from toenail fungus. Oral medications are extremely 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.

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! 

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 using heat lasers 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.

Recent advances in cool laser technology have led to the development of the LunaLaser by Erchonia, a world leader in medical laser technology. The LunaLaser allows for the treatment of toenail fungus without the use of heat. The dual diode delivery mechanism employed by the Luna Laser focuses two wavelengths of visible light on the infected tissues, creating a combining effect of Nitric Oxide and Reactive Oxygen Species within the cells. This combination results in the creation of peroxynitrite, basically a type of naturally occurring hydrogen peroxide, which eliminates fungal pathogens within the tissues.

All of this laser’s treatments have been tested and proven to be clinically effective in four separate, independent trials. In addition to being effective in up to 89% of trial participants, not a single adverse reaction was reported by any participant in the trial.

Cool laser treatment for toenail fungus will not be uncomfortable and patients can return to normal activities immediately after treatment. The treatments are taken in the physician’s office and last no more than thirty minutes. More than one treatment may be required to achieve maximum results.

Call Dr. Kleis today to schedule a consultation about laser treatment for your toenail fungus. 

Toenail Fungus FAQs

What Causes Toenail Fungus?

Fungal infections of the toenails are most often caused by exposure to moist, wet areas. Communal showers, such as those found at a gym or public pool are often sources of infection. Having athletes foot is also a risk factor for developing toenail fungus, as athletes foot is a fungus that can, over time, infect the nail bed, as well.

Tight fitting shoes, worn for long periods of time in hot, sweaty conditions, also provide an environment for toenail fungus to gain a foothold. Repeated trauma to the toenail can weaken the nails and provide an opportunity for toenail fungus to begin.

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 immuno-suppressive medications like steroids.

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.

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.

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 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, eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, oregano oil, 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.

How do you get toenail fungus?

Fungal infections of the toenails are most often caused by exposure to moist, wet areas. Communal showers, such as those found at a gym or public pool are often sources of infection. Having athletes foot is also a risk factor for developing toenail fungus, as athletes foot is a fungus that can, over time, infect the nail bed, as well.

Tight fitting shoes, worn for long periods of time in hot, sweaty conditions, also provide an environment for toenail fungus to gain a foothold. Repeated trauma to the toenail can weaken the nails and provide an opportunity for toenail fungus to begin.

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.

Does Peroxide Get Rid of Toenail Fungus?

Hydrogen peroxide can kill fungus microbes. Soaking your foot in peroxide can, in some cases, help get  rid of 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 eliminate 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.

Best Toenail Fungus Treatment In Southern California

If you’re looking for the best laser treatment for toenail fungus in Southern California, 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. 

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Please contact us for any questions or to make an appointment. One of our friendly office staff members will be in touch with you shortly. Contact Dr. Jeffrey Kleis for a consultation and get your feet ready for summer today.

714-760-4944

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