Onychomycosis (Toe Nail Fungi)

Fotona’s ClearSteps^™ Onychomycosis Treatment is a revolutionary, patient-friendly method for treating onychomycosis (toenail fungus). It is a simple and effective procedure that uses the power of Nd:YAG laser light to heat evenly throughout the depth of the effected nail and skin tissue, effectively weakening and killing parasitic fungi which have infected the patient’s nails.

Safe and Effective, Without Side-Effects

Deep, pulse-profile heating of the nail bed stimulates the killing of parasitic fungus. The natural growth and immune processes of the body are then able to restore the nail to its pristine state. Compared to traditional methods, the effects of laser light spread evenly throughout the tissue and are not subject to either the limits of chemical diffusion (as are topicals) or the induction of hepatoxic side effects (as is the case with oral medications).

Toenail Fungus: Causes and How to Treat It

Toenail fungus is a common infection of the toenails, causing discoloration and breakages. Infections can begin in the nail bed, which is underneath the actual nail, or in the nail itself. Fungal nail infections can affect your fingernails, but they usually affect your toenails.

Key facts about toenail fungus

• Toenail fungus is an infection of the nail bed, nail plate, or both.
• The infection typically begins at the side or the front of the nail before spreading to the whole nail.
• Symptoms include brittle nails, thickened nails, detachment of the nail, and discoloration.
• Treatments for toenail fungus include topical medications and oral antifungals.

What is toenail fungus?

Toenail fungus is a fungal infection of the toenails. Specifically, it is an infection of the nail plate, nail bed, or both. The nail plate is the part of the toenail you can see. It is normally hard and translucent. The nail bed runs underneath the nail plate and anchors the nail plate to the toe. When these structures become infected, the nail can turn different colors, thicken, crack, crumble, and even lift off the nail bed.

The toenails are more likely than fingernails to get a fungal infection. This is because toenails grow slower, have less blood supply, and are more often in dark, moist environments compared with fingernails.

Who gets it?

Toenail fungus is very common, affecting about 20% of the population.

Some people are more likely to develop it, such as:

• older adults
• those living in hot climates
• those who have their feet in water often
• those wearing tight fitting shoes for a long period of time
• those who often walk bare foot in hot, humid places, such as a pool or public shower
• those with specific conditions, such as athlete’s foot, cancer, diabetes, poor circulation, or a weakened immune system

The increased risk with age may relate to reduced blood flow, slower growing nails, and a weaker immune system.

What are the symptoms of toenail fungus?

The big toe is the most common site for a fungal toenail infection. The infection typically starts at the front or side edge of the nail.

Symptoms can first appear as a spot or small area at the edge, but they can eventually cover the whole nail. The infection causes progressive changes in the toenail and can spread to other toenails.

Common symptoms of toenail fungus

Some common symptoms may include:

• brittle, split, cracked, ragged, or crumbling nails
• changes or distortions in shape
• detachment or lifting of the nail from the nail bed
• nail thickening, which makes nails difficult to trim
• unpleasant or slightly foul odor
• yellow, white, or brown discoloration of the nail

Toenail fungal infections are usually not painful, especially in mild cases. The infection may remain this way for years. 

Pain can develop as the nail thickens and becomes damaged or if the infection is severe. The pain can make it difficult to walk or wear closed toe shoes. It is important to seek treatment for ongoing symptoms of toenail fungus to prevent these complications.

Toenail fungus can spread to other nails, causing damage and pain if the nails become too thick. Like many other health problems, early treatment is more effective and can help prevent complications.

What does toenail fungus look like?

Fungal infections cause nail thickening, cracking, and yellowing. Toenails become very thick and brittle from fungal infections.

What causes toenail fungus?

Most toenail fungal infections come from a fungus called dermatophytes. These organisms survive on keratin, which is a key protein in skin and nails. They also thrive in warm, moist environments. The most common dermatophyte that causes toenail infections is Trichophyton.

Toenail fungus often starts as athlete’s foot, which is a dermatophyte infection of the skin on the foot. The infection spreads from the skin between the toes to the toenails.

Athlete’s foot spreads easily from person to person in contaminated areas, such as public pools, showers, or locker rooms.

What are the risk factors for toenail fungus?

Anyone can get toenail fungus, but several factors increase the risk of developing it. You are more likely to develop a fungal toenail infection if you have any of the following risk factors:

• age, as it is common in older adults
• wear tight fitting shoes
• spend a lot of time in water
• walk barefoot in hot humid places, like public pools or showers
• live in a hot, humid climate
• have certain conditions, such athlete’s foot, diabetes, cancer, poor circulation, or a weak immune system

How is toenail fungus prevented?

Preventing athlete’s foot is important because it is often the source of toenail fungus infections. If athlete’s foot develops, treating it promptly can help prevent toenail fungus infections.

Other ways to lower your risk of developing toenail fungus include:

• alternating the shoes you wear each day to allow them to completely dry between each wear
• choosing socks made of cotton and other natural fibers and changing damp socks often
• exposing your feet to air and wearing properly fitting shoes with adequate ventilation
• keeping your toenails trimmed and not sharing nail clippers and tools with others
• avoiding going barefoot in public spaces by wearing shower shoes, flip flops, or swim shoes