Hello there, reader! Have you ever noticed a discoloured, thickened, or crumbly toenail on your feet and wondered what it could be? Well, it's time we shed some light on a common condition that affects many people - fungal nails, also known as onychomycosis. Don't let the fancy name scare you; we're here to break it down in simple terms.
Fungal nails are caused by, you guessed it, a fungal infection! These pesky infections can occur on both your fingernails and toenails. As A Step Ahead is here to conquer foot ails, we will stick to toenails today. They’re characterised by yellow or brown discolouration, thickening of the nails, and sometimes, but not all times, even a foul odour. Sounds unpleasant, right?
Now, you might be thinking, "I'm clean; I wash between my toes like Mum told me regularly, so I don't have to worry about this, right?" Welllllll, there's more to it than that.
There's a common misconception that poor hygiene is the cause of fungal nails. But here's the truth: fungal infections are highly contagious and can affect anyone. Yes, anyone! You can catch these infections from bathrooms, nail salons, or even through contact with contaminated surfaces even if you followed Mum's sage-like advice.
Another myth we often hear is that home remedies, such as tea tree oil, Vicks VapoRub, or vinegar, can effectively treat fungal nails. It sounds easy and convenient, doesn't it? However, the science behind these claims is limited. Creams, lotions, and paints often fail to penetrate the hard nail surface, making them less effective than we'd like them to be. What a shame; imagine the side hustle Vicks could have developed in summertime.
Thermal Laser - Unmasking Fungal Nails: Your Guide to Understanding and Treating Onychomycosis
So, what does work? Let's introduce you to a reliable and effective solution – thermal medical-grade laser treatment. This modern approach involves passing a beam of laser light over the infected area, heating the inside of the nail and the tissue underneath. The heat effectively kills both the fungus and its spores or eggs. What's more, it's safe, has minimal discomfort, some would say painless and takes approximately 45-60 minutes to treat all ten toenails. Sounds like a win-win situation, doesn't it?
But remember this: early treatment is key to a successful outcome. The longer you delay treatment, the higher the chance of the infection spreading and becoming more difficult to treat. It's crucial to seek treatment from qualified professionals who can provide a comprehensive approach to treating fungal nails.
The work doesn't stop once the fungus is treated. Proper aftercare is SUPER important to prevent reinfection. This includes taking care of the surrounding skin, your shoes, socks, and even the shower. And, when it comes to pedicures at nail salons, make sure to visit reputable nail technicians who follow proper sterilisation procedures. It’s a good idea to ask one of our foot Doctors, all qualified Podiatrists, what that might look like.
To sum it up, fungal nails are an unpleasant but common condition caused by a fungal infection. Despite the myths and misconceptions surrounding it, effective treatment is available in the form of medical-grade thermal laser therapy. Remember, early intervention and proper aftercare are essential to prevent further complications.
So, if you notice any signs of a fungal nail infection, give one of our super helpful team a call on 96732987. They'd LOVE to help. Our team have helped oodles of people just like you. They will chat with you to find out what's going on with your feet. Then, they will be able to suggest the best treatment options available to you. From there, they can help you find a time that suits you best and will make an appointment to see one of our highly qualified foot doctors.
Let's spread awareness, not fungus! Keep you and your nails happy, healthy and happy.
ABOUT DR BRENDEN BROWN
Dr Brenden Brown, Podiatrist & Shendi Brown
Founder of A Step Ahead Foot + Ankle Care in Sydney, and former president of the Australasian Podiatry Council, Dr Brenden Brown (A.K.A Dr Foot) is a wealth of knowledge on how to take care of your feet, including how to find the best shoes.
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Dr Brenden’s White paper report on the “6 Reasons You Won’t Beat Heal Pain” outlines what’s stopping you from beating this and tips on how to stop it in its tracks!