The upcoming warmer months mean that it's time to wear sandals and other open-toed shoes for lots of people. However, if you are dealing with toenail fungus, wearing shoes that show off your unsightly toes is probably the furthest thing from your mind. Toenail fungus can affect just one toe or multiple toes at the same time. This is a highly contagious condition and can easily infect adjacent toes if not promptly treated. Dr. Joseph Stuto, Dr. Steven Stuto, and Dr. Joseph Stuto from Stuto Foot Specialist offer toenail laser fungus treatment in Brooklyn Heights, NY. This therapy is a relatively new, advanced treatment for toenail fungus.
What Causes Toenail Fungus?
The most common cause of toenail fungus is an organism called dermatophytes. If you are unlucky enough to host dermatophytes on your toes, they feed on keratin protein that makes up your toenails. This fungus loves warm and moist areas.
This presents a catch-22 as the physical appearance of this fungus is why you may not want to wear open-toed shoes. But, the fungus will reproduce when wearing warm, sweaty socks and shoes.
What Are the Symptoms?
Toenail fungus will cause unpleasant visible physical symptoms, but they won't look the same in all people who are playing host to the fungus. Other symptoms may be:
- A change in color of the nail to a yellowish appearance
- White dots will show up on toenails in some cases.
- A thickening of the nail
- Warped or unnaturally shaped nails
- Peeling, brittle nails that break easily
- Foul odor coming from the toenail
- Separation of the toenail from the nailbed can occur in severe cases
How Can Laser Treatment Help My Toenail Fungus?
Laser treatment is a non-invasive therapy that requires no surgery or medication. It boasts a higher efficacy rate than topical and oral medications. In Brooklyn Heights, NY, toenail laser fungus treatment is the most effective therapy for this condition.
What Does the Procedure Entail?
Toenail fungus will not go away on its own. Once it has taken hold of your toes, it's there to stay unless external intervention is applied.
Laser treatment devices emit that kill the fungus. They do this by producing vibrations of energy. The heat penetrates the nail and destroys infected tissue. The heat produced by the lasers also sterilizes the area, which prevents new fungi from infecting your toenail.
Usually, just one visit is needed to destroy all the fungus. Rarely, more severe cases require several sessions to eradicate the fungus. This procedure requires no post-treatment downtime.
Contact Us
Don't be limited in your choice of shoewear this summer! Take advantage of toenail laser fungus treatment in Brooklyn Heights, NY. Schedule a consultation with one of the Drs, Stuto at Stuto Foot Specialist to discuss this treatment by calling (718) 624-7537.