My Toenail Fungus Is Embarrassing; Can You Help?

Our feet get exposed to a lot, particularly if we spend time barefoot. You don’t just run the risk of a stubbed toe or stepping on something sharp. Going barefoot can also expose your feet to infections living on the ground. 

Toenail fungus is a perfect example. The fungus behind this infection can thrive on damp floors and spreads relatively easily from foot to foot. By some estimates, 14% of adults currently have this infection. If you picked up a case yourself, you’re probably wondering how to get rid of it.

If you’re embarrassed about toenail fungus, we have good news. Here at Vittori Foot & Ankle Specialist in Homer Glen and New Lenox, Illinois, Christopher Vittori, DPM, and Ameet Thakrar, DPM, offer targeted treatment for toenail fungus. With laser therapy, we can eradicate this infection and restore your foot health. 

Targeting and destroying toenail fungus

Unfortunately, toenail fungus usually doesn’t go away on its own. Fortunately, we have treatment specifically designed to get rid of it.

Here at Vittori Foot & Ankle Specialist, Dr. Thakrar and Dr. Vittori offer laser-based treatment. Using a specialized type of focused light energy, we can reach through your nail to the fungus living underneath. The laser treats the fungus by heating it, destroying it while sterilizing your nail. 

If we catch the fungal infection early, one treatment might be enough to fully eradicate it. Most people don’t notice toenail fungus until it’s had time to take hold, though. To ensure we fully destroy the fungus behind your toenail issue, we may recommend a series of laser treatments. We space these a few weeks apart. 

The laser therapy gives us a way to eradicate toenail fungus, restoring your toe health. But this treatment doesn’t do anything to prevent the infection from coming back. For that, you need to take some preventive measures. 

Preventing future toenail fungus infections

Because the fungus behind toenail infections can thrive in damp spaces, it’s important to wear shoes in any wet areas that you share, like pools, locker rooms, or dorm showers. Even a simple slide or flip-flop provides a barrier to keep this fungus off your foot.

Also, don’t share nail clippers. If you get pedicures, make sure you visit a properly licensed establishment that sterilizes their nail tools. 

If any fungus does come into contact with your feet, your best bet to prevent it from taking hold is to keep your feet clean and dry. Dry them thoroughly after you shower or bathe, including between your toes. Choose breathable shoes, and, if you’re prone to sweaty feet, bring a spare pair of socks you can change into. 

With targeted treatment to destroy the toenail fungus and strategies to prevent it from coming back, you should be able to keep your feet free of this potentially embarrassing problem. To schedule your first laser therapy appointment, call us or schedule it online today.