February 2015 Newsletter
Happy Valentine's Day, Toenail Fungus
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Where we love is home ~ home that our feet may leave, but not
our hearts.
Oliver Wendell Holmes
What Is Toenail Fungus?
Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is an infection underneath the
surface of the nail caused by fungi. When the tiny organisms take
hold, the nail often becomes darker in color and smells foul. Debris
may collect beneath the nail plate, white marks frequently appear
on the nail plate, and the infection is capable of spreading to other
toenails, the skin, or even the fingernails. If ignored, the infection
can spread and possibly impair your ability to work or even walk.
The resulting thicker nails are difficult to trim and make walking
painful when wearing shoes. Onychomycosis can also be
accompanied by a secondary bacterial or yeast infection in or
about the nail plate.
Causes
Because it is difficult to avoid contact with microscopic organisms
like fungi, the toenails are especially vulnerable around damp
areas where you are likely to be walking barefoot, such as
swimming pools, locker rooms, and showers, for example. Injury to
the nail bed may make it more susceptible to all types of infection,
including fungal infection. Those who suffer from chronic diseases,
such as diabetes, circulatory problems, or immune-deficiency
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February 2015 Newsletter
VALENTINE'S SPECIAL
Purchase the BASIC Base Coat, CLEAR Top
Coat and any POLISH Shade…. and we’ll give you REMEDY Remover
FREE!
*Tea Tree Oil *Vitamins
*Wheat Protein
Dr.'s REMEDY Remover non-acetone enriched nail polish remover Better than a non-acetone remover, Dr.'s REMEDY Remover is infused with vitamins, protein and a range of organic ingredients. We help you do something good for your nails even when taking the polish off.
*Valid through the month of February
Laser Treatment For Your Toenail Fungus
When you come to see us at New Mexico
Foot & Ankle Institute for a consult on your
nails you see a licensed doctor of podiatric
medicine. Our doctors have many years of
training as well as experience treating all
elements of nail disease. There are many
variables that go into the success of the
conditions, are especially prone to fungal nails. Other contributing
factors may be a history of athlete's foot and excessive
perspiration.
Symptoms
Toenail fungus is often ignored because the infection can be
present for years without causing any pain. The disease is
characterized by a progressive change in a toenail's quality and
color, which is often ugly and embarrassing.
Home Treatment
A daily routine of cleansing over a period of many months may
temporarily suppress mild infections. White markings that appear
on the surface of the nail can be filed off, followed by the
application of an over-the-counter liquid antifungal agent. However,
even the best over-the-counter treatments may not prevent a
fungal infection from coming back.
When to Visit a Podiatrist
You should visit a podiatrist when you notice any discoloration,
thickening, or deformity of your toenails. The earlier you seek
professional treatment, the greater your chance at getting your
nails to clear.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Treatments may vary, depending on the nature and severity of the
infection. Your podiatrist can detect a fungal infection early, culture
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February 2015 Newsletter
treatment including health and immune
system issues that only a physician can talk
to you about. A nail salon or spa will not be
able to fully evaluate you and let you know
what all the options are and which are best
tailored for you. We have been performing
the laser treatment for 4 years with great
success.
*FDA cleared for toenail fungus
*Proven clinical results
*Little to no discomfort - no anesthesia
*No harmful UV radiation
*Quick and safe
*No drugs or side effects
*No recovery time, just walk in and walk out
Meet Our Laser Nail Tech, Sami
LOVE your FEET...WE DO
We carry the following shoe
brands:
the nail, determine the cause, and form a suitable treatment plan,
which may include prescribing topical or oral medication, and
debridement (removal of diseased nail matter and debris) of an
infected nail.
Newer oral antifungals, approved by the Food and Drug
Administration, may be the most effective treatment. They offer a
shorter treatment regimen of approximately three months and
improved effectiveness. Your podiatrist may also prescribe a
topical treatment, which can be an effective treatment modality for
fungal nails.
In some cases, surgical treatment may be required. Temporary
removal of the infected nail can be performed to permit direct
application of a topical antifungal. Permanent removal of a
chronically painful nail that has not responded to any other
treatment permits the fungal infection to be cured and prevents the
return of a deformed nail.
Trying to solve the infection without the qualified help of a
podiatrist can lead to more problems. With new technical advances
in combination with simple preventive measures, the treatment of
this lightly regarded health problem can often be successful.
Prevention
Proper hygiene and regular inspection of the feet and toes are the
first lines of defense against fungal nails. Clean and dry feet resist
disease.
● Wash your feet with soap and water, remembering to dry
thoroughly.
● Wear shower shoes when possible in public areas.
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February 2015 Newsletter
We take care of your feet....so they'll take care of you!
● Change shoes, socks, or hosiery more than once daily.
● Clip toenails straight across so that the nail does not extend
beyond the tip of the toe.
● Wear shoes that fit well and are made of materials that
breathe.
● Avoid wearing excessively tight hosiery to decrease
moisture.
● Wear socks made of synthetic fiber that “wicks” moisture
away from your feet faster than cotton or wool socks do.
● Disinfect instruments used to cut nails.
● Disinfect home pedicure tools.
● Don't apply polish to nails suspected of infection (those that
are discolored, for example).
Is there any health risk to allowing a toenail fungus to
exist untreated over the long term?
Fungal infections of the nail can be difficult to treat. Plenty of remedies exist, but none are certain. And the one considered most effective, the drug Lamisil, is associated with rare cases of liver damage.
So it is no surprise that some people would consider covering up their feet and turning a blind eye to the problem. Most healthy young adults who ignore it will probably not notice any immediate issues. But over time, as the fungus progresses from the tip of the nail toward the cuticle, it can make the nail thick, discolored and brittle, and pain and inflammation become more likely.
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February 2015 Newsletter
In about one out of two dozen cases, the fungus migrates to other parts of the body, like the hands, back and legs. Older people or those taking medications that weaken the immune system, like chemotherapy drugs and corticosteroids, are particularly susceptible.
If you don’t treat it, you have an organism living in your nail that could spread. In most people, it probably won’t go beyond the foot. But there are some people who are at risk of getting it in the fingernails and other places.
The other problem with ignoring nail fungus is that the fungus creates cracks and openings in the skin where bacteria can sneak in and cause infections. For people who have nerve damage and poor circulation — someone with diabetic neuropathy, for example — this can have serious consequences.
Podiatrists frequently cite this as a cause of diabetic amputations. The fungus paves the way for bacteria, and it can definitely be a problem.
The longer you wait the harder it is to treat.
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Copyright © 2014 New Mexico Foot & Ankle Institute All rights reserved. February 2014 Newsletter Our mailing address is: 4343 Pan American Freeway NE Suite 234 Albuquerque, NM 87107 505.880.1000 OR 4801 McMahon Blvd. NW Suite 235 Albuquerque, NM 87114 505.872.3333 Our email address is: [email protected] Our website address is: http://www.nmfootandankle.com
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