Fungal Infections of the Toe Nails

Our skin normally has a collection of fungus growing on it. These fungi do not, under normal conditions, cause infections or problems. When a number of other circumstances are present, though, problems may occur. Fungi need three things to grow: darkness, warmth and moisture. The first two we cannot change. We have to wear shoes and our normal body temperature is 98.6 degrees. The third factor is the one that varies. Some people perspire more than others, especially in the hands and feet. This overabundance of moisture allows fungus to thrive. This leads to fungus overgrowth on the skin (often referred to as athlete's foot), under the nails (this causes the nails to become thick and discolored and hard to care for), and foul-smelling feet (caused by the fungus that are now thriving on the skin and in the shoes). Some over-the-counter agents are effective, but your foot doctor can recommend the most effective antifungal treatments as well as prescription agents to decrease perspiration.

There are very few effective treatments for Nail Fungus at this time. It has been shown that the very best available conventional treatments are only 70% effective. These treatments include topical medications available only from the office of your Doctor of Podiatric Medicine. With regular use as directed by your doctor, you can see clinical improvement within 4 months and complete resolution of the fungus within 12-18 months. This requires use of the medication every day in order to maintain an effective level of medication within the nails.

Other effective treatments include Oral Antifungal Agents such as Lamisil, Griseofulvin, Diflucan, etc. These medications show the same maximum effectiveness as the most effective topical medications. They do, of course, have possible adverse effects that include but are not limited to liver and kidney damage.This damage can be reversible or permanent. Your Doctor of Podiatric Medicine will usually run certain bloodwork to be sure that there are no underlying conditions that would increase your risk of these adverse effects. At azcryo, Dr. Rampertab usually recommends trying a topical medication prior to considering the oral options.

The newest treatment for Nail Fungus that is being promoted at this time is Laser Treatment of Nail Fungus. This treatment is now available in every state and there are usually 3 or 4 Doctors of Podiatric Medicine in every city advertising this treatment. It should be made clear (and it usually is not) that not all Lasers currently being used for this treatment are FDA APPROVED for the treatment of Fungus Nails. At this time, there is ONLY ONE LASER THAT IS FDA APPROVED FOR THE TREATMENT OF FUNGUS NAILS. This cannot be stressed more. Because of its cosmetic nature, this treatment is considered non-covered by Insurance Companies. The patient is required to pay for this treatment. These treatments can cost as much as $1000. 

At AZCryo, Dr. Rampertab now has the newest in FDA-approved Laser technology available for the treatment of fungal infections of the nails and skin.  Call to schedule a consultation and find out more about this very new and cutting edge therapy and its success rate.

There are never any guarantees for the treatment of these very resistant nail infections but with the newest technology and proven treatment regimen, this cost-effective option is a much better alternative than oral medications with their associated side effects.  We look forward to guiding you through a successful treatment!