Toenail fungus, also known as Onychomycosis, is a common fungal infection of the toenail. It grows beneath the nail, causing it to thicken and discolor. As the infection progresses, the nail may become brittle and break or pull away from the toe. It is generally not painful, although if left untreated, the skin beneath or around the affected nail could become inflamed or infected. If that occurs, walking or even wearing shoes could become difficult.
Laser Toenail Fungus Removal at a Glance
It is possible to contract it from going barefoot in places like:
- Public and Community Pool Areas
- Gyms and Locker Rooms
- Hotels and Pedicure Salons
- Wearing damp, infected socks and shoes or work boots for long hours may also create conditions for toe fungus.
Overall, moist unsanitized conditions encourage fungus growth. However, you are not alone! At Reflections, we make it painless and affordable to treat your toe fungus once and for all! Our laser toenail fungus removal in Virginia is specifically designed to treat toenail fungus and has no side effects.
We recommend treating all ten toes due to the contagious nature of Onychomycosis. The treatment that is most effective and affordable option over the long term.
What are the signs and symptoms of Toenail Fungus?
Infected nails often have one or more of the following signs that may be unsightly:
- Yellow Streaks in the skin under the nail (nail bed) and on the underside of the nail.
- Build up of bits and pieces of skin and nail fragments under the nail.
- Discolored and thickened nail that may separate from the skin under the nail.
- Brittle, broken, and thickened nail.
- White spots or streaks on the nail surface.
- Soft and powdery nail surface (as the infection worsens).
- Damaged, crumbly, and brown or gray nail surface (with no separation of the nail from the underlying skin).
What are the causes of nail infection?
Nail infections are usually caused by fungi (including yeasts and molds). Most fungal nail infections are caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes, which means “skin plants” in Greek. The most common fungi that causes nail infection disease in animals and humans are Trichophyton rebrum, Trichophyton mentagrophyte, and Candida Albicans. These fungi can live on the layer of dead skin around your nails, in the space under your nail, and in the nail itself.
How does Laser toenail fungus removal in Virginia work?
The laser delivers light energy to gently heat the toenail bed and kill the toenail fungus and fungal spores. This process makes the laser ideal for the safe and effective desired result of toenail clearing. The laser energy alters fungal cellular metabolism and at increased temperature (42°C), fungal organisms’ cell components are damaged. There is also a photo-chemical effect that further damages fungal cell enzymes and proteins. Fungal cell membranes are also damaged by the laser resulting in fungal death and toenail clearance.
How long does the procedure take?
Depending on how many toes are affected, laser toenail fungus removal in Virginia will take 15-30 minutes.
Is the treatment painful?
No, most people feel a slight warming sensation during the procedure. No pain medication is needed and most people find the treatment very easy to tolerate.
How many treatments will I need?
Some patients only need two treatments of laser toenail fungus removal in Virginia, but some need more if they have severe cases of toenail fungus.
Are there any restrictions on my activity post procedure?
You can resume your normal activities immediately.
When will I see results?
You won’t notice anything immediately following treatment. However, as your nail grows out, the new nail growth should be clear. Toe nails grow slowly –especially nails infected with fungus. So, it may take 6-12 months for your toenail to clear.
Will the fungus come back?
Reinfection with toenail fungus may be acquired anywhere from your environment, for example, in damp areas such as public swimming pools. At Reflections Image Center & Skincare Institute, we will provide you with the necessary tools and techniques to prevent toenail fungus from reoccurring.
When can I apply nail polish?
While it is important to remove nail polish, decoration and jewelry prior to treatment, you can reapply nail polish 24 hours after laser toenail fungus removal in Virginia. We also have antifungal nail polish that come in a variety of colors.
How does laser toenail fungus compare to other toenail fungus treatments?
Traditional treatments such as nail trimming, topical medicine, oral medicine or nail removal have significant drawbacks. Nail trimming doesn’t treat the fungus. Topical medicines need to be applied for 12 months and have a low success rate. Oral medicines are taken for 3 months but can cause liver or kidney problems. Laser therapy is a quick, easy, safe, effective procedure that treats the fungus at the source.
For more information about laser toenail fungus removal in Virginia, contact us today by calling our office at (703)539-6002.
Before and After Photos
