The area of the toes is generally warm and damp, unfortunately making it a great area for fungus to grow. If left untreated, the fungal infection can spread, which is why it’s so important to get professional help early on and look into your treatment options.

Fungal infections occur due to fungus getting through the cracks of the toes or cuts in your skin. Common signs that you may have a fungal infection include thicker than normal toenails, oddly shaped toenails, discoloration, a yellowish hue to the nail, and separation of the nail and nail bed. Fungal infections can affect anyone but are most common among men, those with diabetes or athlete’s foot, and smokers. The risk of having toenail fungus also increases as you age, if another family member has it, and if you have a weaker immune system.

To avoid getting a fungal infection, it’s important that you wash your feet daily with soap and water, making sure to get in between your toes, and dry the feet well. When cutting your toenails, make sure the clippers you’re using are clean and that you’re cutting straight across. It’s also important that you wear shoes in areas where fungus can thrive, such as wet public places like swimming pools or locker rooms.

If you believe you’re experiencing a fungal toenail infection, we recommend that you speak with a podiatrist as soon as possible for a proper diagnosis and suggested plan for treatment.

A fungal toenail infection can be difficult to live with. Not only does it cause changes in the texture and color of your toenails, but toenail fungus can also become painful and even dangerous to those who have conditions that affect their immune systems. Traditional treatments like topical ointments and oral antifungal drugs are not always effective, and often bring about unwanted side effects. Fortunately, there have been recent leaps in laser therapy for treating fungal nail infections.

ToeFX ClearToe Therapy is a safe, simple, and non-toxic laser treatment for toenail fungus. Using light to kill the fungus, it helps clear up fungal nail infections in as little as 6 to 10 treatment sessions. During the treatment process, a topical antimicrobial is applied to your nails. Next, the ClearToe Therapy Light is placed over your foot for 30 minutes at a time to kill the toenail fungus beneath the surface of the nails.

A research study looking at the efficacy of ToeFX ClearToe Therapy found that 97% of treated toes responded to the treatment, with 76% of studied toes showing excellent to outstanding results. If you suffer from toenail fungus, consult with a podiatrist today to see if this treatment may be right for you.