Nail fungus treatment classic and with laser

 Nail fungus treatment classic and with laser

Nail fungus treatment
Nail fungus is uncomfortable. Not only do the nails look unsightly, the disease can also cause pain and impair walking. Nail fungus, also called onychomycosis, is an infection of the toenails or fingernails. This infection is usually caused by thread fungi. In rare cases, yeast or mold are the cause. Thread fungi feel particularly comfortable on the surface of the body, because in skin, hair and nails they find the keratin on which they feed. In addition, thread fungi like moisture and warmth, which is why they prefer spaces between the toes, groin, skin folds and armpits.

Nail Fungus Treatments Products

What are the causes of nail fungus?
There are many causes of nail fungus. The risk of infection is greatest in public baths, saunas, fitness studios or showers and changing rooms, because many people run barefoot here. The fungi are transmitted through contact with pathogens that are found in flakes of skin, for example. In these sheds, the fungi can persist for days or even weeks and months.

Tight, pressing shoes also promote the development of athlete's foot. The nail fungus is often caused by athlete's foot that spreads to the nails. A direct infection of the nails is also possible. Then small cavities form under the nails, in which the nail fungus settles. The development of nail fungus is favored by a weakened immune defense, which is often associated with metabolic diseases such as diabetes. Athletes are also often affected, as the fungus feels comfortable in the warm, humid climate of sports shoes, swimming pools and changing rooms and is also easily transmitted.

How do you recognize nail fungus? What are the symptoms?
The first signs of nail fungus are difficult to recognize and are therefore hardly noticed by those affected. Initially, the symptoms only show up on the nail edges with slight discoloration. Only when the infection spreads are white, yellowish or brownish discolorations to be seen in the nail plate. The nails thicken and lose their shine.

recognize nail fungus

The classic nail fungus treatment in the podiatry practice
Nail fungus can be treated well with a nail fungus treatment. Nail fungus therapy looks like this:

• We carefully remove the diseased nail material with rotating, diamond-coated files. By grinding, we can reach cavities in the nails where the fungus has settled.
• The removal of the nails is repeated until no more diseased nail material grows back.
• For further nail fungus treatment, fungicidal creams or varnishes are applied according to the instructions for use. After sanding, these active ingredient creams or medical nail polishes can then work exactly where they belong. The active ingredient does not have to penetrate the diseased nail plate first.
• The duration of treatment for nail fungus also depends on the growth of the nail. This has to grow out completely healthy one day. Only then should the active ingredient cream or the varnish for nail fungus treatment be discontinued.

The gentle laser treatment for nail fungus
During laser treatment, the fungal spores in the nail are destroyed using a laser. The laser pulses are applied to the nail plate and nail bed and thus reach the infected areas. The nail itself and the surrounding tissue are not damaged. A previous removal of the nail plate increases the effectiveness of the painless laser treatment. The heat that penetrates the nail plate kills the fungus.

The duration of the entire laser treatment and the number of sessions vary depending on the course of the disease.

Side effects are not known. The costs for the treatment are not covered by the statutory health insurance funds, but there are private health insurance companies that participate.

Varnishes, creams or tablets against nail fungus
Anyone who suffers from nail fungus may have to spend a lot of time and patience to get rid of it. Treatment with colorless paints or creams without a prescription can take a long time. Prescription tablets that the doctor prescribes for therapy also usually have to be taken over a period of several weeks and months. They work much better than treatment with varnishes or creams, but they also have more side effects. The tablets inhibit the growth of the fungi or kill them. However, depending on the active ingredient, dizziness, stomach and intestinal problems or skin rashes can be triggered. Interactions with other active ingredients can also occur. Some nail fungus tablets may be taboo for people with medical conditions, as well as for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Beware of home remedies!
Of course there are also one or the other home remedy that is used for nail fungus. However, the effects of home remedies have not been scientifically proven. A home remedy is usually not enough to fight nail fungus: All of these remedies are too weak to do anything against the fungi that sit deep in and under the nail. They only appear superficial, if at all.

On the contrary, caution is required when using home remedies, because the fungus can continue to spread unhindered and the symptoms can worsen. Also, using home remedies can lead to allergies, irritation, and inflammation. Well-known home remedies include tea tree oil and vinegar, which are considered anti-inflammatory and are often used as natural preparations. But alcohol, toothpaste, herbs, essential oils, and even baking soda are also recommended. Even your own urine is said to help against nail fungus. The uric acid actually works against the fungus, but it is only so weakly contained in the urine that it can only work in the early stages.   

How can you prevent nail fungus?
To prevent nail fungus from developing in the first place, the following tips should be observed.

• Do not walk barefoot in public areas. If nail fungus has already spread in the family, special care is required: So at least wear socks at home and your own bathing shoes when showering! And please do not lay out bath mats!
• Wash feet daily with mild soap and dry well. In particular, the spaces between the toes must be carefully rubbed dry. Before putting on stockings and shoes, let your feet air dry.
• Never wear shoes that are too small and airy shoes as often as possible to avoid a damp climate in the shoe. Prefer shoes made of breathable material, such as fabric and leather. With additional aids, such as foot powder or sweat-absorbing insoles made of terry cloth, you can ensure a good shoe climate.
• Always wear your own (bathing) shoes in the sauna, swimming pool and hotel and dry your feet and spaces between your toes well after the bath.

Additional tips that support nail fungus treatment
With a sugar-free diet, the body's defenses are promoted and the nail fungus is deprived of its breeding ground. Those who also eat a healthy and balanced diet strengthen their immune system and the nail fungus has a harder time spreading unhindered.

Thorough hygiene is essential to prevent renewed nail fungus infestation. The treatment is only complete when the healthy nail has completely grown back. Unfortunately, this can take a while, especially with toenails. Socks and towels should therefore be washed at 60 degrees, better still at 90 degrees, because the fungi can survive on textiles and in shoes. Bathroom rugs also belong in the washing machine on a regular basis. Tiles and shower trays can be treated with a disinfectant.