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| Mild case of Onychomycosis. Image provided by AAFP. |
Is There Actually A Fungus Among Us?
First, don’t be embarrassed. It really is more common than you think. And, there is hope that you will be able to
wear those sandals and flip-flops without feeling self-conscious about your
toenails. It is also important to know
that your toenails may not actually have a fungal infection despite their
appearance. For that reason, we usually
begin by taking a sample of the affected nail to be microscopically analyzed
for fungal elements. This takes a few
days to process, but it is worth knowing with surety that there is an actual
fungal problem before beginning treatment.
Oral Therapy
This is probably the most common treatment prescribed by
us. Oral antifungal medication is very
effective. It usually involves taking
one pill daily for up to three months.
As with any medication, there are potential risks and side effects. One of these being possible elevation of
liver enzymes. For this reason, we may
require some blood work to ensure your liver is in good health before beginning
treatment. Despite these potential
risks and side effects, the medication has proven to be safe and produce
favorable results.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy for fungal toenails is the latest in
antifungal treatment advancement and has also shown good outcomes. It is a non-painful option for people that
may not be a good candidate for oral therapy, or others who may have tried
other treatments with poor results.
Sometimes people just don’t want to deal with medication and their
potential side effects, so this option is preferred. It is safe, effective, and becoming a more
popular option for our patients. This
treatment is not currently covered by insurance plans. If interested, please inquire our office
staff for more information on treatment costs.
Topical Therapy
Topical therapy can be a good option for certain types
of fungal infections. It involves daily
application of a liquid medication in the form of a clear lacquer. At Cascade Foot and Ankle, we strive to
provide the most effective treatment options available. This includes a topical that combines three
different and powerful antifungal medications that encompass a very broad
spectrum of fungal species. This can be
especially effective when combined with one of the other previously mentioned
treatments. We even offer nail polish in
a wide variety of colors that can help treat and prevent fungal infections.
Don’t Give Up Hope!
With any of these treatment options, patience is
required. It can take three to six
months before any results are seen.
Onychomycosis can be a difficult problem to treat but we make sure to
provide the most effective treatments available to give our patients their best
opportunity to heal. Please schedule a visit if you are concerned about your toenails, and we will help provide a
treatment that best suits your needs.
