February 2015 Newsletter

Happy Valentine's Day, Toenail Fungus

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Where we love is home ~ home that our feet may leave, but not

our hearts.

Oliver Wendell Holmes

What Is Toenail Fungus?

Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is an infection underneath the

surface of the nail caused by fungi. When the tiny organisms take

hold, the nail often becomes darker in color and smells foul. Debris

may collect beneath the nail plate, white marks frequently appear

on the nail plate, and the infection is capable of spreading to other

toenails, the skin, or even the fingernails. If ignored, the infection

can spread and possibly impair your ability to work or even walk.

The resulting thicker nails are difficult to trim and make walking

painful when wearing shoes. Onychomycosis can also be

accompanied by a secondary bacterial or yeast infection in or

about the nail plate.

Causes

Because it is difficult to avoid contact with microscopic organisms

like fungi, the toenails are especially vulnerable around damp

areas where you are likely to be walking barefoot, such as

swimming pools, locker rooms, and showers, for example. Injury to

the nail bed may make it more susceptible to all types of infection,

including fungal infection. Those who suffer from chronic diseases,

such as diabetes, circulatory problems, or immune-deficiency

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February 2015 Newsletter

VALENTINE'S SPECIAL

Purchase the BASIC Base Coat, CLEAR Top

Coat and any POLISH Shade…. and we’ll give you REMEDY Remover

FREE!

*Tea Tree Oil *Vitamins

*Wheat Protein

Dr.'s REMEDY Remover non-acetone enriched nail polish remover Better than a non-acetone remover, Dr.'s REMEDY Remover is infused with vitamins, protein and a range of organic ingredients. We help you do something good for your nails even when taking the polish off.

*Valid through the month of February

Laser Treatment For Your Toenail Fungus

When you come to see us at New Mexico

Foot & Ankle Institute for a consult on your

nails you see a licensed doctor of podiatric

medicine. Our doctors have many years of

training as well as experience treating all

elements of nail disease. There are many

variables that go into the success of the

conditions, are especially prone to fungal nails. Other contributing

factors may be a history of athlete's foot and excessive

perspiration.

Symptoms

Toenail fungus is often ignored because the infection can be

present for years without causing any pain. The disease is

characterized by a progressive change in a toenail's quality and

color, which is often ugly and embarrassing.

Home Treatment

A daily routine of cleansing over a period of many months may

temporarily suppress mild infections. White markings that appear

on the surface of the nail can be filed off, followed by the

application of an over-the-counter liquid antifungal agent. However,

even the best over-the-counter treatments may not prevent a

fungal infection from coming back.

When to Visit a Podiatrist

You should visit a podiatrist when you notice any discoloration,

thickening, or deformity of your toenails. The earlier you seek

professional treatment, the greater your chance at getting your

nails to clear.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Treatments may vary, depending on the nature and severity of the

infection. Your podiatrist can detect a fungal infection early, culture

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February 2015 Newsletter

treatment including health and immune

system issues that only a physician can talk

to you about. A nail salon or spa will not be

able to fully evaluate you and let you know

what all the options are and which are best

tailored for you. We have been performing

the laser treatment for 4 years with great

success.

*FDA cleared for toenail fungus

*Proven clinical results

*Little to no discomfort - no anesthesia

*No harmful UV radiation

*Quick and safe

*No drugs or side effects

*No recovery time, just walk in and walk out

Meet Our Laser Nail Tech, Sami

LOVE your FEET...WE DO

We carry the following shoe

brands:

the nail, determine the cause, and form a suitable treatment plan,

which may include prescribing topical or oral medication, and

debridement (removal of diseased nail matter and debris) of an

infected nail.

Newer oral antifungals, approved by the Food and Drug

Administration, may be the most effective treatment. They offer a

shorter treatment regimen of approximately three months and

improved effectiveness. Your podiatrist may also prescribe a

topical treatment, which can be an effective treatment modality for

fungal nails.

In some cases, surgical treatment may be required. Temporary

removal of the infected nail can be performed to permit direct

application of a topical antifungal. Permanent removal of a

chronically painful nail that has not responded to any other

treatment permits the fungal infection to be cured and prevents the

return of a deformed nail.

Trying to solve the infection without the qualified help of a

podiatrist can lead to more problems. With new technical advances

in combination with simple preventive measures, the treatment of

this lightly regarded health problem can often be successful.

Prevention

Proper hygiene and regular inspection of the feet and toes are the

first lines of defense against fungal nails. Clean and dry feet resist

disease.

● Wash your feet with soap and water, remembering to dry

thoroughly.

● Wear shower shoes when possible in public areas.

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February 2015 Newsletter

We take care of your feet....so they'll take care of you!

● Change shoes, socks, or hosiery more than once daily.

● Clip toenails straight across so that the nail does not extend

beyond the tip of the toe.

● Wear shoes that fit well and are made of materials that

breathe.

● Avoid wearing excessively tight hosiery to decrease

moisture.

● Wear socks made of synthetic fiber that “wicks” moisture

away from your feet faster than cotton or wool socks do.

● Disinfect instruments used to cut nails.

● Disinfect home pedicure tools.

● Don't apply polish to nails suspected of infection (those that

are discolored, for example).

Is there any health risk to allowing a toenail fungus to

exist untreated over the long term?

Fungal infections of the nail can be difficult to treat. Plenty of remedies exist, but none are certain. And the one considered most effective, the drug Lamisil, is associated with rare cases of liver damage.

So it is no surprise that some people would consider covering up their feet and turning a blind eye to the problem. Most healthy young adults who ignore it will probably not notice any immediate issues. But over time, as the fungus progresses from the tip of the nail toward the cuticle, it can make the nail thick, discolored and brittle, and pain and inflammation become more likely.

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February 2015 Newsletter

In about one out of two dozen cases, the fungus migrates to other parts of the body, like the hands, back and legs. Older people or those taking medications that weaken the immune system, like chemotherapy drugs and corticosteroids, are particularly susceptible.

If you don’t treat it, you have an organism living in your nail that could spread. In most people, it probably won’t go beyond the foot. But there are some people who are at risk of getting it in the fingernails and other places.

The other problem with ignoring nail fungus is that the fungus creates cracks and openings in the skin where bacteria can sneak in and cause infections. For people who have nerve damage and poor circulation — someone with diabetic neuropathy, for example — this can have serious consequences.

Podiatrists frequently cite this as a cause of diabetic amputations. The fungus paves the way for bacteria, and it can definitely be a problem.

The longer you wait the harder it is to treat.

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Copyright © 2014 New Mexico Foot & Ankle Institute All rights reserved. February 2014 Newsletter Our mailing address is: 4343 Pan American Freeway NE Suite 234 Albuquerque, NM 87107 505.880.1000 OR 4801 McMahon Blvd. NW Suite 235 Albuquerque, NM 87114 505.872.3333 Our email address is: info@nmfootandankle.com Our website address is: http://www.nmfootandankle.com

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