I have discolored nails. How do I know for sure if I have nail fungus?
The only way to know for sure is to visit your podiatrist. Some signs and symptoms you may be on thelook out for are discolored and misshapen nail, foul odor, thickening or brittle nails, and sometimesthere may be pain. Take a picture and write down your symptoms and share them with your podiatristduring your appointment.Most fungal infections tend to obvious. For fungal infections that are not so obvious, we perform whatis called PCR, which stands for polymerase chain reaction tests. A PCR test will analyze samples offungus DNA, which then tells your podiatrist that you have a fungal infection.
I'm interested in oral medication as treatment, but why do I need to have my blood drawn every
month?
Oral medications can become toxic to your liver. In order to make sure you are receiving the right doseand to ensure that your liver is functioning properly while on oral medication, you will have to come tothe office at least once a month to have blood drawn so we can monitor your liver function. If you haveconcerns having blood drawn, you may want to consider laser nail fungus treatment, which yourpodiatrist will be happy to discuss with you at your appointment.
I am interested in the laser nail fungus treatment, but is it safe and will it burn?
It is absolutely safe! It is FDA approved and we have been having very successful outcomes here atEmerald Coast Podiatry. The highly popular treatment is usually completed in three 20 minute sessionover the course of 3 months, with additional treatment at 6 and 12 months if needed. It does not burnand it is pain free. The laser is a beam of light that specifically targets the the nail fungus and destroysis. This kills the fungus and allows you to keep the nail. No surgery, no medication, no recovery time.The procedure is performed right here in our office.
I have been trying to use topical medication for my nail fungus and it has not been helping. Why
is that?
Prescription topical medication can take a long time to treat the fungus and eliminate it. The problemwith topical medication is that it can take up to an entire year or more to fully treat the nail. Even then,the fungus may return. The nail becomes thick when you have nail fungus and this becomes a barrierbetween the medication and the fungus. You may still lose the nail, which can take up to another yearor more to regrow. When you have your appointment with your podiatrist at Emerald Coast Podiatry,we will go over all of your options with your regarding your treatment.
I keep my feet clean so how did I get nail fungus in the first place?
It is possible for anyone to get fungus on their nails. Fungi are microscopic organisms that can thrive inalmost any condition. They tend to live in warm places, such as showers, hot tubs, and swimmingpools. Many women are often surprised that they get nail fungus from their pedicure spa treatments.Often, you have very tiny cuts on your toes, feet, or nails that you will not even notice and that is all ittakes for the fungus to enter and begin to cause what you now see as your nail fungus.
Is nail fungus contagious? Can I spread it to my family?
Yes. If you are in close contact with other family members and tend to share items, such as shoes, it canbe passed from one person to another. You can also lower your chances of developing a fungalinfection by wearing shoes in public places, especially beach showers and bathrooms. If you believeyou have a fungal infection, call our office to set up an appointment so treatment can begin as soon aspossible.