On our blog we keep coming back to common topics such as
toenail fungus because 7% of adults suffer from this problem. On this blog, not
only will I focus on how it is transmitted, how it can be treated, but I will
discuss the relationship between toenail fungus and skin fungus.
Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, and tinea pedis
(aka athlete’s foot), which is foot fungus are related. Some patients present
with either of these problems, but many patients present with both. Both are
caused by fungi, which are microscopic, extremely contagious and a challenge to
treat. These fungi live in dark, moist, hot environments. If someone sweats in
their socks, swims in a public pool, or if they are diabetic, these are some
causes for an increased risk in fungus.
How can these two
types of fungus be diagnosed?
Athlete’s foot and onychomycosis can be diagnosed by either
clinical exam or by microscopic examination. Athlete’s foot can be diagnosed
via a skin shaving, which is examined microscopically. Similarly, onychomycosis
can be diagnosed via a clipping of the toenail and then subsequent examination
at the laboratory. Many times treatment will begin before definitive diagnosis
due to the clinical suggestion that a physician is dealing with fungus.
How do I know if I
have either of these two fungi?
Athlete’s foot appears as red, itchy patches of flaky skin
on the top or bottom of the foot. Athlete’s foot in between the toes appears to
be macerated, or soft and white, as well as red and flaky. Toenail fungus may
have many different appearances, including thickened, irregular, discolored
nails. The nail can appear to be black, yellow, white or green.
How can I treat these
two types of fungus?
Athlete’s foot can either be found between the toes or on
the top and bottom of the foot. Despite what type you have these can be easily
treated with antifungal creams.
Onychomycosis is more difficult to treat since the fungus
imbeds deep into the toenail. It can be treated with oral antifungal
medications, which in some patients can have adverse effects on the liver. Antifungal
nail lacquers are also used for treatment and are common due to the lack of
systemic effects that oral antifungals have. Surgical removal of the fungal
toenails is common for someone who has a few infected toenails.
Lastly, laser treatment is the most advanced technology on
the market (and its FDA cleared) to treat onychomycosis. At our office we use
Sciton ClearSense laser to treat the toenail fungus. Treatment includes 4 easy,
pain free treatments. The treatments last about 15 minutes, causes minimum pain
and patients tolerate it extremely well. We recommend treatment with antifungal
lacquer simultaneously to get maximum results.
Toenail fungus and athlete’s foot have been around a long
time and as science and technology becomes more advanced the treatment gets
more precise with better results. To date, treatment with laser technology for
toenail fungus has gotten the best success rates.
For more information please visit www.scitonclearsense.com.
To make an appointment for a consultation and for more
information, please visit our website at
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