Nail Fungus: Tips for Prevention and Treatment

Nail fungus, also called onychomycosis (pronounced: on ee ko my ko sis), affects 50% of all Americans over 40 and is the most common disease of the nail.  An infection of nail fungus occurs when fungi infect one or more of your nails. A nail fungus infection may begin as a white, yellow or green spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. As the nail fungus spreads deeper into your nail, it may cause your nail to discolor, thicken and develop crumbling edges - an unsightly and embarrassing problem.

To help prevent nail fungus:

  • Keep nails short, dry and clean. Trim nails straight across and file down thickened areas. Thoroughly dry your hands and feet, including between your toes, after bathing.
  • Wear appropriate socks. Synthetic socks that wick away moisture may keep your feet dryer than do cotton or wool socks (you can also wear synthetic socks underneath other socks). Change them often, especially if your feet sweat excessively. Take your shoes off occasionally during the day and after exercise. Alternate closed-toe shoes with open-toed shoes.
  • Don’t trim or pick at the skin around your nails. This may give germs access to your skin and nails.
  • Don’t go barefoot in public places. Wear shoes around public pools, showers and locker rooms.
  • Choose a reputable manicure and pedicure salon. Make sure the salon sterilizes its instruments.
  • Wash your hands after touching an infected nail. Nail fungus can spread from nail to nail.

Until recently, there have been limited treatment options:

  • Over the counter topical treatments, which has an effectiveness rate of only 8% 
  • Prescription oral medication, which has an effectiveness rate of 50% effectiveness and must be managed with blood tests due to potentially harmful side effects

AesthetiCare now offers a new cutting edge laser therapy that is 88% effective in just one treatment, and it is nearly painless and side-effect free.  With laser nail therapy a new nail will grow free of infection, slowly replacing the infected portion of your nail in 9-12 months. To ensure proper treatment, it’s important to first be diagnosed with nail fungus by your medical provider.

For more on antifungal laser nail treatment, watch this clip from Good Morning America or give us a call at 913-338-5476.