Nail Treatment
Here at Bay Area Fungal Nail Clinic we provide a treatment protocol specific to each patient and the degree of infection present. Often, topical medications along with laser treatment are enough to cure all but the most stubborn infections. The topical medications we prescribe are the latest, most effective options available, and we have pharmacies that work with us to offer them at an affordable price.
Topical Medications:
Mild
Very mild infections can often be resolved with daily application of a topical anti-fungal medication alone, but by adding two or three laser treatment sessions, spaced out once every few months, over the recommended 12-month treatment period, we can help ensure you achieve the results you desire.
Moderate
Moderate infections are rarely resolved with the application of a topical medication alone. Monthly, or every other month, laser sessions will significantly increase the odds of success. The number of laser sessions required will vary for each person depending on the severity of infection, their age and overall health, and how quickly their nails respond to treatment.
Laser treatment is mostly painless, aside from some slight discomfort the moment we’re done that resolves immediately m. As part of the laser treatment process, your nails will be thinned down to a more normal
appearance, providing not only an immediate cosmetic improvement, but also more effective penetration of the topical medication and laser treatment, deep down where it’s needed most.
Severe
In severe cases, where the infection has gone untreated for years, Dr. Dupont may suggest a more proactive approach, which can include the complete, but temporary, removal of the most severely infected nails. By removing the nail we are able to remove the majority of the infection, thereby making complete eradication substantially easier to achieve. Temporarily removing the nail is usually not enough on its own to cure the infection. However, when combined with the application of the newest, most effective topical medications while the new nail regrows, you will be left with feet that you no longer want to hide. Nail removal is also the fastest way to a cosmetic improvement, with the nail beginning to appear normal in as little as two to three months.
Having a severely infected nail removed may sound like a painful process, but with eight years of experience and thousands of nail procedures performed, Dr. Dupont will make it a fast and nearly painless process.
The use of oral antifungal medications, like Lamisil (terbinafine), are generally avoided when possible. This is reserved only for the most severe fungal infections due to the potential side effects of the oral medications, including liver damage. Topical medications and laser treatment are a much safer option and do not require the liver function testing commonly recommended with the use of oral antifungal medications.
Steve’s Journey
Steve reached out to us like many of our patients do, with a fair amount of skepticism. He had tried laser treatment a few times in the past but didn’t stick with it. He tried different topical medications over the years but admitted he wasn’t the best at putting it on every day. He had even tried a 90 day round of the oral antifungal medication Lamisil, despite the risks and need to get blood work done first. The infection never spread to any of the other toenails, but it only got worse and worse in his big toenail. After considering the different options, relative costs and chance of success, Steve chose to go ahead and have his nail completely removed, temporarily. After it heeled he started putting on the topical medication as often as he could remember, which he admitted was maybe four or five times a week. We monitored the progress with appointments every few months as the nail grew back, and reminisced at his initial doubt. No other treatment was necessary to achieve this stunning result, other than his every other day application of the topical medicine as the nail grew back.
How to Prevent?
Our office can also provide you with tips to avoid a recurrence of the infection, including options to assist with disinfecting your shoes and socks.