Nail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common affliction that can be very difficult to cure. Fungal infections start deep below the surface of a fingernail or toenail. The infection often starts off as a small white or yellowish spot, but in time, it can cause the entire nail to discolor, thicken and become brittle. Because the infection lies beneath the nail in an area that is difficult to reach, treatment is often a slow process. For those who are dealing with nail fungus, it can be difficult to enjoy normal activities.
Nail fungus is an unsightly problem, and it often causes the sufferer to feel shame or embarrassment. This is especially true for those suffering with a fungal infection of the fingernails. If you have nail fungus on your fingers, you may feel awkward or embarrassed when dining out with friends. You may also feel anxiety at work when you see someone looking at your hands. Fungal infections of the toenails can be just as embarrassing in group and intimate situations. A trip to a local beach or swimming pool can be a source of shame when you are worried about someone spotting your infected nails. When dealing with nail fungus on your toes, wearing open toed shoes becomes virtually impossible.
In addition to the aesthetic problems of nail fungus, there is also pain. When infections become severe, the infected nails often thicken and split, leading to discomfort and pain. In some instances, the nail becomes so thick that it is impossible to comfortably wear a shoe. You could find yourself unable to wear closed shoes because of the pain but unable to wear open toed shoes because of embarrassment.
Dealing With Nail Fungus Is Never Easy
Dealing with nail fungus is never easy, but there are options. Prescription and over-the-counter creams to treat fungal infections are widely available, but they are generally slow acting. Systemic medications provide results that are a bit faster, but they come with a lot of potential risks. When you are looking to treat nail fungus quickly and without the risk of major complications, laser treatments are the way to go. With a laser, a doctor can carefully destroy the fungus without harming the surrounding healthy tissue. In time, the damaged nail grows out and is replaced with a new, healthy nail. Laser treatments are very safe, and they are by far the best method when it comes to dealing with fungal infections of the nails.
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