The condition known as nail fungus starts as yellow or white spots under the toenail tips. As the infection goes deeper, it will be more likely that the nail gets discolored, thickened and could even crumble at the edge. In most cases, several nails but not all will be affected. For people that reside in Vancouver laser fungus treatment is done in various ways. The techniques used may vary in different people.
The first step is examination of nails. The doctor scrapes debris under the nails and sends some portion to the laboratory for examination. This is done for determination of the fungus causing the infection. The identification is important because various conditions may mimic the infection. Similarly, bacteria or yeast are some microorganisms that may also affect nails. It becomes very easy to decide on the best treatment mode after the cause of infection has been known.
People that have tried self-care strategies and medications and not gotten any success will have to try a combination of prescription drugs. As concerns medications, the use of oral anti-fungal drugs will be an option. These drugs will ensure new nails grow in a slow way while replacing sections that are infected. The drugs are taken for 6 to 12 weeks. Nevertheless, the outcome will not be seen until the nail has completely grown.
People that have exceeded 65 years of age will have a lower rate of success. To make sure the rate of success increases, oral and topical anti-fungal drugs should be used together. Another option is to use nail cream that is medicated. The cream gets rubbed onto the sections that are infected after having them soaked. Thinning the nails makes the cream to work better. The medication will better get into the hard nail surface after thinning has been done.
Surgical treatment is an option as well. Removing the nails is one of the surgical options. Nail removal is suggested in instances when the infection is very painful. A new nail re-grows in its place. The growth is however very slow and takes as much as one year to fully grow. Patience will be required.
There are instances when laser and light based therapies are the best option. These are effective but tend to be costly and thus not available to most people. Unfortunately also, a number of insurance covers do not cater for them. Home remedies tend to be effective and can be used from the convenience of the home. Thinning and trimming are used to minimize pressure on nails. Drugs used will reach deeper layers when nails are trimmed.
Nails will need softening before they are thinned or trimmed. Urea cream is first applied to nails before they are covered with bandage. The urea is then washed off using water and soap. This is done repeatedly until they are soft.
Skin around the nails gets protected using petroleum jelly during the treatment. Anybody with a condition that causes poor blood flow to the feet and therefore not able to get nails trimmed need to consult a physician. The physician helps with trimming.
The first step is examination of nails. The doctor scrapes debris under the nails and sends some portion to the laboratory for examination. This is done for determination of the fungus causing the infection. The identification is important because various conditions may mimic the infection. Similarly, bacteria or yeast are some microorganisms that may also affect nails. It becomes very easy to decide on the best treatment mode after the cause of infection has been known.
People that have tried self-care strategies and medications and not gotten any success will have to try a combination of prescription drugs. As concerns medications, the use of oral anti-fungal drugs will be an option. These drugs will ensure new nails grow in a slow way while replacing sections that are infected. The drugs are taken for 6 to 12 weeks. Nevertheless, the outcome will not be seen until the nail has completely grown.
People that have exceeded 65 years of age will have a lower rate of success. To make sure the rate of success increases, oral and topical anti-fungal drugs should be used together. Another option is to use nail cream that is medicated. The cream gets rubbed onto the sections that are infected after having them soaked. Thinning the nails makes the cream to work better. The medication will better get into the hard nail surface after thinning has been done.
Surgical treatment is an option as well. Removing the nails is one of the surgical options. Nail removal is suggested in instances when the infection is very painful. A new nail re-grows in its place. The growth is however very slow and takes as much as one year to fully grow. Patience will be required.
There are instances when laser and light based therapies are the best option. These are effective but tend to be costly and thus not available to most people. Unfortunately also, a number of insurance covers do not cater for them. Home remedies tend to be effective and can be used from the convenience of the home. Thinning and trimming are used to minimize pressure on nails. Drugs used will reach deeper layers when nails are trimmed.
Nails will need softening before they are thinned or trimmed. Urea cream is first applied to nails before they are covered with bandage. The urea is then washed off using water and soap. This is done repeatedly until they are soft.
Skin around the nails gets protected using petroleum jelly during the treatment. Anybody with a condition that causes poor blood flow to the feet and therefore not able to get nails trimmed need to consult a physician. The physician helps with trimming.