Have Embarrassing Nail Fungus in Minneapolis Area? Come to the Procedure Clinic for Treatment!

Posted on June 10, 2013 by shucosmetic

Nail fungus can cause nails to become cracked, brittle and dry. The nail can become discolored with a yellow, brown or black coloring. Fungus of the nails is embarrassing, but that should not stop someone from being treated for it. Oftentimes, fungus can collect under the nail and you might notice a bad odor.

Many people in the Minneapolis and St Paul areas try to self-diagnose nail fungus, but seeing a professional like Dr. Shu in Minneapolis at the Procedure Clinic for nail fungus treatment in is important. There are doctors available who treat nail fungus in Minneapolis, as well as doctors who treat nail fungus in St. Paul area. The doctor will inspect the nail, and if they feel there is an infection with fungus, tests may be performed.

New Toenail laser treatment gives you a new substitute to other traditional options, oral medication, which has a chance of liver damage, and a nail lacquer that will lack efficiency.Treatments usually take 15 minutes, and patients may need three treatments.

Oral medications are prescribed by your doctor, which are taken for approximately 12 weeks. Often, a patient who has nail fungus is also given a prescription of polish that is applied to the nail that is infected for approximately 50 weeks. Your physician will decide which prescriptions will work best for you.

There are also over-the-counter medications that are often used, but the effectiveness of those is not yet proven. You could end up spending too much time, effort and money on something that will not work in the long run, and in the end, you will end up calling your physician anyway.

There are also home remedies that can be tried as well. These vary all the way from Listerine to vinegar. Some people say they work wonders, and some do not have any positive results from these. Some of the remedies may work for one person, but not the next. Trying some of these is up to you.

One of the steps taken to prevent nail fungus is keeping the feet and hands dry. Fungus can get into your body through tiny openings or cuts near the nail. Always wear sandals or shoes around swimming pools, lockers or restrooms to avoid getting a fungal infection from someone else infected. Dry your feet often, because fungi is attracted to moist, wet areas as well as dark places. If you are someone who is susceptible to fungal infections, change your socks on a daily basis.

Nail fungus Laser Treatment in Minneapolis

Posted on April 14, 2013 by shucosmetic

Onycomycosis, or fungal infection of nails—most often on the toes—affects about 12% of Americans, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. At least 1 out 10 people in Minnesota has toenail fungus. Some people are genetically prone to it. Others, including swimmers and other athletes, may be more likely to get it because they go barefoot in public areas or because their feet are often damp, scientists say. In its mild forms, nail fungus is merely a cosmetic problem, but over time it can cause toenails to grow abnormally and become painful when walking.

Toenail laser treatment offers a new alternative to oral medication, which carries a risk of liver damage, and a nail lacquer, which has poor efficacy. Treatments typically take 15-30 minutes for up to 10 toes. Depending on the severity of the problem and the laser used, patients may need two to three treatments.

How the lasers work varies and how they affect toenail fungus isn’t fully understood in all cases. The research shows its laser kills fungus, others believe its laser inhibits fungal growth, paving the way for the body’s own defenses to clear the nail.

Patients in the Minneapolis and St Paul areas have this expectation that because it’s a laser treatment, once you zap it and its gone forever. That totally ignores the fact that this is an infectious disease and that recurrence is very possible unless good prevention measures are taken, such as not going barefoot, keeping feet clean and dry and changing socks daily.

Nail Fungus Complications | Minneapolis & St. Paul

Posted on March 13, 2013 by shucosmetic

Many people in Minnesota think that the nail fungal infections are mostly an aesthetic problem, they don’t realize that nail fungus can also lead to several health problems. It is important to treat nail fungus as quickly as possible as it may cause permanent damage to the nail and more serious complications in the certain immunosuppressed peoples.

If the patients in the Minneapolis and St. Paul areas have a suppressed immune system due to medications, diabetes or other conditions such as, AIDS, leukemia or have had an organ transplant, you are at more serious risk for an infection that can spread beyond your toe nails.

A person with diabetes can have issues with their blood circulation and nerve supply to their feet. They are also at greater risk for getting a bacterial skin infection called cellulitis. With diabetes any minor injury to the feet or a fungal infection, can be serious and potentially lead to major health issues and extensive medical treatment. If you suspect a fungal infection, please come to see us, the laser treatment is new effective way to treat nail fungus.

Following are some of the risks and complications associated with them. The list illustrates why early and effective treatment is so important.
• Deformity. The deformities could be in the form of ridges in the nail as it grows out or a bend in the middle of the nail that is not going away.
• Pain. The deformities lead to ingrown toenails that cause pain and nail fold infection (paronychia).
• Emotionally distressing. Almost half of people with nail fungus said the condition had negatively affected their self-image.
• A spreading of the fungual infection. Without treatment, your nail fungal infection is likely to spread to other nails—and to other people in your household.
• Cellulitis with a bacterial infection. Fungal nail infections leave skins more susceptible to bacterial infections – cellulitis, the immunosuppressed patients are more vulnerable.

Treatment Options of Nail Fungus in Minnesota

Posted on March 6, 2013 by shucosmetic

Nail fungus can be treated many ways in Minnesota, but if you don’t maintain the health of your nails, you could get a repeat infection. Your physician will give you instructions on how to take care of your nails to keep them free of fungal infection after treatment. Keeping your feet clean and dry is one of the best ways to prevent another infection. Below is information on treatment options for nail fungus.

Laser treatments
Using a laser to treat nail fungus is very popular in the Minneapolis and St. Paul areas now. Many people in Minnesota are coming to their physicians to learn more about this process. It can be a little uncomfortable for some people but the results are amazing. Laser is able to treat the existing nail and the nail matrix. Laser treatments in Minneapolis require more 3 treatments to get the best results. It could take up to 12 months for the new healthy nail to grow.

Oral Medications
Your physician may prescribe an oral antifungal medication. These oral medications will help the nail grow out into a new healthy nail. It is a long process for the nail to grow out so patience is required. It could take up to 12 months. The down side of oral medications is that they can cause liver damage. Skin rashes are also a possible side effect. People with liver disease or heart failure should not take these medications. You need to do lab tests to monitor the liver function during the treatment. The efficacy of oral medications is lower than the laser treatments.

Surgery
In some cases the nail fungal infection is so advanced that causes severe nail deformity and ingrown toenail, both situation are painful with walking, The physician would then recommend removing the nail so that a new healthy nail will grow in its place. It could take up to 12 months for the nail to regrow. Again patience is required. Nail removal may correct the nail deformity and cure ingrown toenail, it is necessary to cure nail fungus. In the most time, you still need the laser treatment or oral medication to clear the fungal infection.

Topical treatments
Along with laser treatments in Minneapolis you physician many recommend over the counter topical ointments such as Lamisil and Lotrimin to help with the surrounding skin tissue as many times there is also athletes foot as well as the nail fungus. Penlac may be prescribed to help with the effectiveness of the nail treatment. It is brushed on like a clear nail polish every day for a week and then taken off with alcohol on the 7th day. It is then repeated for up to 6 months. The efficacy of topical agents alone to treat nail fungus is very low, typically less than 10%, so it is not recommended to use any topical agents alone to treatment nail fungus.

Nail care and Nail Fungus | Minnesota

Posted on February 26, 2013 by shucosmetic

Have you ever been told during a pedicure that you may have nail fungus? Maybe the nail tech notices some discoloration and they ask you to monitor it. If that discoloration doesn’t grow out with the nail and it gets worse you may have a nail fungus. I have been in the situation where a nail tech mentioned something she saw on my toe nails. It is a little alarming to be told you may have a nail fungus. The nail tech asked me if I had had recently stubbed my toe. In that case I had stubbed my toe and the trauma to my nail had left a mark. I would notice that as the nail grew, the spot on my nail would go away. If this is not the case, have the nails checked out right away. The longer you let nail fungus go, the harder it will be to cure.

There are actually for classic types of nail fungus, medically known as onychomycosis. The most common form of nail fungus in Minneapolis and St. Paul areas is distal subungual onychomycosis which invades the nail bed and the underside of the nail plate. The next type is called white superficial onychomycosis (WSO) is caused by a fungal invasion of the superficial layers of the nail plate and forms “white islands” on the plate. It accounts for only 10% of the onychomycosis cases. Sometimes keratin granulations, which are a reaction to nail polish, can cause the nails to turn a chalky white. WSO can be a misdiagnosis of keratin granulations. A lab test should be performed to confirm.

The third type is proximal subungual onychomycosis which is a fungal penetration of the newly formed nail plate through the proximal nail fold. It is least common in healthy people, but is found more commonly when the person is immunocompromised. Last but not least is candidal onychomycosis. This is a species invasion of the fingernails which usually occurs in persons who frequently immerse their hands in water. It normally requires prior damage of the nail by infection or trauma. I know hair stylists and nail techs in Minnesota that have been diagnosed with this type of fungus.

You are probably asking the question, what am I looking for? A nail fungus infection may begin as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. As it spreads deeper into your nail, it may cause your nail to discolor, thicken and develop crumbling edges. It is usually not painful, just unsightly. Once a nail fungal infection begins, if not treated, it can persist indefinitely.

Fungus lives in warm, moist environments which include swimming pools and showers. It can invade your skin through tiny cuts both visible and invisible or through a small separation between your nail and nail bed. When your nails are continually exposed to warmth and moisture it is the perfect condition for fungi to grow and spread. Nail fungus occurs more in toenails than fingernails because the toenails are often confined in a dark, warm moist environment where fungus can thrive. Next we will focus on treatments for nail fungus and how to maintain healthy nails.

Overview of Nail Fungus Treatment Options in Minneapolis Area

Posted on February 19, 2013 by admin

If a fingernail or toenail has been unceremoniously taken over by a fungal infection, then the suffering party will want to head to a specialist right away. Though they might be somewhat embarrassed with the condition of their cuticle, this should not stop them from seeking treatment. By looking into nail fungus treatment in Minnesota, people should quickly be able to clear up the infection and return to an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Because there are different kinds of fungal growths, only an expert can prescribe a medication that will actually work.

When patients are prescribed a topical medication by a certified physician, they should try to apply the ointment each and every day. When men and women are careful to follow the treatment plan exactly as it has been set out, they should be able to eliminate the fungus. If one topical medication is not very effective, there are likely stronger agents that can be used instead. The most important thing is to schedule another consultation with the doctor so that a new chemical compound can be dispensed.

When people are looking to treat nail fungus in Minneapolis, they might also want to try laser therapy. Lasers can break up the fungal network so that the individual cells find it hard to reproduce. Because laser therapy must involve the careful use of pulsating beams of light, professionals will be needed to complete the task. Laser therapy can sometimes be used in combination with topical ointments to get rid of the nail fungus for good. In more severe cases, several treatments might be needed before a complete elimination is evident.

In order to treat nail fungus in St. Paul area, men and women will want to look for doctors who have spent quite a bit of time in their field of specialty. If a topical medication is indeed prescribed, patients will have to be diligent about using the cream every day. Once the fungus begins to die, people should be on the road to regaining clear cuticles. For tougher cases, lasers can be utilized. The ultimate goal is a clean set of nails.

Shu Procedure Clinic Treats Nail Fungus for Minneapolis Residents

Posted on January 20, 2013 by admin

Nail fungus in Minneapolis is a very common problem. Nail fungus, which is also referred to as onychomyosis, can cause the nails to darken in color. The fungus can also cause the nails to develop a foul smell. Even though nail fungus in St. Paul area is very common, many people are embarrassed to seek treatment. However, if you have nail fungus, then you will need to get it treated as soon as possible.

If this condition is not treated, then the fungal infection can spread to the other nails. It can also spread to your skin. Furthermore, if the fungal infection is on your toenails, then you may begin to have trouble putting on your shoes and walking.

The good news is that there is laser treatment available to treat nail fungus. Laser treatment can be completed in 10 minutes. It does not cause any pain. There have been clinical studies done to confirm that laser treatment is about 87 percent effective at clearing up nail fungus. Furthermore, because laser treatment does not require the use of drugs, there are no long-term side effects associated with it.

If you are interested in getting nail fungus treatment in Minnesota, then you should contact Dr. Steven Shu. His office is open Monday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

There are several things that you can do to avoid getting nail fungus in the future. After you wash your feet, you need to make sure that you dry them off thoroughly. Fungus infections can very easily spread in public places, so you should not walk around in any public place without wearing shoes. You will also need to change your socks at least once a day. Furthermore, you should wear shoes that fit properly.

What Can Be Done About Nail Fungus in St. Paul / Minneapolis?

Posted on November 17, 2012 by admin

Nail fungus is a fungal infection that develops in the fingernails or toenails. Nail fungus is an extremely common problem. However, the fact that this problem is so prevalent does not make it any less embarrassing.

Nail fungus is typically caused by dermatophytes. However, molds and yeast can also cause fungal infections. Furthermore, there are a number of things that can make a person more susceptible to developing fungal infections.

A moist environment encourages the growth of fungus. That is why people who perspire heavily are at an increased risk for developing fungus. Fungus can easily be spread in public places, such as restrooms and swimming pools. Furthermore, fungal infections are common in people who have other health conditions, such as psoriasis, diabetes and circulation problems.

Thickened nails are one of the symptoms of nail fungus. A person who has nail fungus may also notice that his or her nails are brittle. Additionally, infected nails can potentially separate from the nail bed.

If you suspect that you have nail fungus, then you should get it treated as soon as possible. This problem will only continue to get worse. That is why you should not let the embarrassment stop you from getting the treatment that you need. You have the option of getting a 10 minute laser treatment that can clear up the fungus.

This laser treatment is safe and has been shown to be very effective. In fact, 87 percent of patients who get the laser treatment notice a major improvement. The effective rate for laser treatment is much higher than the effective rate for oral medication. Furthermore, laser treatment does not have any major risks.

Learn More About Nail Fungus and Treatment Options in the Minneapolis Area at Shu Procedure Clinic

Posted on October 29, 2012 by admin

Nail fungus is a common toenail problem and a humiliating physical defect. People who are exposed to hazardous chemicals or extreme conditions may develop these problems. These problems could point to deep, underlying health issues. Sufferers tend to avoid social and intimate situations until they find the right solutions. Procedure Clinic has nail fungus Minneapolis medical professionals who are qualified to recommend the best solutions.

There is a process that all infected nails go through. First, the nail grows thicker and changes color. As the infected area worsens, the nail becomes more fragile and parts break off, or in extreme cases, the whole nail falls off. If the problem is not solved, pain and inflammation sets in. The toe looks more unattractive once scales and patches form.

Dermatophytids are lesions that develop because of fungal infections in other areas. The lesions are usually allergic responses. In any case, if the right Nail Fungus MN professional is not found quickly, the appearance of the skin and nails only worsens.

Common causes, apart from disease, include heavy perspiration or excessive moisture, extreme temperatures, chemical exposure, athlete’s foot, trauma, poor blood circulation and weakened immunity to infection. To diagnose the problem effectively, lab tests can be made. Treatment is problematic if the infection is deeply rooted and hard to access. For some people, removing all of the symptoms is a slow process that takes up to one year.

Nail fungus could cause extreme pain and serious damage. If left untreated for months, more severe infections occur, especially if severe medical conditions are involved. People with cancer, diabetes or AIDS have the greatest difficulties in eradicating the problem. Diabetics have various impairments that lead to easy infections and complications.

It is possible to wear open-toed shoes or lie in bed without feeling embarrassed that someone could walk into the room and gawk. More importantly, people with medical conditions should maintain the health of their hands or feet. Regardless of how unsightly the nail becomes, it is necessary to see a nail fungus St. Paul expert as soon as possible.

Treat That Embarrassing Nail Fungus | Minneapolis

Posted on October 21, 2012 by admin

Nail fungus is a type of fungal infection that develops in the nails. The first sign of nail fungus is a yellow or white spot underneath the nail. If the infection is not treated right away, then the fungus will begin to spread deeper into the nail. If this occurs, then the nail will thicken and discolor. This problem is not only unsightly, but it can also cause severe pain.

What Causes Nail Fungus | St. Paul?

Nail fungus is usually caused by a fungus that is from a group called dermatophytes. However, it is important to note that nail fungus can be caused by other types of fungi, such as molds and yeast. Fungus thrives in environments that are moist. It can very easily spread through showers and swimming pools. It can also enter the skin through the cuts in the nail bed.

Older age is one of the main risk factors for developing nail fungus MN. People who are older often have decreased blood circulation to their feet. Nails have a tendency to thicken and grow slower with age, which also puts a person at risk for developing nail fungus.

Nail fungus affects more men than women. Heavy perspiration, walking barefoot in public places and athlete’s foot are other things that put a person at risk for developing nail fungus. Additionally, people who have diabetes or a medical condition that impairs the functioning of their immune system are more likely to develop nail fungus.

How Can Nail Fungus Be Treated?

Nail fungus in Minneapolis is difficult to treat, and it is very common for people to have repeat infections. Oral or topical medication is usually the first line of treatment for nail fungus. People who do not respond to medication should consider getting laser treatment. Laser treatment has an 87 percent effectiveness rate.