Nail fungus Laser Treatment in Minneapolis

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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.

How to Prevent Fungus Re-infection in Minnesota

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You have been doing everything you can to get rid of you toenail fungus. Now the key is to prevent another fungal infection. There are some things you can do at home to prevent fungus re-infection.

• Clean your sheets in hot water and dry them on high heat.
• Wear socks that are made of natural fibers and not synthetic material.
• Make sure your feet are dry.
• Don’t walk barefoot in public places.

Besides keeping your feet clean and dry you can also sanitize your shoes. One Stop Medical Clinic, located in the Twin Cities of Minnesota, carries the Sterishoe which is a special UV sterilizer for your shoes. It uses germicidal ultraviolet light (UVC) to kill microorganisms that cause toenail fungus, athletes foot and shoe odor. Dr. Steven Shu, of One Stop Medical Clinic, recommends the Sterishoe system to every patient who comes in for laser treatments for their toenail fungus.

We tend to sweat in our shoes especially in the warmer months of Minnesota which creates the perfect breeding ground for toenail fungus, athletes foot and shoe odor. The end of the day is the perfect time to insert the Sterishoes to kill any microorganisms that are living in your shoes. You can treat both shoes at once as the system comes as a set of two lights shaped like a shoe tree and two bags to keep it dark while the light is treating your shoes. Even open toed shoes and sandals can be treated. A treatment cycle lasts 45 minutes. All you have to do is turn them on and at the end of the cycle; the lights will shut off automatically. The treatment will kill 99.9% of the harmful microorganisms that cause toenail fungus and athletes foot.

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

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

Nail fungus is typically caused by dermatophytes in Minnesota. 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.

Nail discoloration and thickened nails are common symptoms of nail fungus in the Minneapolis and St Paul areas. 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.

Nail fungus 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 that of oral medication. Furthermore, nail fungus laser treatment does not have any major risks.

Laser Treatment for Nail Fungus in Minneapolis

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Nail fungus is a common toenail problem and a humiliating physical defect; it has become such an issue that many people won’t wear sandals even in the hottest months. The nails turn yellow and brittle and so people would rather hide them than expose them. In Minnesota, we only have a short time frame to be able to wear sandals and it’s frustrating when you can’t get a pedicure or wear sandals due to a toenail fungus. It is mostly a cosmetic issue at the beginning though this problem could point to deep, underlying health issues. Sufferers tend to avoid social and intimate situations until they find the right solutions. Procedure Clinic in Edina and Shoreview, MN has nail fungus medical professionals who are qualified to recommend the best solutions.

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

What people in the Minneapolis and St. Paul areas are turning to now is Laser treatment for nail fungus. Dr. Steven Shu of Edina, MN, says, “We are seeing a higher success rate with laser treatments. The treatments are safe and have no side effects or risk to the patient.” The laser uses a specific wavelength of energy which is delivered to the sight of the infection. It is targeted towards the fungi to kill it but leaves the nail and surrounding tissue intact. Patients must make sure that they are taking very good care of their feet after the laser treatment series is over.

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