Summer is winding down and so is time at the beach. Have you been hiding your feet when you are at the beach? Making sure that no one is getting a look at your toe nails because, well, they are not very appealing?
So, let’s find out what is going on here.
Are you nails yellow or really thick, or maybe have little yellow lines down them? Then it sounds like you have a case of nail fungus. Not very appealing sounding, is it? It isn’t that pretty to look at either! Now is a great time to take care of this problem. Why now? It is a problem that is not fixed overnight. You need some time to kill the fungus and then let the nail grow out. By starting now, you will really be beach ready next year.
Let’s check out the options for treating the problem.
The first thing that you need to do is go see your friendly local podiatrist and make sure that your problem is onychomycosis (toe nail fungus). You can then talk to the doctor in detail about the options that I mention below. The two of you can then formulate a treatment plan.
The first option is a topical solution that you apply to your nails nightly – for up to a year (!). This method may or may not work. Part of the problem is that applying the solution has to become a habit and a habit that you don’t break. Most people give up on this method just because it takes so long to see if it works.
The second option is an oral medication. You have probably seen the commercials for this type of product. It seems pretty easy right? I mean, all you have to do is take a pill. Well, things are not always what they seem. First of all, the little pill that you take is very expensive. Like WOW expensive. Then you have to have blood tests to make sure that the medicine is not affecting your liver. Okay, it is my personal opinion but when you have to go for blood tests to check liver function, I am not anxious to take this option. I am quite sure that getting rid of fungus toe nail is not worth the possibility of damaging my liver. That is just me however; you can make your own decisions.
The third possibility – the one I find the coolest – is the use of a laser to treat toe nail fungus. The laser beam can penetrate and kill off the fungus. Evanston Podiatric Surgeons has a fantastic protocol for the treatment for toe nail fungus. They do two treatments with the laser – most offices will only do one treatment but it has been found that the second treatment will really give you a better shot at beating the fungus. The treatment also involves pedicures to specifically treat the nails to improve the final result. Last but not least, the patient is given a SteriShoe to sanitize all their shoes to make sure the fungus is not lurking in shoes waiting to re-infect you.
So there are three options for you. I know that I show a bit of favoritism regarding the laser. It is cool but it is also the most successful of the treatments.
Now is the time for you and the doctor to plan your course of treatment. By treating it now, you will be all set for next summer. I would love to know what you decide and how it works for you. You can let me know in the comments or on Facebook or Twitter.
Your Pal,
The Foot Blogger Chick
If you have questions, don’t hesitate to send them to footbloggerchick@gmail.com or leave them in the comment section below. I am not a doctor but I check with one before answering questions.
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If you live or work downtown Chicago and would like to see one of the friendly podiatrists there, don’t worry! You can head over to the office on the “Magnificent Mile” in Chicago. Stop in and say “Hello”. They would love to meet you. They are really that friendly!
Mag Mile Foot and Ankle Institute
333 N. Michigan Avenue Suite 1825
Chicago, IL 60601
312-236-3507