Nail Fungus Overview

Nail fungus is a very common problem. Some people are more susceptible to it as with many other medical problems. It starts with a slight yellowing and thickening of the nails. It progresses to a nail that is difficult to cut. Many times, it is also painful from the pressure of the shoes and there seems to be a lot of dead skin around the nail. Toenail fungus can be present on both feet but also many cases people will have it on only the big toe of one foot.

.

Nail fungus is very difficult to treat. You have to be diligent and realize that it can take many months for improvement and total regrowth of the nail to normal. Treatments the can be used over the counter include topical medications including tea tree oil, many of these medications will make the nail look better and there will be some general Improvement, the problem is the fungus is in the root of the nail underneath the skin so typical OTC treatments have limited success including Vicks vapor rub.

Once you see a podiatrist the treatments can be multiple in nature. Generally, treatments include topical prescription medication, oral medication and advanced treatment with laserization of the nail.

Secondly there is a compliance Factor treatment needs to continue for a minimum of nine to 12 months through the growth cycle of the nail. The patient has to be extremely diligent and the nail cannot be painted during a treatment phase.

Oral medication is considered secondarily the success with treatment is around 50%, again the problem is compliance and possible harm to your liver from the medication. People taking cholesterol medication cannot use this oral medication. If this treatment is considered liver profile tests are done every 3 months with treatment with the oral medication for 7 days each month. Treatment will need to continue for 9 to 12 months for the growth cycle of the nail, because the medication only affects the root of the nail but not the end of the nail for fungus is still present so if you stop it early the nail fungus is still present within the nail.

Sometimes the nail fungus is so severe in the deforms the nail we have to consider avulsion or permanent removal of the nail. From experience when the nail is this severe no treatments are generally successful. Patients with this degree of nail fungus generally have pain which is significant and have the inability to cut the nails, so removal is highly successful, and patience are generally very pleased with the result.

One of the best current available treatments is to use Advanced laser treatment to kill the nail fungus. We used the most advanced cold laser called the. LUNULA laser it uses 2 wavelength of laser that is shown by studies to have a success around 89%, it is non painful. There is no risk with the treatments. I have been doing laser treatment on nail fungus for 10 years we previously used the most advanced treatments which was a form of a hot laser to kill the fungus buy heat production. Successful but time consuming and produces pain from the Heat. The new Lunula laser is a game changer. Treatments once a week for 4 weeks these treatments are between 12 24 minutes, it does take a few months to start noticing changes to the nail and Improvement. We follow up treatments have 90 and 180 days after the last treatment. I will see you both at the 90- and 180-day treatments to evaluate your progress and to review any instructions.

How does the Laser work?

 

Dr. Thomas Bembineasta, serving Overland Park and Kansas City, Missouri (both north off Barry Rd. and south of the river, midtown area). Dr. Bembineasta offers expert podiatric services and focuses on patient care and responding to individual patient needs.

Dr. Bembineasta is originally from Chicago but has been practicing in Kansas City for 34 years. My philosophy is always to put the patient first, time will always be taken to listen to your problem and review treatments. Each care plan is tailored to your individual needs. We use advanced technology with digital x-rays, lasers, and instructional videos.

Podiatrists hold Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degrees (D.P.M.). Dr. Bembineasta is also board certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery.

The podiatry practice of Dr. Thomas Bembineasta, serves Independence, Missouri and Kansas City, Missouri (both north and south of the River), and Overland Park, Kansas, and the surrounding communities. Dr. Bembineasta offers expert and professional podiatric services and focuses on patient care and responding to his patients’ needs.

Originally from Chicago, Dr. Bembineasta has now been practicing in the Kansas City area for 28 years. We accept most insurances and will assist you with questions concerning coverage.

Podiatrists hold doctor of podiatric medicine (D.P.M.) degrees. Dr. Bembineasta is also board certified by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery. Podiatrists are the foremost authorities and medical specialists of the foot and ankle. The following list includes some common conditions that podiatrists often diagnose and treat:

• Heel pain
• Bunions
• Ingrown toenails
• Planter warts – Hammertoes
• Morton’s neuroma and
• Planter fasciitis.

We have offices in Overland Park and Kansas City off Barry Road.  Call us when looking for Laser Nail Fungus Treatment Near Me Doctor Kansas City