DIABETES AND NAIL FUNGUS! WHY THE LASER IS THE RIGHT WAY TO GO!

In order to properly treat toenail fungus, it is important to get an accurate diagnosis. Failing to correctly diagnose the condition can cause a delay in resolving the problem that can be more critical to a person with diabetes than a person whose system can better tolerate the delay.

In a typical toe fungus, discoloration of the toenail is usually a yellowish brown. But the result is not always yellow toenails. If other organisms cause the changes in the toenail, the discoloration may take on a dark green to black appearance. Black toenails can also be caused by trauma, autoimmune disorders, and melanoma. So, color of the toenails may be an indication of the problem, but yellow toenails or black toenails alone are not conclusive.

To diagnose toenail fungus, your medical professional will first examine the toenail for telltale signs of fungus. The next steps may include taking scrapings of the nail for a lab culture, examining toenail scrapings under a microscope, or doing a biopsy.

For a diabetic, toenail fungus is much more than a cosmetic problem. Diabetes complications from fungus infections in the toenails and fingernails can lead to amputations of the entire limbs because of infection.

Treatments for a Diabetic Toenail Fungus

Because of poor blood circulation to the toes and feet in a diabetic, it is hard for a diabetic's body to fend off the microbes that cause toenail fungus infections. As a result, people who suffer from diabetes are a particularly susceptible to toenail fungal infections and their complications. It is very important to treat the infection promptly.

Good skin care is essential for dealing with skin problems and fungal infections in diabetes. You should keep the skin clean and dry, specially the skin folds areas. If your skin is excessively dry, then keep it hydrated and moisturized.

Proper treatment depends on the nature and extent of the fungal infection. If the nail is relatively clear, an antifungal lacquer application such as Formula3 may cure the infection. If the fungal infection is more extensive and includes thick, brittle nails, an oral antifungal agent such as Lamisil can be effective (but do have side effects), either as a single therapy or taken in conjunction with an antifungal lacquer like CNL-8.

But there is hope! Doctors are now offering toenail Laser treatments with no side effects and no needles or invasive surgery! The Lasers along with a topical anti-fungal have been shown to help with that pesky nail fungus. Shining through your toe nail, the laser vaporizes fungi and leaves the surrounding healthy skin undamaged. For this reason, the procedure is painless as well as no recovery time. Laser manufacturers estimate treatments should take 3 minutes per toe. So for people who are diabetic, it is a dream! Call your podiatrist today for a consultation to rid yourself of this fungus… Because remember when your feet hurt, you hurt all over!!