The City of San Bernardino serves as the county seat for San Bernardino County in California. Situated immediately adjacent to the city of Riverside, San Bernardino is a part of the Riverside-San Bernardino metro area sometimes referred to as the “Inland Empire.” Sprawling across the floor of the San Bernardino Valley, the City of San Bernardino is home to 216,995 residents and is the 17th largest city in California.
The County of San Bernardino
The county of San Bernardino stretches from Chino Hills State Park, about twenty miles outside of Los Angeles, to the state border at Parker, along the Arizona border up to the Sandy Valley along the Nevada border with California. Covering 20,105 square miles, San Bernardino is the largest county in the nation and larger than some small states.
Most of the county’s 2, 035,000 residents are located in the San Bernardino Valley. About 300,000 residents live north of the San Bernardino Mountains in towns like Victorville, Barstow, Hesperia, and Apple Valley. Only about 100,000 residents live in the rest of the vast state, scattered across the mountains, valleys, and deserts of Eastern San Bernardino County.
San Bernardino County is home to the Mojave National Preserve, one of the largest units in the National Park System in the nation. The Preserve includes the Kelso Dunes, the Marl Mountains, the Cima Dome, volcanic formations including Hole-in-the-Wall and Cinder Cone Lava Beds, the Providence Mountains, and the Mitchel Caverns. The County of San Bernardino also hosts Joshua Tree National Park, San Bernardino National Forest, and several world-class ski destinations.
The City of San Bernardino
In addition to serving as the county seat of the largest county in the nation, San Bernardino is also host to consulates for the governments of Guatemala and Mexico. Nestled in the San Bernardino Valley, the area was once called “The Valley of the Cupped Hand of God” by the indigenous tribes of the region. The City of San Bernardino is one of the oldest in the State of California. First established by Mormon pioneers in 1851, the city is laid out in a North-South-East-West grid in the city planning style that was typical of other Mormon cities. The Mormon settlers were called back to Salt Lake City in 1857 and the properties were largely bought up by a real estate consortium who sold the lands to new settlers.
The city grew with the discovery of gold in nearby mountains, soon becoming an important trading hub for Southern California. The city is known as the birthplace of McDonald’s, the nation-wide fast-food chain that took the country by storm in the mid-twentieth century. The city has seen periods of success and decline over its more than 150 years of existence. San Bernardino was awarded the All-America City award in 1977 but then experienced a series of recessions from which the city is only just now recovering.
San Bernardino experiences a hot, Mediterranean climate with average highs in the upper nineties during much of the summer months. The city sees very little precipitation during the summer, though the winters receive a fair amount of rain. The Santa Ana winds are particularly felt in the San Bernardino Valley, as the warm air is channeled through the Cajon Pass, increasing wildfire dangers in the area.
San Bernardino Wildfires
The San Bernardino Mountains have been the site of numerous wildfires over the years. Fueled by the warm, Santa Ana winds, wildfire danger reaches a high level during the late summer months around San Bernardino. In the fifteen-years between 2003 and 2018, there were 52 wildfires in the San Bernardino National Forest. The Esperanza Fire in October of 2006 burned more than 40,000 acres and killed five firefighters.
San Bernardino Annual Events
The City of San Bernardino hosts several annual events that attract thousands of visitors from the surrounding area.
Route 66 Rendezvous
The Route 66 Rendezvous is a celebration of the iconic Route 66 which passes through downtown San Bernardino. Held in late September or early October, the Rendezvous features an antique car show with cruise parade, beer gardens in the downtown square, food vendors, arts and crafts, and merchandise vendors. The free event will be held in downtown San Bernardino at Court Street Square and in front of City Hall.
National Orange Show Festival
The National Orange Show Festival has been held in San Bernardino since 1911 as a promotion to the citrus industry. During the height of its popularity, the festival carried on for two full weeks. Today, however, the event is confined to a single weekend and maintains more of a community focus.
Western Regional Little League Championships
Each year, San Bernardino is host to the Western Regional Little League Championships in August. The West Region of Little League includes six districts, Arizona, California (two districts, North and South), Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah. The Regional Tournaments are played at the Western Region Headquarters in San Bernardino. The complex includes a Major League field that seats as many as 8,000 people. The complex includes seven dormitories, where teams and coaches are housed during regional play, and a cafeteria that serves more than 900 meals per day during the tournament.
Western Regional Headquarters
6707 Little League Drive
San Bernardino, CA 92407
(909) 887-6444
Summer Heat in San Bernardino
The hot summer weather and lack of rain can make the residents of San Bernardino start dreaming about cooling off in the water off the coast of Southern California. Lucky for them, sandy beaches beckon from a not-too-far distance, calling overheated San Bernardinians to kick their shoes off and take a dip in the cool waters of the Pacific.
For sufferers of toenail fungus, a day at the beach may be out of the question. Toenail fungus can make a person’s toenail thick and discolored, difficult to cut and embarrassing to display. This can restrict the sufferer’s freedom to enjoy simple activities like a barefoot walk and even lead to pain when standing or walking if left untreated.
Help for toenail fungus can be found in Costa Mesa, with Dr. Jeffery Kleis. Dr. Kleis has access to the full complement of treatments for toenail fungus but prefers the use of non-invasive lasers as the first line of treatment. Laser treatment for toenail fungus is comfortable and comes with no side effects, unlike oral medication which can cause liver damage over time.
See Dr. Kleis for an evaluation of your toenail fungus and see if you’re a candidate for laser treatment. Schedule your consultation by calling (714) 760-4944
Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus is caused by microbes that exist everywhere in the environment and thrive in moist, dark places. Fungi, mold, and yeast can all infect the nails and these microorganisms are nearly always present in environments with sufficient moisture and lack of sunlight. Moist, dark areas are prime places for fungi microbes to thrive, but they exist in nearly every environment, and we are always coming into contact with them.
Up to 10% of the population is estimated to suffer from toenail fungus infections. This condition is so common because the microbes that cause the infection are all around us all the time. When we wear tight fighting shoes that trap sweat and moisture next to our skin, we help to create an environment where fungus can take hold on our feet and toenails.
Healthy nails are more resistant to infection from fungus causing microbes. People most at risk for developing toenail fungus are athletes, elderly people, and people with other health conditions that lower their immune system. Some of the most common places to come into contact with toenail fungus are public pools, gyms, and showers, but the microbes are present everywhere in our environment.
Athletes With Toenail Fungus
Athletes are more susceptible to toenail fungus for several reasons. First, they are more likely to cause repetitive trauma to their toenails, weakening the nail bed and giving fungi a place to take hold. Also, the types of shoes worn by athletes tend to be tight in order to provide proper support for training. The tightness of the shoes, however, means that there is little air flow, trapping sweat and moisture inside the shoe and providing ideal conditions for toenail fungi to grow.
Toenail Fungus in Older People
As men and women age, they become more susceptible to a variety of ailments. The cell regeneration slows down and healing doesn’t happen as quickly as it used to. The natural aging process, even for people who are otherwise in excellent health, makes older people more likely to get toenail fungus. It’s so common among the elderly that people often expect to see unsightly toenails on people over 55 or 60.
But, being over 55 doesn’t mean you have to give in to toenail fungus or stop showing your toes. Beautiful, healthy nails are possible at any age with laser treatments for toenail fungus. Laser treatments for toenail fungus don’t have any side effects, are not painful, and don’t require anesthesia or pain medication. This makes it appropriate for patients of all ages, including older people with toenail fungus.
Toenail Fungus In People With Health Conditions
Underlying health conditions like diabetes and heart disease can lower the body’s overall ability to fight infection. Lowered immunity makes it easier for toenail fungus to take hold and grow. In fact, people with diabetes are more than twice as likely to get toenail fungus as the general population. Not only are people with health conditions more likely to get toenail fungus, but they are also less likely to qualify for oral medications to fight it. The possible side effects of oral treatments for toenail fungus make it difficult for people with diabetes, heart conditions, or liver disease to qualify for treatment.
Laser toenail fungus treatment is safe for everyone. The focused, laser technology uses pulses to ensure that the surrounding tissues aren’t harmed and that the treatment remains safe and pain-free. Dr. Kleis uses two different lasers in his office, allowing him to target a wider range of fungus causing organisms. The lasers target only the microbes beneath the nail and don’t harm the surrounding tissues. The treatment is pain-free and doesn’t require an anesthetic. Most patients see improvement in their nails after a single treatment.
If you’re not sure if you’re a candidate for oral anti-fungal treatments for toenail fungus, call Dr. Kleis at (714) 760-4944 to schedule a consultation. Dr. Kleis can schedule laser toenail treatment that won’t put your health at risk!
Cool Laser Technology for Treating Toenail Fungus
Dr. Jeffery Kleis stays on the cutting edge of technology when it comes to fighting toenail fungus for his patients. In the past, Dr. Kleis has used two lasers in his practice, allowing him to better target a wider variety of microbes and achieve a higher rate of success for his patients.
Recent advances in cool laser technology have led to the development of the LunaLaser by Erchonia, a world leader in medical laser technology. The LunaLaser allows for the treatment of toenail fungus without the use of heat. The dual diode delivery mechanism employed by the Luna Laser focuses two wavelengths of visible light on the infected tissues, creating a combining effect of Nitric Oxide and Reactive Oxygen Species within the cells. This combination results in the creation of peroxynitrite, basically a type of naturally occurring hydrogen peroxide, which eliminates fungal pathogens within the tissues.
All of this laser’s treatments have been tested and proven to be clinically effective in four separate, independent trials. In addition to being effective in up to 89% of trial participants, not a single adverse reaction was reported by any participant in the trial.
Cool laser treatment for toenail fungus will not be uncomfortable and patients can return to normal activities immediately after treatment. The treatments are taken in the physician’s office and last no more than thirty minutes. More than one treatment may be required to achieve maximum results.
Find out if you’re a candidate for treating toenail fungus with laser technology by scheduling an appointment with Dr. Kleis today!
Toenail Fungus Symptoms
In the beginning, toenail fungus can be hard to spot. It can look like a white or yellow spot under the tip of the toenail. The first symptoms of toenail fungus can be so slight, however, that most people don’t know they have it until their toenails start to thicken and become misshapen.
Symptoms of toenail fungus infections include:
- Thick Toenails
- Misshapen Toenails
- Discolored Toenails
- Flaky Toenails
- Toenails That Fall Off
Thick, brown toenails are an indication that you likely have a toenail fungus infection. Fungal infections can also give you discolored toenails that are white, green, yellow, or black. Toenails that flake off and crumble are also a sign of toenail fungus.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, schedule a consultation with Dr. Kleis today to discuss a course of treatment that will have you rushing to put on sandals once again!
Toenail Fungus Pain
The fungi, mold, and yeast that cause toenail fungus infections do not cause pain in and of themselves. However, if left untreated, the nail will often become thick and distorted, making the wearing of shoes extremely uncomfortable and causing pain when standing or walking.
Aside from being uncomfortable, the fungus infected nail will sometimes lift off the nail bed, creating a gap where bacteria can grow. Bacteria cause infections that can be painful and often smell bad. If you have distorted toenails that are causing you pain or have an odor that you can’t seem to get rid of through proper hygiene, you should schedule a visit with Dr. Kleis to have your condition evaluated. Whether you are suffering pain from a toenail fungus infection or a bacterial infection, Dr. Kleis can recommend the appropriate course of action.
Toenail Fungus Treatment
There are several different treatments for men and women suffering from toenail fungus. Oral medications are extremely effective in clearing fungal infections but have been shown to have moderate to severe side effects including: diarrhea, upset stomach, rashes, liver damage, and even heart failure. Many patients with other health problems aren’t candidates for oral medication because of the serious nature of the possible side effects.
Topical treatments for toenail fungus do not have side effects but can be less effective than oral medications in clearing up the infection. Topical treatments have to penetrate the nail in order to attack the fungi living beneath the nail surface. If the topical medications aren’t able to penetrate the toenail, the fungus won’t be eliminated.
Laser treatments for toenail fungus are shown to be most effective with the least chance of side effects. Patients in poor health are still candidates for laser toenail treatments, as the laser treatment doesn’t require any anesthetic or carry any side effects. Laser treatments are fast and effective, leaving patients with clearer nails with zero recovery time.
Toenail Fungus Medication
There are several prescription oral medications for toenail fungus, as well as several topical medications. Oral medications must be taken for several weeks to several months and can have serious side effects.
Topical medications are less effective than oral medicines, as it can be difficult for the medications to penetrate the nail and attack the fungus beneath. However, topical medications do not have the same side effects as oral medications.
Laser nail fungus treatments are effective and have zero side effects. Nearly all patients report at least some improvement in the appearance of their nails after just one treatment and a clinical study reported no adverse side effects from laser use.
Toenail Fungus Removal
Dr. Kleis uses three different lasers in his office to remove toenail fungus. The Cutera Genesis Plus and the Q-Clear lasers allow Dr. Kleis to use different light wavelengths to penetrate the nail and kill a wider spectrum of organisms within the nail. The cool laser treatment employed by the LunaLaser application has been proven effective for treating onychomycosis, or toenail fungus, in four separate clinical trials. The laser targets the fungus and stimulates new, clear nail growth using a dual diode delivery mechanism that targets only the infected tissues. The treatments are painless and don’t take more than a half-hour in the physician’s office.
Most patients experience improvement in the appearance of their toenails after a single laser treatment. Removing toenail fungus with lasers is pain-free and doesn’t require any recovery time.
For an evaluation of your onychomycosis and to see if you are a candidate for laser treatment for toenail fungus, visit Dr. Kleis. Schedule a consultation today by calling (714) 760-4944
Laser Treatment for Toenail Fungus
Dr. Kleis uses three different lasers to treat toenail fungus. The Cutera Genesis Plus, LunaLaser, and the Q Clear lasers allow Dr. Kleis to target a wider range of the microorganisms that cause toenail fungus. The cool laser treatment employed by the LunaLaser application has been proven effective for treating onychomycosis, or toenail fungus, in four separate clinical trials. The laser targets the fungus and stimulates new, clear nail growth using a dual diode delivery mechanism that targets only the infected tissues. The treatments are painless and don’t take more than a half-hour in the physician’s office.
Laser treatment for toenail fungus poses no risk, as there are no side effects. The entire procedure is pain-free and no recovery time is required. Patients report a slight warming sensation in the area that is targeted by the laser treatment, but the healthy tissues remain unharmed, allowing them to return to normal activity as soon as the procedure is complete.
For an evaluation of your onychomycosis and to see if you are a candidate for laser treatment for toenail fungus, visit Dr. Kleis. Schedule a consultation today by calling (714) 760-4944
Natural Remedies for Toenail Fungus
While there are a number of home remedies for toenail fungus touted online, most of them have limited success. If your toenail fungus is just getting started or is contained on the surface material of the toenail, you may have success with some of these treatments.
- Vicks VapoRub
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Tea Tree Oil
- Essential Oils
- Snakeroot Extract
- Listerine
- Garlic
- Healthy Diet
Vicks VapoRub for Toenail Fungus
Vicks VapoRub is a common at-home treatment for nail fungus. While its efficacy has not been clinically proven, it may be worth a try if your toenail fungus is not advanced. To use Vicks VapoRub to treat your toenail fungus, apply once a day and keep your foot otherwise clean and dry. It generally takes several months to tell if the treatment is working.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen Peroxide is proven to kill fungal microbes and can help relieve unsightly toenail fungus. The problem lies in the ability to get the hydrogen peroxide to reach the nail bed where the fungus lives. The nail itself acts as a protective shield for the fungus, preventing the hydrogen peroxide from doing its job.
To use hydrogen peroxide to treat toenail fungus, a person should soak their feet for thirty minutes per day in a hydrogen peroxide solution and otherwise keep their feet clean and dry.
Tea Tree Oil
Melaleuca, or tea tree oil, is a type of essential oil with anti-fungal and antibacterial qualities. While some studies have shown tea tree oil to be effective against toenail fungus, the problem lies in getting the oil to penetrate the nail to kill the microbes living beneath. To treat toenail fungus with tea tree oil, pain the affected nails twice a day, using a cotton swab, and keep the feet clean and dry.
Essential Oils
There are a number of essential oils that claim to cure fungal infections. These include Oregano Oil, Clove Oil, Lavender, and Thyme. There are also some essential oil blends that claim to effectively treat toenail fungus. These claims have not been clinically proven and it can be difficult to apply the oils in a way that they reach the affected tissue within and under the nail itself. To use essential oils to treat toenail fungus at home, use a carrier oil to dilute the oils and apply daily to the affected area.
Healthy Diet
Perhaps the best advice for anyone with toenail fungus, whatever treatment you pursue, is to improve your diet. Better gut health is proven to increase overall health and boost the immune system. Health problems associated with diet, such as diabetes, increase a person’s chance of getting toenail fungus.
Whether you pursue an over the counter treatment or in office laser treatment for toenail fungus, pursuing a healthier diet is a good move for anyone. Increased fresh fruit and vegetable intake and decreased processed and high sugar foods will improve your overall health and help you recover beautiful, fungus-free nails after treatment.
Toenail Disorders That Are Not Toenail Fungus
Many things can make your toenails look different than they normally do. Trauma can cause dark discoloration beneath the nail and even result in a lost toenail or fingernail. Vitamin deficiencies can cause ridges in the toenail and melanoma can present as a dark spot or streak beneath the toenail.
If you notice anything different about your toenails and you’re not sure of the cause, it may be wise to seek the advice of an experienced podiatrist like Dr. Kleis, DPM.
Dr. Kleis has decades of experience in diagnosing and treating disorders of the feet and can help you determine the cause of your toenail problems and the best course of treatment. Call Dr. Kleis to schedule an appointment to discuss your concerns about your toenails, before a slight problem turns into a bigger one.
Lines or Ridges in Toenails
Lines or ridges in your fingernails or toenails are common and have a variety of causes. Age is one of the leading causes of vertical ridges, which are usually harmless. However, sometimes toenail ridges are signs of underlying conditions that need treatment. Diagnosing the cause of your toenail ridges is key to determining your overall health state and an appropriate course of treatment.
Some causes of vertical ridges in your toenails include:
- Anemia
- Trachyonychia
- Peripheral Vascular Disease
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
Horizontal ridges in your toenails may be signs of a serious condition and should be evaluated by a doctor. Horizontal ridges may be a sign of:
- Kidney Disease
- Diabetes
- Thyroid Disease
If you have ridges in your toenails that concern you, schedule an appointment with Dr. Kleis by calling (714) 760-4944
Brittle Nails
Toenail fungus can cause your toenails to become brittle and break easily. They may also flake and become unsightly. Nail polish can help hide the damage from toenail fungus, but that’s a temporary solution. For healthier, more beautiful toenails, get treatment for your toenail fungus by visiting Dr. Kleis, DPM. Dr. Kleis has years of experience diagnosing and treating toenail fungus and foot disorders. He can help you determine a course of treatment that will have your toes ready for sandals in no time!
Call (714) 760-4944 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Kleis and discover how easy it can be to have toenails you’re anxious to show off!
White or Yellow Nails
While white or yellow nails may be a sign of toenail fungus, it can also have other causes. Onycholysis is a separation of the nail from the nail bed. When there is space between the nail and the bed, it will cause a discoloration that is actually the space between the nail, rather than a discoloration of the nail itself. This condition, if it persists, can result in a fungal infection of the toenail, but is not itself a fungal infection. To treat Onycholysis, trim your nails short and keep them clean, but don’t try to clean under the nail itself. Use polish to hide the color of the nail and allow time for the nail to grow out.
Hematoma Under The Nail
If your toenail has experienced trauma recently, you may get a bruise or hematoma under the nail. This can result in a large black, red, or purple area under the nail. This is not a fungal infection and will grow out as your nail grows. It is possible that trauma will result in the loss of your toenail. This is normal and shouldn’t concern you.
However, if you have a black spot under your nail that wasn’t caused by trauma, you should visit a podiatrist or dermatologist to ensure that the spot is not a melanoma.
Green Nails
Green nails can be caused by a bacterial infection called Pseudomonas. This bacteria grows between the nail and nail bed. This type of infection can occur if there is a separation between the nail and nail bed. Pseudomonas infection will give off a foul odor and result in a green discoloration of the toenail. To treat the infection, keep the toenail trimmed short and avoid soaking the toenail in water. As the nail grows out, the separation that is allowing the infection to grow should grow out, as well, eliminating the space for infection to grow. Polish can be used to hide the color as the toenail grows. If the infection persists more than a few months, you may wish to seek treatment from a podiatrist. They can prescribe treatments that aren’t available over the counter.
Pitted Nails
Psoriasis and other skin problems can affect the nail matrix, which is the area from which the nail grows. The nail may also be tan in color. Treatments for this condition will be pursued as an overall treatment of psoriasis.
Swelling and Redness Around the Toenail
An infection of the cuticle around the toenail is called paronychia. The infection is often bacterial and can be treated by soaking the affected foot in warm salt water and otherwise keeping the foot clean and dry. If the infection is chronic, yeast can sometimes infect the area, causing further damage. If you are concerned that the infection is not clearing up well, you may wish to seek the advice of a podiatrist.
Laser Treatment For Toenail Fungus FAQs
Can laser treatments get rid of toenail fungus?
Laser treatments for nail fungus have been clinically proven to work. Nail fungus is often eliminated after a single laser treatment. Most patients report that the appearance of their toenails is improved after a single treatment. However, a second or third treatment may be required for severe infections.
How Does Laser Toenail Fungus Treatments Work?
Focused laser light targets the fungal organisms that live in and under the toenail and nail bed. The light heats the tissue, destroying the fungal microbes and killing the toenail fungus.
The laser is pulsed to avoid overheating the surrounding tissues, making the treatment pain-free. No pain relievers will be required after the procedure and no anesthetic is necessary to perform it.
How much do laser treatments for toenail fungus cost?
Costs for laser toenail fungus treatments vary, depending on the severity of the infection and the number of treatments required. When you visit with Dr. Kleis, he will work with you to determine the best course of treatment and go over the expected cost with you.
Can I make payments on laser treatments for nail fungus?
We offer financing through Care Credit. You can fill out an application online and get approval before you schedule your treatments. Make payments you can afford while achieving better nail health!
Do laser treatments work for toenail fungus?
Laser treatments are one of the most effective ways to treat toenail fungus. Often in as little as one treatment, patients will see clear, beautiful nails begin to appear. Toenails grow slowly, however, and the damaged nail must be given time to grow out and be cut off before the whole nail will look perfectly restored.
How many laser treatments does it take to get rid of nail fungus?
Many times a single laser treatment will relieve toenail fungus. In very serious cases, it may take a second or even third treatment. Your podiatrist will be able to let you know how many treatments to expect.
Will Medicare Cover Laser Treatment for Toenail Fungus?
Normal foot care is not generally covered by Medicare, though some Medicare supplement plans do provide coverage for additional benefits, including foot care. If a patient has underlying health issues that affect the feet, such as diabetes and diabetic nerve pain, Medicare will sometimes pay for a podiatrist visit to address that condition.
Medicare Part B plans will sometimes include benefits that cover podiatry and could include benefits for laser treatment. Call your plan provider or allow our office to assist you in determining benefit coverage from your Medicare supplement plan. Call Dr. Kleis at (714) 760-4944 to speak to a customer care specialist who can help you determine your Medicare and supplemental benefits.
Does Insurance Pay For Laser Nail Treatments?
While advanced toenail fungus can cause problems with a person’s ability to move and exercise, it is generally considered an aesthetic issue and isn’t covered by insurance. However, plans vary and you should ask your insurance provider or allow one of our customer care specialists to inquire for you. To see if your insurance plan will pay for Laser Nail Treatments, call our office at (714) 760-4944
Does Laser Nail Treatment Hurt?
Laser nail treatments last about thirty minutes. The laser is focused only on the affected toenail and doesn’t harm any healthy tissues. The area will feel warm during treatment, but no pain is experienced. A pulsing laser is used to avoid overheating the area or causing damage to surrounding tissues. No anesthetic is required and, generally, no pain relievers are necessary following treatment. Patients are immediately able to resume regular activities, including wearing shoes and painting their toenails.
How do I Prepare For Laser Nail Therapy?
When arriving for your laser nail treatment appointment, you should ensure that your feet are clean and free of all nail polish. Wear clean socks and plan to spend a minimum of an hour at the office. You will be able to wear your shoes again immediately after the treatment and drive yourself home from the office. If your toenail fungal infection is severe, Dr. Kleis may ask you to schedule an additional treatment session.
For additional questions about preparing for upcoming toenail laser treatments, please call our office at (714) 760-4944