San Clemente, with a population of 63,522, is located along the Southern Coast of California at the midpoint between Los Angeles and San Diego. San Clemente is the most southern city in Orange County, famous for its beautiful beaches and Spanish colonial-style architecture.
San Clemente remained undeveloped until the 1920s when a land developer, and former mayor of Seattle, Ole Hanson, purchased 2,000 acres and designed the San Clemente community. He believed the moderate climate and beautiful beaches would appeal to Californians fleeing big-city life. Hanson envisioned a Spanish city by the sea and added a clause to all property deeds in the town requiring architectural plans to be submitted to a review board to ensure that the traditional Spanish roofs and white exterior was adhered to. This was only successful in the early years, however. As time went on, other style homes cropped up and the original, strict Spanish style Hanson desired is mostly found in the historic parts of town. While there is some variation in building styles, most homes in San Clemente reflect some aspects of Spanish architecture.
Nixon’s “White House” in San Clemente
Just north of the San Onofre Beach and overlooking the surfing hotspot, Trestles, sits what was once President Nixon’s California vacation home, dubbed the “Western White House.” President Nixon purchased the home in 1969 and nicknamed it “La Casa Pacifica.” Nixon returned to San Clemente after his resignation and wrote his memoirs from the comfort of La Casa Pacifica. The home was sold in 1980 when Nixon moved to New York.
The Beaches of San Clemente
San Clemente is famous for its superior surfing locations and beautiful beaches. An unusually large number of surfboard manufacturers make their home-base in San Clemente, and several world-famous surfers were either raised there or made their home there, later on. The San Clemente High School has won the majority of recent NSSA national surfing titles.
San Onofre State Beach
One of California’s most popular beaches, San Onofre hosts approximately 2.5 million visitors each year and is one of the top five most-visited beaches in the State. The beach is frequented by swimmers, campers, fishermen, kayakers, birders, and bicyclists, as well as the ever-present surfing enthusiasts. Animal life is abundant at San Onofre, including whales, dolphins, and sea lions, seen offshore, on occasion.
The State Park is separated into three distinct areas, the bluffs, the campground, and the surf beach.
San Onofre Bluffs offers both camping and day use parking just off Old Highway 101, immediately next to the sandstone bluffs. Campsites include a fire pit and table, with cold water showers and chemical toilets provided for public use.
San Onofre Bluffs
San Mateo Campground
Just inland from the beach portion of the park, the San Mateo campground lies near the San Mateo Creek, which feeds nearby riparian and wetland habitats popular with wildlife enthusiasts and avid birders. The campground offers campsites with fire pits and picnic tables and some RV hookup sites are available. San Mateo is connected to the Trestles Beach by a 1.5 Nature Trail. Trestles Beach is a world-class surfing site that has been popular among enthusiasts since the 1940s.
San Mateo Campground at San Onofre
San Onofre Suf Beach
The surf beach at San Onofre is only for day use and is popular with surfers, which provides access to one of the hottest surfing spots on the West Coast, Trestles. Named for the Trestles Bridge, which surfers once had to pass under to reach the beach, the Trestles surfing area is made up of three distinct sections, the Uppers, Lowers, and Middle. Upper Trestles is also called Cottons, the Middles includes an area known as The Church, and the Lowers is simply known as having the best consistent waves of the group.
Access to the Trestles is provided along a hiking trail from either paid parking near the Coast Highway or from the parking lot provided for San Onofre Beach. Either direction, the hike is likely to take fifteen minutes or more.
Dare to go Barefoot on the Beach
For some, the idea of walking barefoot on the beach in San Clemente sounds more like a nightmare than a dream come true. Millions of men and women in the US suffer from toenail fungus, which results in thick, discolored toenails that are difficult to maintain. The unsightly condition leads many to avoid any situation that would require them to remove their shoes, making a day on the beach something to be dreaded.
But, there is hope! Dr. Jeffery Kleis, DPM, has provided healing for toenail fungus for thousands of Californians. Dr. Kleis offers a full range of treatments for toenail fungus but prefers to treat his patients with laser toenail therapy. Laser therapy for toenail fungus in fast, painless, and requires no recovery time. Most patients report clearer, healthier nails after just one treatment.
To see if you are a candidate for laser toenail therapy, call Dr. Kleis today at (714) 760-4944 to schedule a consultation.
Who Gets 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 think nothing of Grandpa’s ugly thick toenails or expect Grandma to wear sandals when her toes look like “that.”
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!
Types of Toenail Fungus
Medical terms for toenail fungus are onychomycosis and tinea unguium. There are several types of toenail fungus.
- Trichophyton Rubrum or T. Rubrum.
- Yeast or Candida
- Trichophyton Mentagrophytes
- Tinea Unguium
These fungi cause onychomycosis, a condition that causes the nail to raise up from the nail bed, proximal subungual onychomycosis, which begins at the base of the toenail and raises the nail off the bed. Candida infection of the toenails can cause yellow, brown, white or thickened nails., sometimes causing the nails to flake off and expose the nail bed underneath.
White superficial onychomycosis is a fungal infection that typically has a powdery white material on the top of the nail. Tinea Unguim causes toenails to become thick and discolored. Infected toenails often become thick and misshapen, difficult to cut or care for. Discolored nails may be green, yellow, brown or black. Toenails infected with fungi can also be thick and flaky or begin to crumble. Sometimes toenails even fall off due to toenail fungus infection.
Laser Toenail Fungus Treatment in San Clemente
Toenail fungus can be treated most effectively, and with the fewest side effects, using laser toenail therapy. Dr. Kleis is the only laser care center in Southern California to offer two different laser machines that can target a wider range of fungus causing microorganisms. Using the Cutera Genesis Plus and the Clear Q lasers, Dr. Kleis can treat yellow toenail infections in a way that ensures a high success rate with no side effects for his patients.
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
- 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.
Home 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 disrupt fungal microbes and can help cure 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 Fungus Removal in San Clemente
The easiest and safest way to remove toenail fungus is with laser toenail therapy. Dr. Jeffery Kleis has been providing laser therapy for toenail for years and has cured thousands of patients at his Orange County practice.
Dr. Kleis uses two 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. 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.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Kleis to see if laser treatment to remove toenail fungus is right for you!