The City of San Juan Capistrano is located in Orange County, California less than a mile from the Southern Coast. Home to just over 35,000 residents, the city is named for the Mission San Juan Capistrano around which it was built. The Mission, in turn, was named for Giovanni da Capistrano, a Franciscan saint from the Italian city of Capistrano.
San Juan Capistrano embraces a wide variety of neighborhoods and home styles and includes the oldest residential neighborhood in California, Los Rios. The Serra Chapel in the Mission is the oldest building in California that is still in use. The area is also home to the first vineyard and winery in California.
The Swallows of Capistrano
The City of San Juan Capistrano is famous for the presence of cliff swallows that migrate to the San Juan Capistrano Mission from Argentina each year. The protected birds begin their migration from Goya, Argentina each year in March, arriving in San Juan Capistrano around St. Joseph’s Day (March 19th) when the city celebrates their annual Swallow’s Day Parade.
From 2009 to 2017, the swallows migrated to Chino Hills, nesting in the eaves of the Vellano Country Club. The deviation from their normal migration was caused by urban sprawl, investigators determined, and due to the fact that the Mission San Juan Capistrano was no longer the tallest building in the region. The Mission enlisted Dr. Charles R. Brown of the University of Tulsa, a cliff swallows specialist. Dr. Brown assisted the Mission in implementing a plan to lure the swallows back to the Mission San Juan Capistrano through the playing of swallow noises and the building of a replica wall containing man-made nests to which the birds could return.
In 2017, the swallows returned to Mission San Juan Capistrano where the city had never ceased holding the annual Swallow’s Day celebration. In 2018 the city celebrated their 80th annual parade, making it the longest-running parade west of the Mississippi. It also has the distinction of being the largest non-motorized parade in the western United States, as well.
Mission San Juan Capistrano
Established in 1775 by Father Lasuen, the Mission San Juan Capistrano preserves the historical, cultural, and religious significance of the Mission for modern residents and visitors. Mission San Juan Capistrano was the seventh of twenty-one missions founded in early California. Like the others, San Juan Capistrano was established to spread Christianity to the natives of early America. Rather than settling and claiming land by moving Spanish citizens to the New World, Spain believed they could convert the natives and turn them into taxpaying Spanish citizens, colonizing through missions, rather than settlements.
The plan was more difficult to implement than the Spanish government and the Catholic Church had hoped. However, Native Americans were curious about European technology and way of life. Some were baptized and received new Christian names, learned the Spanish language and the Catholic religion, along with European and Christian customs and skills.
Over a period of thirty years, the population of the mission increased to over 1,000 people, with 10,000 head of cattle, and saw the completion of the Great Stone Church. The Church served as a sanctuary for the Mission residents to observe Mass for six years. In 2812, during a Mass on December 8th, an earthquake destroyed the Church and killed more than 40 people. The people of Mission San Juan Capistrano never rebuilt the church, leaving the pile of rubble as a testament to their loss.
Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano
Beaches Near San Juan Capistrano
Residents of San Juan Capistrano could walk to nearby beaches if they wanted to. The city is located just a mile or so from the beaches along Capistrano Beach and barely more from Doheny State Beach and Dana Point.
For the millions of Californians affected by toenail fungus infection, however, a trip to the beach is no walk in the park. Thick, discolored toenails are unsightly and can be difficult to trim or maintain. Thick, discolored toenails are often a sign of toenail fungus and can result in embarrassment about going barefoot or wearing sandals.
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.
Dr. Jeffery Kleis is a podiatrist located in Costa Mesa and serving all of Orange County. Dr. Kleis offers a full range of treatments for toenail fungus, including cutting edge laser technology. Laser treatment for toenail fungus is FDA cleard and proven to be effective in up to 89% of patients, with no undesired side effects.
Find out if you’re a candidate for treating toenail fungus with laser technology by scheduling an appointment with Dr. Kleis today!
Toenail Fungus in San Juan Capistrano
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!
Lunula Laser Therapy for Toenail Fungus
Dr. Jeffery Kleis employs two lasers in his treatments for toenail fungus, allowing him to target a wider variety of fungus causing microorganisms with no discomfort to the patient. The latest addition to Dr. Kleis’ laser arsenal is the Lunula Laser by Erchonia.
Erchonia is the world leader in low-level laser health application. Erchonia has been conduction research for more than two decades and has worked with leading physicians to develop a line of low-level laser applications that have been proven safe and effective through independent trials.
The LunulaLaser has been given FDA approval for the treatment of toenail fungus. The Lunula produces dual wavelengths which have been enriched by a specially designed delivery mechanism that maximizes the concentration of the beams and the size of the treatment area. This patented approach ensures that the laser will target all of the infected tissues, including the nail bed and surrounding tissues.
The Lunula Laser treatment for toenail fungus is painless and will not cause any discomfort. The patient won’t any kind of heat or sensation, at all. In four separate LunulaLaser trials, there were no complications or side effects reported and 89% of patients responded to the treatment.
How Does Luna Laser Treatment for Toenail Fungus Work?
Laser treatments target the infected tissues and trigger cell destruction using the cytotoxic effect of peroxynitrites. Peroxynitrites are produced by the unique combination of wavelengths created by the dual diode delivery system of the Lunula Laser. The 635nm diode produces Nitric Oxide (NO) within the cells, while the 405nm diode produces Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in the same cells, at the same time. This combination of NO and ROS combine to create peroxynitrite, which destroys fungal pathogens.
All this is done with no side effects and no discomfort to the patient. Treatments are performed in Dr. Kleis’ office and don’t take more than thirty minutes. To see if you are a candidate for Luna Laser treatment of toenail fungus, call Dr. Kleis’ office and schedule a consultation 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:
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Thick Toenails
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Misshapen Toenails
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Discolored Toenails
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Flaky Toenails
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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.
How do I know if it’s toenail fungus?
There are a number of conditions that look similar to toenail fungus. The only way to know for sure is to see your podiatrist. He or she will perform an examination and may need to take a scraping of the nail for lab analysis. Once toenail fungus has been diagnosed, treatment can be prescribed.
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.
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Vicks VapoRub
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Hydrogen Peroxide
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Tea Tree Oil
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Essential Oils
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Snakeroot Extract
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Listerine
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Garlic
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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.
What is the best treatment for toenail fungus?
The best treatment for toenail fungus is laser treatment. 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.
For an evaluation and to see if you are a candidate for cool laser treatment for toenail fungus, visit Dr. Kleis. Schedule a consultation today by calling (714) 760-4944