Santa Ana, California is the second most populated city in Orange County and the county seat. Located along the Santa Ana River, about en miles from the Southern California Coast, the city is a part of the Los Angeles metropolitan area. The city shares its name with the Santa Ana Mountains, the Santa Ana Freeway which runs through the city, and the Santa Ana winds which blow each summer and have been instrumental in fueling some of the most devastating wildfires in US history.
First listed as a California township in the 1860 census, Santa Ana grew from an original 756 residents to its current population over 324,000 people. During World War II, the Santa Ana Army Air Base served as a training center for the US Army and Air Force. After the war, soldiers who trained at the Army and Air Base recalled the delightful surroundings and pleasant climate and returned there to live, fueling increased growth in the area during the late 40s, 50s, and 60s.
Santa Ana City Districts
Santa Ana separated into several distinct districts. The downtown area is made up of a combination of retail and housing, along with the administrative facilities for the City of Santa Ana and Orange County. Downtown Santa Ana is also home to the Ronald Reagan Federal Building and Courthouse.
North of downtown is the Midtown district. This area extends along Main Street and includes the Bowers Museum, the Discovery Science Center, and the Bowers Museum.
The Metro East area is designed to be a mixed-use development district, but it consists mainly of office space, with little retail or housing currently available in that area. The South Coast Metro area borders Costa Mesa and home to the South Coast Plaza, one of the largest shopping centers in the world and THE largest shopping center on the West Coast.
Things To Do In Santa Ana
Santa Ana has several parks and attractions of its own, as well as proximity to great vacation destinations like Disneyland, California Adventure, and Knot's Berry Farm. The downtown Santa Ana district has been the focus of a revitalization project over the past ten years, as a traditionally Latino shopping district has given way to more upscale, trendy boutiques, eateries, and art galleries.
Some of the traditional businesses have stayed on through the revitalization process, however, renovating their building s and expanding their offerings to keep up with the changing time. For instance, a little family-owned Mexican restaurant, Restaurante Las Cazuelas, located on N. Bush St., has always been known for its superior Mexican food. But, lately, the Las Cazuelas owner, Marilyn Ruiz, has begun hosting an open mic night for local artists on Wednesday nights.
Santa Ana Zoo
The Santa Ana Zoo, located at Prentice Park in Santa Ana, has been a favorite family destination since 1952. Founded by Joseph Prentice, the Santa Ana zoo is home to more than fifty monkeys and over 80 species of animals. In fact, having fifty monkeys (or more) in the zoo at all times, was a requirement by Mr. Prentice before he founded the zoo.
In addition to the monkeys, the zoo offers exhibits of many different animals, including Anteaters, Guanacos, and Rheas. The zoo also features an exhibit that preserves one of the most endangered habitats in the world, the Pampas Grasslands of South America. The interactive exhibition space offers guests the opportunities to feel as if they are a part of the space, rather just observers, utilizing walking paths and viewing spaces that integrate into the area and offers educational nodes throughout the exhibit.
The Santa Ana Zoo also offers several rides for visitors to enjoy. The Zoofari Express offers a 6-and-a-half-minute ride through the northern part of the Zoo. The small train, called the Zoofari Express, is a one-third-scale model train that was once used at the Santa's Village in Lake Arrowhead. The Santa Ana Zoo acquired the train in 1998 and have been using it to entertain guests ever since.
The Zoo at Prentice Park also offers a classical carousel ride with an environmental twist. Children choose an endangered animal to ride and receive an informational card about the animal and explaining why it is endangered. Families can also enjoy the petting zoo, as they feed goats and sheep and milk a replica cow. The Knowlwood Cafe', the Zoo's primary restaurant, offers hamburgers and other lunch items and snacks.
Everyone can enjoy the day at the Zoo in Santa Ana!
Santa Ana Zoo
The Artists Village In Downtown Santa Ana
Located in the center of Historic Downtown Santa Ana, the Artists Village is an area made up of studios, creative offices, art galleries, and a few restaurants. The Artists Village was originally meant to help revitalize the downtown area by giving use to some of the historic downtown buildings that had sat empty for years. This plan was largely successful. In the early 2000s, some live/work developments were added to the Artist Village, allowing artists and others to live close to the art they loved.
From Santa Ana To The Beach
The warm summer climate in Santa Ana leaves many residents and visitors wishing for a cool day along the coast. The sand and surf lure thousands each day to trek from Santa Ana to the beaches along California’s Southern Coast to enjoy a day in the sun. For those who suffer from thick, discolored toenails, however, a day barefoot on the beach is nothing short of a nightmare.
Thickening Toenails
If you notice that your toenails are getting increasingly thick and difficult to cut, you may have a toenail fungus infection. The microbes that cause toenail fungus flourish in dark, moist places. You can come into contact with the microbes that cause toenail fungus in places like public pools or showers. Wearing tight shoes while doing sweaty work or exercising can also allow the fungus to take root in your toenails.
In the beginning, toenail fungus is difficult to spot, but you may notice that your toenails start to thicken and get more and more difficult to cut. This is a sign that you have a fungus infection in your toenails and should seek treatment.
Dr. Kleis is the leading provider for laser nail fungus treatments in Southern California. He has successfully treated hundreds of patients for toenail fungus infections, restoring their natural beautiful nails. Before your toenails get any thicker, you should schedule a consultation with Dr. Kleis to see if laser toenail treatment is right for you.
How To Cut Thick Toenails
If you have toenails that are thick and difficult to cut, it can be helpful to soak your feet for ten or fifteen minutes in warm water before trying to cut the nails. For extra pampering, try adding some Epsom salts to the warm water, creating a soothing foot bath and softening the nails so they will cut more easily.
Once the nails are softened from the foot soak, use very sharp nail trimmers and make short cuts along the top of the nail, being careful not to split the nail down into the nail bed. Be sure to clean the instruments between each toe so that you don’t spread the toenail fungus infection from one toe to the next.
How To Get Rid of Thick Toenails
Very thick toenails are a sign of toenail fungus infection. If you have thick, unsightly toenails that are difficult to cut or maintain, you may need to treat the cause with toenail fungus treatments using laser technology.
Laser toenail fungus treatment is one of the most effective treatments for thick toenails and is free from any side effects. The treatments are painless and don’t require any anesthesia or pain relief afterward. The lasers treat only the infected tissues, targeting the fungus organisms in a way that won’t damage the healthy tissue around the nail.
Pulsing laser technology avoids overheating the tissue around the nail and ensures that the treatments aren’t uncomfortable. The fungus infection is destroyed, usually in a single session, and your nails will grow out beautiful and normal, no longer thick and ugly.
To inquire about laser treatment for thick toenails, call Dr. Kleis at (714) 760-4944
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. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Kleis by calling (714) 760-4944
Natural Remedies for Toenail Fungus
While there are several 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
Some essential oils claim to cure fungal infections. These include Oregano Oil, Clove Oil, Lavender, and Thyme. Some essential oil blends 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 saltwater 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.
How do I know if it’s toenail fungus?
There are many 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.
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 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!
Laser Treatment for Toenail Fungus
Dr. Kleis uses two different lasers to treat toenail fungus. The Cutera Genesis Plus and the Q Clear lasers allow Dr. Kleis to target a wider range of the microorganisms that cause toenail fungus. 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.
Call Dr. Kleis today to schedule a consultation about laser treatment for your toenail fungus.