Dr. Kleis is an expert when it comes to Onychomycosis or toenail fungus. With more than 25 years of experience treating toenail fungus, Dr. Kleis not only stays on the cutting edge of toenail fungus treatments, but he helps train other doctors on how appropriately treat the condition, as well.
Dr. Kleis has been a featured speaker on the use of lasers in treating Onychomycosis at several professional gatherings, including:
- Annual National meeting for American Podiatric Medical Association Boston, MA 2011
- Western Foot and Ankle Conference (American Podiatric Medical Association) Anaheim, CA 2011
- Western Foot and Ankle Conference (American Podiatric Medical Association) Anaheim, CA 2012
- Los Angeles County Podiatric Medical Society Seal Beach, CA 2011
- San Diego County Podiatric Medical Society San Diego, CA 2012
- Alberta Canada Podiatric Medical Association Edmonton, Canada 2011
- Georgia Podiatric Medical Association Annual Meeting Atlanta, GA 2012
Types of Nail Fungus
There are several types of toenail fungus. Medical terms for toenail fungus are onychomycosis and tinea unguium.
Onychomycosis
The most common fungi to cause toenail infection is Trichophyton rubrum or T. rubrum. T. rubrum causes onychomycosis, a condition that causes the nail to raise up from the nail bed. Usually, this process begins at the end of the toe, raising the toenail up and eventually causing the toenail to become thick and flaky. This condition is often accompanied by athletes foot between the toes or on the bottom of the foot.
A less common form of onychomycosis is called “proximal subungual onychomycosis” and starts at the base of the toenail, at the cuticle. From there, the toenail begins to raise up and spread toward the tip of the toenail. This form of onychomycosis is most often seen in patients with diabetes.
Yeast Onychomycosis
Candida is a common form of yeast that can cause yellow, brown, white or thickened nails. Patients with Candida toenail or fingernail infections often have yeast infections in their mouths, as well. Candida fungal infections cause the nails to flake off and exposes the nail bed underneath. Candida infections are sometimes accompanied by paronychia, an infection of the cuticle around the nail.
Onychomycosis Treatments
Onychomycosis can be treated with oral medications, topical medicines, or laser treatments. Oral medication carries risks of side effects and topical medications have a hard time penetrating the nail to kill the fungus. Laser treatments, however, have proven effective against all types of toenail fungus and have no side effects. The laser treatment is painless and won’t harm healthy tissue, eliminating the need for anesthesia or pain medication after the treatments.
Laser Onychomycosis treatments last about thirty minutes, during which the patient experiences a warming sensation where the laser is focused, but no pain. The laser light heats the fungal organisms, killing them without harming healthy tissue. Patients can return to normal activity as soon as the treatment is concluded.
White Superficial Onychomycosis
A toenail fungus most commonly found in tropical environments is called white superficial onychomycosis. This fungal infection typically has a powdery white material on the top of the nail and is caused by a fungus known as Trichophyton mentagrophytes.
White Superficial Onychomycosis Treatment
Laser toenail fungus treatment is effective in treating white superficial onychomycosis. The treatment is painless and only takes about thirty minutes. Nearly all patients report clearer, more beautiful toenails after a single laser treatment.
For more information about laser treatments for white superficial onychomycosis, call Dr. Kleis at (714) 760-4944 or (866) 333-8710.
Tinea Unguium
Another name for toenail fungus is Tinea Unguium. Tinea Unguium 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.
If you have thick, unsightly toenails, call Dr. Kleis for a consultation. He can diagnose your toenail problem and help arrange for the treatment you need to restore your beautiful, natural nails. Call Dr. Kleis today at (714) 760-4944 or (866) 333-8710.
Yellow Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus infections can cause your toenails to get thick and unsightly. Often, toenails will become discolored, turning yellow as they grow thick and ugly. Toenails that are infected with toenail fungus are hard to care for and can make men and women self-conscious. Left untreated, toenail fungus infections can cause pain and discomfort upon walking. The toenails become so thick and misshapen that they create pressure and pain when standing or walking.
Yellow Toenail Treatment
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.
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. Call (714) 760-4944 or (866) 333-8710.
Lunula Laser Therapy for Onychomycosis (Toenail Fungus)
Dr. Jeffery Kleis employs multiple 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 applications. 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 Lunula Laser has been given FDA approval for the treatment of toenail fungus. The Lunula produces dual wavelengths that 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 Laser Treatment for Onychomycosis (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. Call (714) 760-4944 or (866) 333-8710.
LunaLaser Treatment For Onychomycosis (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.
For an evaluation of your onychomycosis 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 or (866) 333-8710.
Onychomycosis - Toenail Fungus - FAQs
What Causes Toenail Fungus?
Fungal infections of the toenails are most often caused by exposure to moist, wet areas. Communal showers, such as those found at a gym or public pool are often sources of infection. Having athletes foot is also a risk factor for developing toenail fungus, as athletes foot is a fungus that can, over time, infect the nail bed, as well.
Tight-fitting shoes, worn for long periods in hot, sweaty conditions, also provide an environment for toenail fungus to gain a foothold. Repeated trauma to the toenail can weaken the nails and provide an opportunity for toenail fungus to begin.
How do you get toenail fungus?
Anyone can get toenail fungus. The fungi, mold, and yeasts that cause toenail fungus are commonly found in most moist, wet areas. Going barefoot in public showers is a common way to come into contact with the fungus causing pathogens. Not everyone who comes into contact with toenail fungi will get toenail fungus. Persons with weakened nails are especially prone to developing nail fungus.
Athletes are prone to toenail fungus, partly because of the tight-fitting shoes they wear and sweaty workouts they endure. Athletes are also prone to repeated nail trauma, which weakens the nail and provides an opportunity for nail fungus to begin.
Elderly people are more prone to developing toenail fungus, due to an overall weakened immune system caused by age. Other conditions that make a person more susceptible to toenail fungus include diabetes, AIDS, cancer, psoriasis, and taking immunosuppressive medications like steroids.
Can I get toenail fungus from a pedicure?
It is possible to contract toenail fungus from a nail salon. If the sanitary conditions of a salon are not sufficiently maintained, toenail fungi can lurk in the cracks and crevices of basins and equipment. These fungi can then be passed from one customer to another. Proper hygiene and a strict cleaning regimen will reduce the chances of toenail fungus being contracted by customers of a nail salon. It is important to avoid nail salons that lack good sanitation.
Can I get a pedicure while I have toenail fungus?
It is possible to get a pedicure, even if you have a toenail fungus. However, it is important to choose a salon that is equipped with proper sanitation equipment and be upfront about your condition so that the nail technician will be prepared to sanitize properly afterward. Calling ahead will ensure that the salon you choose is equipped to handle your situation. In some cases, a customer will be asked to provide their own manicure tools and nail polish to avoid spreading the fungus.
What does toenail fungus look like?
In the beginning, toenail fungus is not very noticeable. It may start as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your toenail. As time goes on, your toenail may become thicker or distorted, making it difficult to cut your toenails. Your toes may become painful, especially if the affected toe is under pressure.
Toenail fungus may turn your toenail black, yellow, green, or white, depending on the type of infection. The nail can become brittle or crumbly. Pieces of the nail may break off or the nail may fall off completely. The skin around the infected toenail may also get red, irritated, swollen, or cracked.
What does the beginning of toenail fungus look like?
Toenail fungus often begins as a small white or yellow spot under the tip of the nail. It is generally not painful or particularly noticeable in the early stages. As the infection grows, the nail may become discolored, thicken, or become distorted.
Is toenail fungus contagious?
Toenail fungus is contagious in the sense that it is possible to get it. However, most people are resistant to the fungus and will only develop it if there are some underlying problems like lower immunity, damaged nails, or prolonged exposure to moist, wet conditions surrounding the feet. Because toenail fungus is so common, you can expect that more than one person in a household may have it, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that one person passed it to another. The fungi, mold, and yeast that commonly cause toenail fungus are present in most moist, wet areas, including home bathrooms, bathtubs, and showers. A person “catches” toenail fungus by having weakened nails and then being exposed to the fungus, rather than simple exposure to another person with toenail fungus.
How to treat toenail fungus
According to the Mayo Clinic, there are several treatments for toenail fungus. These treatments include oral medications, topical treatments, and surgery.
Oral medications work with your body to clear the infection more quickly than topical treatments but come with side effects like liver problems and skin rash.
Topical treatments can take longer to work, sometimes up to a year to clear a fungal infection. Surgery can be used to remove the infected nail and allow a new, healthy nail to grow. This treatment is usually only prescribed if the infection is very severe and/or painful.
Laser treatments are the easiest way to get rid of toenail fungus. Lasers target the fungi under the nail and kill it, with no side effects and no discomfort. Other than a slight warming sensation, the patients feel very little during treatment. Once the lasers have killed the fungus, the nail simply grows out, healthy and normal. In some cases, your podiatrist may recommend more than one laser treatment, to ensure that all fungi have been eliminated.
How to treat toenail fungus at home
There are several home remedies for toenail fungus. People use Vicks VapoRub, snakeroot extract, eucalyptus oil, tea tree oil, oregano oil, and hydrogen peroxide, among others. While some of these methods may work when the fungal infection is in the early stages, advanced toenail fungus needs to be treated in a doctor's office for best results.
Will my toenails grow back after fungus treatment?
Yes! After treatment, you can expect your toenail to continue to grow out at its natural rate, replacing the unsightly nail with a beautiful, healthy one.
How do you get toenail fungus?
Fungal infections of the toenails are most often caused by exposure to moist, wet areas. Communal showers, such as those found at a gym or public pool are often sources of infection. Having athletes foot is also a risk factor for developing toenail fungus, as athletes foot is a fungus that can, over time, infect the nail bed, as well.
Tight-fitting shoes, worn for long periods in hot, sweaty conditions, also provide an environment for toenail fungus to gain a foothold. Repeated trauma to the toenail can weaken the nails and provide an opportunity for toenail fungus to begin.
What is toenail fungus?
Toenail fungus is a growth of yeast, mold, or fungi that live in the nail or nail bed. Oftentimes, damage to a healthy nail or a lowered immune system provides an opportunity for the microbes that are nearly always present in our environment a place to take hold around the toenail and begin to grow.
Toenail fungus can look like a thick, discolored nail. It can be brown, white, black, or yellow. In the beginning, fungus often looks like a white or yellow spot under the tip of your toenail. As the infection persists, you may experience a thickening of the toenail, or it may lift from the nail bed or become flaky.
Does Peroxide Get Rid of Toenail Fungus?
Hydrogen peroxide can kill fungus microbes. Soaking your foot in peroxide can, in some cases, help get rid of toenail fungus. However, because it is difficult for hydrogen peroxide to reach all of the areas of the toe where the fungus can grow, such as under the nail, in the nail bed, it can be difficult to completely treat advanced fungus with peroxide alone. Using peroxide as a preventive or early intervention tool can be quite effective, however.
Will Toenail Fungus Go Away on Its Own?
In most cases, toenail fungus will not go away on its own. It requires treatment to eliminate it and prevent the spread to other, healthy toenails.
Can I Cut My Toenails if They Have Fungus?
Yes, you can cut your toenails, even if they have fungus. To avoid spreading the fungus to other toenails, be sure to thoroughly clean the cutting instruments between toes using bleach or peroxide. To make cutting your toenails easier, soak your feet for ten minutes or so in warm water to soften the nails. Then, use sharp nail clippers to cut straight across, using small cuts to avoid splintering the nail and damaging the nail bed.
Does Nail Polish Cause Toenail Fungus
While nail polish doesn’t exactly CAUSE toenail fungus, it can increase your chances of getting it. Dark nail polish, especially if worn all the time, can block sunlight from reaching your nail bed. Sunlight can kill fungus microbes and prevent toenail fungus from growing. Keeping your nails constantly covered up with polish can increase your chances for toenail fungus to grow. Also, nail salons are a place where you might come into contact with fungi if the nail technicians aren’t vigilant about cleaning pedicure instruments between customers. Use care in choosing a nail salon and, if possible, visit in the morning when instruments are generally the cleanest.
My Toenail Fell Off – Is It Fungus?
There are several reasons why your toenail might fall off. Trauma is the most common reason for losing a toenail. However, if your toenail thickens over time, lifting from the nail bed and eventually falling off, it is very likely a fungus and you should seek treatment from your podiatrist.
Can my fingernails get fungus?
Yes, any nail can get a fungal infection. It is not as common for fungal infections to infect a fingernail because hands are generally kept drier and not exposed as frequently to hot, damp, confined conditions.
Why Don’t Fingernails Get Fungal Infections As Often As Toenails?
Our feet are often confined for hours per day in hot, sweaty shoes. The shoes block the sunlight and don’t allow sweat to dry, creating an ideal environment for fungus and mold like athletes foot and toenail fungus to thrive. Hands get wet, but then are quickly dried, not providing the moist, wet conditions fungus need to grow.