Laser Treatment for Fungal Toenails St. Louis and Chesterfield, MO

FAQ’s about Nail Fungus

What is nail fungus?
Nail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common infection that affects the nails, causing them to become discolored, thickened, and brittle. It is caused by fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments.

What causes nail fungus?
Nail fungus can develop when fungi, such as dermatophytes, yeast, or molds, invade the nail through tiny cracks or cuts. Risk factors include walking barefoot in damp areas, wearing tight shoes, and having a weakened immune system.

How can I tell if I have nail fungus?
Common signs of nail fungus include yellow or white discoloration, thickened nails, brittleness, and a distorted nail shape. Sometimes, the infected nail may separate from the nail bed.

Is nail fungus contagious?
Yes, nail fungus can spread from person to person through direct contact or by sharing contaminated towels, nail clippers, or shoes. This fungus also lives in warm moist surfaces such as showers and pool decks.

Symptoms and Diagnosis 

What are the symptoms of nail fungus?
Symptoms include:

• Yellow, white, or brown discoloration of the nail.
• Thickened or brittle nails.
• A foul odor coming from the nail.
• Crumbling edges or distortion of the nail shape.

Can nail fungus spread to other nails or parts of the body?
Yes, if left untreated, nail fungus can spread to other nails and even the surrounding skin, causing conditions like athlete’s foot.

How is nail fungus diagnosed?
A doctor may diagnose nail fungus by examining the affected nail and possibly taking a small sample for laboratory testing to confirm the type of fungus.

Treatment Options in St. Louis and Chesterfield, Missouri

What treatments are available for nail fungus?
Treatment options include:

• Topical antifungal formulations.
• Oral antifungal medications.
• Laser therapy to target the fungus.
• In severe cases, nail removal may be necessary.

Do over-the-counter antifungal treatments work?
Over-the-counter treatments can be effective for mild cases but may not work for severe or persistent infections. Our professional treatment protocols are reliable and guaranteed to show improvement and cure within approximately 6 months time. (**Consistent appointments and at-home follow up care are essential to the successful outcome.)

How long does it take to treat nail fungus?
Treatment duration depends on the severity of the infection but typically ranges from several weeks to months. It can take up to a year for a new, healthy nail to grow back fully.

Are there home remedies for nail fungus?
Some people use home remedies like tea tree oil, vinegar soaks, or hydrogen peroxide. While these may provide mild relief, they are not clinically proven to cure nail fungus.

Do I need prescription medication for nail fungus?
Prescription medications are often required for moderate to severe cases. Oral medications like Itraconazole   (a.k.a. Sporonox) can be effective over 3–6 months, but results vary. Nails with compromised blood supply may remain susceptible to reinfection, highlighting the importance of combination treatments for optimal results.

Can laser treatment effectively cure nail fungus?
Laser treatment is a newer option that uses focused light to kill the fungus. It’s effective for some patients and typically involves multiple sessions.

Will the infected nail need to be removed?
In severe cases where the nail is highly damaged, removal may be recommended to allow for proper treatment and regrowth of a healthy nail.

Prevention and Management

How can I prevent nail fungus?
To prevent nail fungus:

• Keep your feet clean and dry.
• Wear breathable shoes and moisture-wicking socks.
• Avoid walking barefoot in communal areas like locker rooms or pools.
• Address any nail trauma with a podiatrist

What hygiene practices help reduce the risk of nail fungus?

• Regularly trim your nails straight across.
• Disinfect nail clippers and tools after use.
• Wash your feet daily and dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes.

Can I still paint my nails or get pedicures with nail fungus?
It’s best to avoid traditional pedicures and nail polish until the infection clears, as these can trap moisture and worsen the condition. However, medical grade pedicures at CleanSpa are designed to enhance the appearance of the nails while managing the treatment of the nail fungus. For your special occasions or beach vacations, CleanSpa offers NANOFLEX prosthetic overlays to camouflage nail imperfections as well as Dr.’s Remedy Nail Lacquer for individuals treating nail conditions. 

How do I clean shoes and tools to prevent reinfection?
Disinfect shoes by using antifungal sprays or UV shoe sanitizers. Clean nail tools with alcohol or boiling water to kill any lingering fungi.

Does nail fungus ever go away on its own?
Nail fungus rarely resolves without treatment. Professional care is typically required to eliminate the infection.

Can nail fungus come back after treatment?
Yes, nail fungus can recur, especially if preventive measures are not taken. Maintaining good hygiene and following your doctor’s recommendations can reduce the risk of reinfection.

Should you see CleanSpa for a Medical Pedicure or Feet for Life Podiatry for your nail fungus treatment?

When should I visit the spa for nail fungus treatment?
Clean Spa offers a 6-month comprehensive program to effectively remove mild to moderate nail fungus. This non-invasive treatment plan is an average of $149 per month and includes medical-grade pedicures and laser treatment. The spa is ideal for managing early signs of fungal nail infections and for preventative care from re-infection after your nail fungus has been cured. The Chesterfield, Missouri  location provides a serene and medically clean environment where you can enjoy the most professional care while addressing your nail health.

When should I visit the Feet for Life Podiatry for nail fungus treatment?
For severe, long-standing or persistent nail fungus cases that require advanced care, such as prescription medication, laser therapy, or surgical intervention, our surgery center is equipped to provide comprehensive medical solutions. If over-the-counter treatments and spa services have not resolved your condition, it’s time to consult with our specialists to cure this condition once and for all..

What services are available at the Chesterfield and Clayton – St. Louis, Missouri  locations?
Our Chesterfield location offers both medical pedicure spa and podiatry care options. Whether you need a medical-grade pedicure or a physician consultation for advanced treatment, our skilled team is ready to assist. Conveniently located with state-of-the-art facilities in Chesterfield Valley, this is your go-to destination for all levels of nail fungus care.

The Clayton – St Louis, Missouri location will assist you with medical treatment but does not offer CleanSpa services.

In Conclusion

What makes Dr. Michael Horwitz’s method unique?
Dr. Michael Horwitz of Feet for Life Podiatry has developed a proven approach to treating nail fungus, combining the best of the most up-to-date technology, tried and proven medications combined with easy to follow treatment protocols to guarantee a successful cure. His method emphasizes long-term results and patient education, ensuring you have the tools to maintain healthy nails after treatment. Dr. Horwitz also created CleanSpa in 2012 as the perfect complementary care for those on the journey of treatment to cure toenail fungus.  Click here to read success stories.

Make Your Initial Appointment Today!

Feet For Life has raised the standard in the manicure/pedicure industry with CleanSpa, prioritizing cleanliness and safety to prevent infections commonly seen in traditional salons.

“Many salons unknowingly expose clients to infections,” says Dr. Michael Horwitz,  “CleanSpa was created to offer a safe environment focused on both health and beauty.”

Supervised by a medical team with decades of experience and an AAAHC-certified surgery center, CleanSpa meets the highest standards of hygiene and care.

To experience a safer, cleaner spa environment, call us at (314) 983-0303 today!

Ready to get started right now? You can receive a consultation from our doctors by submitting the form below or simply by calling us (314) 983-0303 today!