Why Toenail Fungus is So Hard to Kill
(And How We Finally Do It)
You tried the drugstore creams. You soaked your feet in vinegar. You even tried hiding it with polish. But months later, that thick, yellow discoloration is still there…or worse, it has spread to other toes.
Fungal nail infections (Onychomycosis) are very common; according to Dr. Daniel D. Michaels,“The most frequently seen site for fungal infections is in the toenails, and these are, in fact, epidemic.”
It’s more than just a cosmetic embarrassment; fungal nails are a stubborn, deep-seated medical condition. But why are they so hard to get rid of? And more importantly, how do you actually fix them without damaging your liver with strong pills? In the following blog, the Reconstructive Foot & Ankle Institute will cover all that and more.
The “Fortress” Problem: Why Creams Fail
The reason most over-the-counter treatments fail is simple anatomy. The fungus lives under the nail plate and within the nail bed. Your toenail is designed to be a protective shield, which means it does an excellent job of keeping topical creams out.
- “Because of numerous factors, including the protection provided by the nail plate, these are particularly challenging infections requiring a devoted and specialized regimen to eradicate,” says Dr. Michaels.
The Reality of Traditional Options:
- DIY “Cures” (Like Lemon Juice or Vicks VapoRub): These just don’t work, mostly because they can’t get to the source of the fungal infection beneath your nail bed.
- Topical Prescriptions: You apply for a year daily. Success rate? Roughly 6%.
- Oral Medications: They work about 19% of the time but come with a risk of liver toxicity, requiring weekly blood tests to ensure safety.
- Permanent Removal: A quick procedure to remove the nail forever. It’s effective, but many patients want to keep their toenails!
The Solution: Our 90% Effective Laser Protocol
Our proprietary protocol is FDA-cleared, painless, and safe.
Step 1: The Laser
We use a specialized laser on the nail once a month for 3 months.
- The laser energy penetrates through the hard nail plate to kill the fungus living underneath without harming your skin or healthy tissue.
Step 2: The “Shoe Sterilization”
“Fungal organisms are everywhere, just like bacteria,” warns Dr. Michaels. “You cannot erase them from your environment, try as you might.”
- If you cure your foot but put it back into a fungus-filled shoe, you will get reinfected immediately.
- We use an ultraviolet light appliance to sterilize your shoes daily without chemicals.
Step 3: The Support System
We don’t just treat; we maintain. Our comprehensive regimen includes:
- Nail Support Vitamins: To speed up growth (pushing the old fungus out faster).
- Dual-Action Polishes: Applying two different antifungal polishes (AM/PM) to attack the fungus from multiple angles.
- Antifungal Foot Cream: To treat the surrounding skin (Athlete’s Foot) so it doesn’t migrate back to the nail.
Prevention: “No Socks” is a No-Go
Fashion trends like going sockless in sneakers are fueling the fungus epidemic.
- “You don’t have that initial barrier of protection without a sock,” Dr. Michaels advises. “Pick the one that’s most aesthetically pleasing, but definitely wear a sock.”
Stop Hiding Your Feet
“Treat early for success,” says Dr. Michaels. “The more established the infection, the harder to eradicate.”
Fungus doesn’t go away on its own; it spreads. The longer you wait, the harder it is to clear, so don’t settle for a 6% success rate. Like Dr. Michaels says:
“If it’s below the knee, think of me!”
Reconstructive Foot & Ankle Institute, LLC offers comprehensive podiatric services. Call us at 301-797-8554 or contact us to schedule an appointment. Located in Hagerstown & Frederick, MD, we’re ready to meet any of your foot health needs.
