Laser Treatment for Toenail Fungus in Los Angeles

Los Angeles, the City of Angels. Situated along the Southern Coast of California, LA is the second most populated city in the United States. Second in population only to New York, Lost Angeles is home to more than 4 million people and the greater Los Angeles Metropolitan area is home to more than 14 million residents.

Los Angeles is the cultural and financial hub of Southern California. The city is home to industries that range from aerospace technology to fashion, entertainment to international trade. Several Fortune 500 Companies make their home in Los Angeles and it is the setting for the sixth most competitive financial center in the United States. Two, major film studios call Los Angeles home, as do dozens of other entertainment companies.

The Port of Los Angeles is the busiest in the US and is vital to worldwide trade. Partially due to the proximity of the shipping port, Los Angeles is also the largest manufacturing center west of the Mississippi. Companies such as Bendix Aviation, LA Gear, Panavision, Garrett AiResearch, Bendix Aviation, and Emtek Products all make their home in Los Angeles.

Hollywood Lights in Los Angeles

The Hollywood neighborhood of Los Angeles is the iconic center of the American motion picture industry. The city is home to most of the major motion picture production companies and hosts the Academy Awards, the Grammy Awards and many other motion picture award ceremonies, each year.

Hollywood was founded by H.J. Whitley, who visited the valley where Hollywood now lies while on his honeymoon in 1886. According to the story by Whitley, as he stood surveying the valley below, a Chinese man pushing a cart full of wood came along, pausing to bow as he passed Whitley. Asked what he was doing, the Chinese man replied, “I holly-wood,” meaning he was “hauling wood.” The name struck a chord with Whitley who decided to name the area Hollywood. He purchased land that had been a part of the H.C. Hurd ranch and soon other friends and acquaintances purchased land nearby land, as well.

By 1900, the area had a post office, two hotels, a newspaper, and two markets. The City of Los Angeles, at that time, had a population of just over 100,000 people and lay ten miles south through farmland, on a dusty, unpaved road. The City of Hollywood formed in 1903 and voted in 1904 to banish the sale of any alcohol that wasn’t being used for medicinal purposes.

In 1910, to provide better water supply and services for the city, Hollywood residents voted to merge with Los Angeles. At that time, Prospect Avenue underwent a name change to Hollywood Boulevard and all of the street numbers also changed, to reflect the new city affiliation.

In 1917 the first motion picture was filmed in Hollywood. D.W. Griffith filmed a 17-minute movie “In Old California.” Within 20 years, Hollywood had become the movie capital for in the United States. Also called “Tinseltown” and the “dream factory,” the Hollywood movie companies were soon producing 600 movies per year and entertaining the nation.

LA Sports

The City of Los Angels is home to eleven professional sports teams. These teams include the Major League Baseball teams the Los Angles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Angels. The NFL teams the Los Angeles Rams and the Los Angeles Chargers also call LA home. NBA teams The Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers are also based in or near Los Angeles. The NHL also boasts teams based in LA, the Los Angeles Kings and the Anaheim Ducks. Two Major League Soccer teams call Los Angeles home, the Los Angeles Galaxy and the Los Angeles Football Club. Even the WMBA lays claim to a Los Angeles based team, the Los Angeles Sparks.

Los Angeles has twice played host to the Summer Olympic Games and will host the Games for a third time in 2024. The city has also been host to the Super Bowl on two separate occasions and hosted multiple FIFA World Cup games. The City of Los Angeles is home to many state-of-the-art sports facilities and hosts many national level championship games.

LA Heat

Like much of Coastal Southern California, Los Angeles enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with mild temperatures year-round. Average winter temperatures stay in the upper 60s, while summer temps hover in the upper 70s to low 80s. Occasional warm temperatures will be experienced during the summer, with a recorded high of 113 degrees Fahrenheit in 2010. The lowest temperature in Los Angeles was recorded in 1949 when the area reached 28 degrees. The Los Angeles valley gets relatively little rain, experiencing an average of 35 rainy days per year.

Mild temperatures don’t mean Los Angeles residents don’t like to get away to the beach, however. The Los Angeles area offers miles and miles of beautiful, sandy beaches for residents and visitors to enjoy. Each year, millions of people from all over the world flock to the greater Los Angeles area to visit Hollywood, Disneyland, and other local attractions, as well as spending some time on the Southern California beaches.

No Day At The Beach For Toenail Fungus Sufferers

For residents of Los Angeles who suffer from toenail fungus, a day at the beach may be out of the question. The unsightly and sometimes painful toenails that result from exposure to toenail fungus can keep many people from feeling comfortable walking barefoot in the sand. Thick, brown, misshapen toenails cause embarrassment and make many Americans choose to simply keep their shoes on.

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 give fungus an opportunity 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 Treat 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.

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.

What is the best treatment for 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 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 Lunula Laser 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.

Types of Toenail 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 are able to 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 

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. 

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.

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. 

Laser Treatment For Toenail Fungus FAQs

Can laser treatments get rid of toenail fungus?

Laser treatments for nail fungus have been clinically proven to work. Nail fungus is often eliminated after a single laser treatment. Most patients report that the appearance of their toenails is improved after a single treatment. However, a second or third treatment may be required for severe infections.

How Does Laser Toenail Fungus Treatments Work?

Focused laser light targets the fungal organisms that live in and under the toenail and nail bed. The light heats the tissue, destroying the fungal microbes and killing the toenail fungus.

The laser is pulsed to avoid overheating the surrounding tissues, making the treatment pain-free. No pain relievers will be required after the procedure and no anesthetic is necessary to perform it.

How much do laser treatments for toenail fungus cost?

Costs for laser toenail fungus treatments vary, depending on the severity of the infection and the number of treatments required. When you visit with Dr. Kleis, he will work with you to determine the best course of treatment and go over the expected cost with you.

Can I make payments on laser treatments for nail fungus?

We offer financing through Care Credit. You can fill out an application online and get approval before you schedule your treatments. Make payments you can afford while achieving better nail health!

Do laser treatments work for toenail fungus?

Laser treatments are one of the most effective ways to treat toenail fungus. Often in as little as one treatment, patients will see clear, beautiful nails begin to appear. Toenails grow slowly, however, and the damaged nail must be given time to grow out and be cut off before the whole nail will look perfectly restored.

How many laser treatments does it take to get rid of nail fungus?

Many times a single laser treatment will relieve toenail fungus. In very serious cases, it may take a second or even third treatment. Your podiatrist will be able to let you know how many treatments to expect.

Will Medicare Cover Laser Treatment for Toenail Fungus?

Normal foot care is not generally covered by Medicare, though some Medicare supplement plans do provide coverage for additional benefits, including foot care. If a patient has underlying health issues that affect the feet, such as diabetes and diabetic nerve pain, Medicare will sometimes pay for a podiatrist visit to address that condition.

Medicare Part B plans will sometimes include benefits that cover podiatry and could include benefits for laser treatment. Call your plan provider or allow our office to assist you in determining benefit coverage from your Medicare supplement plan. Call Dr. Kleis at (714) 760-4944 to speak to a customer care specialist who can help you determine your Medicare and supplemental benefits.

Does Insurance Pay For Laser Nail Treatments?

While advanced toenail fungus can cause problems with a person’s ability to move and exercise, it is generally considered an aesthetic issue and isn’t covered by insurance. However, plans vary and you should ask your insurance provider or allow one of our customer care specialists to inquire for you. To see if your insurance plan will pay for Laser Nail Treatments, call our office at (714) 760-4944

Does Laser Nail Treatment Hurt?

Laser nail treatments last about thirty minutes. The laser is focused only on the affected toenail and doesn’t harm any healthy tissues. The area will feel warm during treatment, but no pain is experienced. A pulsing laser is used to avoid overheating the area or causing damage to surrounding tissues. No anesthetic is required and, generally, no pain relievers are necessary following treatment.  Patients are immediately able to resume regular activities, including wearing shoes and painting their toenails.

How do I Prepare For Laser Nail Therapy?

When arriving for your laser nail treatment appointment, you should ensure that your feet are clean and free of all nail polish. Wear clean socks and plan to spend a minimum of an hour at the office. You will be able to wear your shoes again immediately after the treatment and drive yourself home from the office. If your toenail fungal infection is severe, Dr. Kleis may ask you to schedule an additional treatment session.

For additional questions about preparing for upcoming toenail laser treatments, please call our office at (714) 760-4944 

CONTACT FORM

WE WOULD LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU

Call us at 714-760-4944 or fill out the contact form above with your info.

Diabetes is a disease where the body can’t remove glucose from the blood. The hormone insulin is created by the pancreas and used to move sugar from the bloodstream and into the muscles where the body can use it for energy. In diabetic patients,...

learn more

Plantar warts are non-cancerous growths that occur on the bottom of the feet. Plantar warts are caused by particular strains of the HPV virus that enters the body through tiny cracks or breaks in the skin of the foot. All warts are caused by...

learn more

While the majority of children may not need a podiatrist while they’re young, some parents may have concerns about the way their children are walking or the way their feet or ankles are developing. Some of the conditions common to children like...

learn more

Ingrown toenails are a common problem in adults and teens where the edge of the toenail digs into the skin of the toe and the toenail grows into the flesh of the toe. The condition is painful and can become more painful if left untreated....

learn more

An infection is defined as the invasion of the body and the body’s tissues by a foreign organism that reproduces and causes disease. Not all infections result in serious disease. However, any potential infection of the body should be guarded...

learn more

Calluses are thick areas of skin that develop on the hands and feet in response to repeated friction or pressure. These thick pads of skin are the body’s defense against potential injury, as the area of the hands or feet that experience abnormal...

learn more

Athlete’s foot is an uncomfortable and unsightly condition resulting from a fungal infection on the skin of the foot. Athlete’s foot generally begins between the toes, caused by sweaty feet being trapped in tight-fitting shoes. Athlete’s foot is...

learn more

What is hammertoe? A hammertoe deformity occurs when the toe joints bend abnormally to resemble a hammer, or an upside-down V when viewed from the side. This podiatric condition can affect any toe but is most common in the second through fifth...

learn more

We ask a lot of our feet. Every day, all day long, we require our feet and legs to carry us around and perform without complaining. So, when our feet hurt, we take notice! Tired, achy feet at the end of the day are one thing, but when we experience...

learn more

Bunions are a common foot problem that develops over time, usually caused by a combination of genetic factors and shoe-wear habits. While bunions can be painful, they do not always require intervention by an orthopedic doctor, like Dr. Kleis....

learn more

What is an ingrown toenail? Ingrown toenails are a common condition that occurs when the corner of your nail curves and grows into the surrounding skin. When the nail digs into the skin, the surrounding tissue becomes irritated and inflamed,...

learn more

Xerosis is a common condition. So common, in fact, that nearly every person will experience xerosis at least once in their lifetime. Xerosis is simply the medical term for very dry skin. It is derived from the Greek words “Xero” meaning dry and...

learn more

Our feet take a beating daily. We use our feet for nearly everything that we do, often taking their function and health for granted until something goes wrong. Keeping our feet healthy and strong will pay dividends in every area of our...

learn more

Sprains and strains are common injuries that affect the soft tissues surrounding the joints in the body. Both injuries are similar in their symptoms. They are painful, with swelling and redness often occurring in the injured area. While a sprained...

learn more

Runners put their bodies through a lot. Injuries among runners are almost unavoidable if a person runs much, at all. Understanding your body’s limitations and building up your endurance before running long distances is key to avoiding injuries and...

learn more

Dr. Jeffery Kleis is a leading provider for podiatry and laser nail fungus treatments in Southern California. Located in Costa Mesa, CA, Dr. Kleis sees patients from throughout Orange County and Los Angeles County, as well as being sought regularly...

learn more

  Rheumatoid arthritis is a painful condition affecting more than a million Americans. Women are nearly three times more likely to get rheumatoid arthritis and the condition often leads to other problems in the body, as well. Rheumatoid arthritis...

learn more

Osteoarthritis is also called degenerative joint disease and is the most common form of arthritis. Osteoarthritis affects millions of people worldwide. While osteoarthritis occurs most commonly in the hands, knee, hips, and spine, it can affect any...

learn more

The skin is the body’s largest organ. It serves a vital purpose in protecting the body from the impurities that exist in the world around us. The skin is filled with special cells that protect the body from viruses bacteria and other threats. When...

learn more

Plantar fasciitis is a common condition, causing foot pain for more than 3 million people nationwide. Pain from plantar fasciitis occurs primarily in the heel of the foot and is described as a stabbing pain that usually occurs first thing in the...

learn more

Toenail fungus is a common condition, especially among athletes, older individuals, and people with compromised immune systems. Up to 10% of the population is estimated to suffer from toenail fungus infections. This condition is so common because...

learn more

Irritation and inflammation in your Achilles tendon could mean that you have Achilles tendonitis. Achilles tendonitis causes pain and can lead to a bone spur on the back of your heel bone. While this is an injury that most often occurs in athletes...

learn more