“Surgery is the ONLY cure for fungal toes,” reports the UK’s Daily Mail. According to Dr. Martin Schurr, one of the leading general practitioners in England, the results of toenail fungus treatment “can be discouraging.” Topical creams and lotions do not penetrate to the root sufficiently and, therefore, do not really work. Antifungal drugs cause side effects like stomach upsets and liver damage. Some of these prescriptions need to be taken for weeks, months, or even up to a year. Worst of all, even these drugs “are not terribly effective,” Shurr says. “A better plan is to have the nail removed in a minor operation,” he reports. In the long run, it may even be cheaper!

Some people say having a toenail removed isn’t so bad. Image Source: Popsci.com

Should You Get A Toenail Removed To Cure Foot Fungus?

Dr. Schurr recommends only considering the procedure if:

- Your nail has been tested to prove that it is, in fact, a fungal infection. Half of the suspected cases of toenail fungus end up being something else — shoe damage, psoriasis, or yellowing caused by continuous dampness.

- Only one or two nails are affected. If it’s a matter of one or both big toenails, they would be easy enough to remove under local anesthetic. Understandably, you wouldn’t want to sit through all ten coming off.

How Nail Removal Procedures Work

Nail removal is considered a minor surgical procedure that can be done right in a podiatrist’s office in about 15 minutes per nail. The area is first numbed with a local anesthetic, so you won’t feel anything more than a slight tugging as surgical instruments pry the nail from the surrounding skin. Some doctors may apply a special ointment and dressing seven to 10 days before the procedure to soften the nail so it comes off with greater ease.

Upon closer inspection, the doctor may destroy the nail bed with a chemical treatment to ensure the fungal spores are vanquished. The foot is then bandaged with gauze. Patients will be prescribed a pain killer and will need to clean the area for several days to prevent infection. Sometimes short courses of antifungal creams or medications are prescribed post-surgery. From there, it could take a good 18 months for the nails to grow in fully.

Unlike topical treatments, nail removal can address the problem of toenail fungus (onychomycosis) where it starts. Image Source: FungusFacts.com

Pros & Cons Of Nail Removal To Treat Toenail Fungus

For people with chronic toenail fungus infections, nail removal may be the best course of action. Once the nail has been taken away, topical creams can be directly applied to the area, increasing the possibility of curing the condition once and for all. The ability to destroy the root can help people with diseased or disfigured nails get a second chance. Beyond toenail fungus sufferers, some long distance runners and people with ingrown toenails may also elect to have this procedure done.

Fungal nails is one reason to consider nail removal. Image Source: Vimeo.com

On the downside, Web MD cites risks of pain, infection and abnormal nail regrowth. Unless there is pain or a longstanding chronic problem, full nail removal is rarely performed. Also, there is still the risk that the fungus will return — especially if you are putting your feet back into footwear that has been infected by fungus. That’s why we recommend using the SteriShoe UV shoe sanitizer as part of a preventative maintenance strategy.

The post Can Nail Removal Cure Toenail Fungus Once And For All? appeared first on SteriShoe Blog.

We rarely think twice about throwing a pair of sweaty socks into the wash. But what about our shoes? Surely foot sweat and odor doesn’t end with our knit friends. The barriers between foot, sock, shoe, and environment are thinner than we imagine. Shoe Care Innovations presents a safe, clinically-proven method of sanitizing the inside of your shoes with the SteriShoe sanitizer. This groundbreaking product is recommended by over 1,000 podiatrists and has been awarded the American Podiatric Medical Association’s Seal of Acceptance. If you’ve ever wanted a better way to clean your shoes and protect yourself from germs, read on to learn more!

Inserting sanitization devices into your shoes for 45 minutes a day can kill 99.9% of the pathogens dwelling there.
Image Source: ThisManlyDad.com

Our Story

Shoe Care Innovations — headquartered in Redwood City, California — was created to develop and market the latest clinically-proven technology aimed at revolutionizing shoe care. Chairman Allan Ulman had suffered from onychomycosis (toenail fungus) for years. He went through three rounds of risky oral anti-fungal drugs, but each time, the infection returned. Through a process of elimination and discussions with his podiatrist, he realized that dirty footwear was responsible for his recurrent infections.

Not wanting to throw out every pair of shoe he owned, Allan came up with a better way to sanitize the shoes. He borrowed from his personal experience working in the lighting industry for over 30 years and added one more invention to the five U.S. patents he already possessed. He worked with his son, Adam, to develop and market the ultraviolet shoe sanitizer that is now available to consumers for less than $130.

How The SteriShoe UV Shoe Sanitizer Works

When the SteriShoe sanitizer arrives, you’ll notice several components:

- Two sanitization devices that fit inside the shoes

- Two UV-C bulbs

- Two purple shoe bags

- A power cord that attaches from the sanitizers to a wall outlet

To use, you simply insert a device into the shoe, stick the shoe inside the shoe bag, plug it in, and click the handle’s “on” switch. Pull the drawstring and walk away, knowing that the device will automatically turn off after its 45-minute cycle.

The SteriShoe UV shoe sanitizer comes with special safety features to ensure that UV rays only touch the germs they’re designed to kill.
Image Source: PostBuySale.com

SteriShoe Science

The SteriShoe sanitizer destroys microorganisms with germicidal UV rays — the same type used by hospitals and water treatment plants. This technology has been clinically proven to kill up to 99.9% of the harmful pathogens that cause toenail fungus, athlete’s foot, shoe odor and antibiotic-resistant infections.

Before marketing the product, Shoe Care Innovations commissioned an independent testing firm to clinically verify its effectiveness. They specifically tested the shoe sanitizer’s effectiveness at killing:

-  Staphylococcus aureus: bacteria that causes of boils, sinusitis, meningitis, sepsis, and food poisoning.

- Klebsiella pneumoniae: a gram-negative bacteria that causes pneumonia, bronchitis, and GI issues.

- Aspergillus niger: a deadly black fungal mold that can kill or cause serious ear infections.

- Trichophyton mentagrophytes: a fungus that causes athlete’s foot, ringworm, and jock itch.

- Epidermophyton floccosum: a fungus that causes athlete’s foot, toenail fungus, and skin infections.

- Trichophyton rubrum: a fungus that causes athlete’s foot, ringworm, jock itch, and nail fungus.

The results from the clinical study were published in the July/August 2012 issue of The Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, available here.  To date, there is no other shoe sanitizer that has a clinical study published in a peer reviewed medical journal. In fact, many “competing” products are not effective because they are designed with too much bulky plastic, which blocks the transmission of UV rays. As you’ll note, SteriShoe has a wide-open design, but maintains the utmost safety with its use of shoe bags.

There are all kinds of potentially harmful microbes lurking inside shoes!
Image Source: WikiHow.com

Who Buys Shoe Sanitizers?

Shoe sanitizers are an excellent addition to the closet of anyone who wants clean, sanitary shoes. However, many people who buy this type of product have been diagnosed with — or once suffered from — the following maladies:

- Athlete’s foot

- Shoe odor

- Toenail fungus

- Plantar warts

- Diabetic foot ulcers

Whether you have a foot disease or not, you should take steps to limit your contact with unhygienic organisms that dwell in the damp, warm, dark shoe environment. Check out the SteriShoe UV shoe sanitizer on Amazon. It also makes a great gift!

The post SteriShoe: Your Shoes’ New Best Friend appeared first on SteriShoe Blog.

Buyers beware when it comes to toenail treatments for onychomycosis (otherwise known as toenail fungus). Over the years, there have been many misleading statements made by advertisers of toenail fungus treatments promising “miracle cures,” all the while peddling snake oil. We recently penned an article on how the FDA is cracking down on illegal claims made by diabetic foot care products. Yet, we’re finding the same is true of toenail fungus foot care products as well.

Fungi-Nail received a stern warning from the FDA for making misleading statements regarding the effectiveness of their product.
Image Source: Target.com

FDA Warns The Makers Of Fungi Nail Toenail Fungus Treatments

A 2005 letter from the FDA to Kramer Labs warned that their marketing materials contained several misleading statements that were in violation of the law. On their website, they claim that “Fungi Nail Brand is the strongest topical anti-fungal medication available without a prescription.” They also include information about athlete’s foot, jock itch, and ringworm that “thrive on the hair, finger and toenails.”

These statements imply that the product is intended to treat fungal nail infections, the FDA argues — despite a small disclaimer that states the product is “not effective on the scalp or nails.” While the product has received approval to treat ringworm, athlete’s foot, and jock itch, it has not been cleared to treat nail fungus (as the product cannot penetrate the nail) or scalp fungus.

“We sent you a Warning Letter on March 4, 1996, regarding the Fungi-Nail product,” the FDA added. “Since that time, you have added additional promotional material and labeling claims that further cause your products to violate the Act. You must take prompt action to correct the violations identified in this letter. Failure to do so may result in enforcement action without further notice.”

Lamisil’s “Digger” character sought to make toenail fungus a topic discussed in more doctors’ offices across America, but it also led consumers to believe oral antifungals came without risk.
Image Source: TotalPict.com

FDA Cracks Down On Lamisil, Too

In December 2003, the FDA let Novartis know that their advertising for Lamisil toenail fungus treatment was not direct enough about the risks associated with their product. They admitted they had trouble keeping up with and enforcing prescription drug ads in what had become a $117 billion industry, but promised to “become more vigilant in its enforcement responsibility.”

By law, television ads have to spell out the interactions and side effects of all drugs. Novartis was asked to pull the ads for Lamisil that included the famous character “Digger” because the ads were “false or misleading” by overstating the drug’s efficiency, minimizing risk information, and making “unsubstantiated superiority claims.” The company pledged to find ways to make their ads comply with the law.

Zeta Clear makes some fanciful claims about the effectiveness of their topical toenail fungus remedy.
Image Source: Zetaclear-Review.net

If It Sounds Too Good To Be True… It Probably Is!

The Winona Daily News cautions consumers to avoid “spending an arm and a leg on a toe with only a modest hope of success.” They mention brands like Zetaclear, for instance, which claims that toenail fungi “live beneath your nails” — which isn’t really true. Fungus infects the cells of the nail plate, the paper clarifies.

Furthermore, the ads state, “If you want to kill the fungus and get clear nails again, using powerful anti-fungal ingredients like natural undecylenic acid and tea tree oil as found in Zeta Clear nail solution are critical.” Winona Daily News makes the case that fancy language like “powerful,” “cure,” and “all natural” sway consumer emotions, without really providing backup evidence to these loose and fast claims.

Do Try To Be Patient, But Don’t Believe The Hype!

It’s important to keep in mind that neither topical, nor oral, treatments can “cure” nail fungus. Oral pills stand a slightly better chance at working since they attack living fungal tissues in the body, rather than trying to penetrate into dead nail cells. But at best, clearance rates are as high as 70%, with a very real possibility of relapsing. Tiny spores can easily live in old dirty footwear, on nail clippers and in socks. No matter which treatment you try over the next year, the use of SteriShoe UV shoe sanitizer can eradicate up to 99.9% of the microbes living in your footwear to decrease the likelihood of a toenail fungus relapse. We don’t make any fanciful claims we can’t prove with lab data!

The post Toenail Fungus Treatments Are Plagued By Fancy Language & Few Results appeared first on SteriShoe Blog.

Toenail fungus is one of those confounding problems that just never seems to go away, no matter what you do. Many people go through a daily regimen of treatment for weeks, months, and even years. Often they are unsure whether or not the treatment is even working since they can’t tell until the old fungus nail begins to grow out and a new, healthier nail grows in. Many times people become frustrated and turn to cheaper, more accessible folk remedies as a toenail fungus solution. A woman writing in to the Tampa Bay Tribune recently claimed that a simple kitchen staple could serve as a natural cure for toenail fungus.

Does cornmeal have antifungal properties? Some people say it does. 

Does cornmeal have antifungal properties? Some people say it does.
Image Source: Flickr User Rebecca Siegel

Cornmeal: Not Just for Making Cornbread Anymore!

“My husband had ridiculously horrible toenail fungus for years,” the woman writes. She goes on to say that she told him to mix a solution — 1 cup of cornmeal and a couple quarts of water — and let it sit in a basin for an hour. He should then soak his foot in the solution for 30 minutes, she said. According to the woman, “It totally cleared up the fungus in two months of weekly soaks.”

“The Dirt Doctor” Recommends the Cornmeal Cure

“The Dirt Doctor” Howart Garret is a registered landscape architect, and radio show host with over 10,000 followers. He says he heard about the cure from a listener and has since heard that ranchers use “a cornmeal poultice to cure ear mites and ear fungus problems.” Several of his readers commented about how cornmeal treatments have cured everything from fungus-caused dandruff and sweaty, smelly feet, to toenail fungus and athlete’s foot. Frankly, we think it sounds a little too good to be true… but it is a cheap and easy solution that wouldn’t necessarily hurt to try if you were so inclined.

What Do the Experts Say?

The doctors penning the column admitted that they had heard of gardeners sprinkling cornmeal around their rosebushes to discourage fungus, but added that this practice was considered controversial in the world of botanical cultivation. “There is no research on cornmeal foot soaks for nail fungus,” the doctors clearly state. Yet, they admit that they have heard of readers having success with inexpensive home remedies for toenail fungus if they are persistent enough in doing the daily treatments.

“The Cornmeal Myth Refuses to Die”

The Garden Professors educational blog argues that cornmeal actually has the opposite effect on fungi — that it gives a colony a carbohydrate-rich source of food instead! They add that many advocates of using cornmeal to fight fungus point to the same “study” done by Texas peanut farmers. Yet, the so-called study “contains no data, references, or even authors.” They say conclusions are dodgy, at best.

What, specifically, is it about cornmeal that makes it “antifungal”?
Image Source: DirtDoctor.com

Are There Any Home Remedies for Toenail Fungus?

Thyme oil, jewelweed juice, garlic and vinegar soaks have all been pitched as home remedies for toenail fungus. The validity of these natural fungus cures, however, is yet to be proven in a respectable peer-reviewed journal. We recommend using laser therapy and UV light to kill toenail fungus instead. It’s undoubtedly more expensive to use this new technology, but it is also more likely to work.

No matter which route you take in treating your toenail fungus, what does seem to pay off is being diligent in your treatment of choice. Even if you do decide to give a home remedy a try, it may be a good idea to also speak with your doctor to learn about other alternative methods of treatment.

The post Could a Baking Ingredient Have Antifungal Properties? Woman Claims Cornmeal Soak Cured Husband’s Toenail Fungus in 2 Weeks appeared first on SteriShoe Blog.

The makers of the SteriShoe ultraviolet shoe sanitizer would like to wish you a Happy Valentine’s Day! On this sentimental holiday, it’s common for women to go all out and opt for extra pampering at the spa. But what if you have toenail fungus? It doesn’t exactly go with chocolate and Hallmark greetings, does it? One reader wrote in to a columnist at the Chicago Times, wondering: ”What do women who have a toenail fungus problem do if they would like to go get their toes all done up at a nail place? Skip it, and just do it themselves with a can of house paint?”

Valentine’s Day is a great time for a pedicure… even if you have toenail fungus.
Image Source: NailSpaSalon.com

Can You Get Your Nails Done with Foot Fungus?

“You can get a pedicure if you have a nail fungus,” podiatrist Stephanie Wu from the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science told the Chicago Times reader. However, it is important that you address the situation up front and honestly, rather than trying to slip one by the nail technician. You want to be sure that the salon you choose is equipped with sterilization practices and tools to handle nail fungus. In some cases, toenail fungus sufferers are asked to bring their own tools and polishes.

Some spas specialize in laser nail fungus treatment.
Image Source: Miami.olx.com

Who Treats Nail Fungus?

Of course, you may want to spring for a pedicure that includes toenail fungus treatment as part of the package. Nail polish can help conceal the yellow, crumbling appearance of toenail fungus, but topical lacquers are not effective for treating nail fungus. It’s impossible for topical solutions to penetrate through the thickened nail down to the fungal colony.

Some salons are now offering laser toenail fungus treatments in addition to their usual pedicure services. It’s a quick, painless procedure that uses light technology to zap the fungus dead at the roots. Laser treatment for fungal nails could run you as much as $1,000 unless you find a special deal, but it’s one of the least irritating way to eliminate foot fungus. You may also find spas that specialize in “cover-up” treatments, which include the application of a topical treatment that masks the fungus until the nail grows out.

Keryflex covers up fungal nails until your new healthy nail grows in.
Image Source: 320-Foot.com

The podiatrist is another place you can go for a nail fungus solution. It’s not as “pampering” or as “glamorous,” but at least you will get a definitive diagnosis and explore all your medical options (including prescription oral antifungal pills) to cure foot fungus fast… well, as fast as possible, anyway.

Tips for Booking a Toenail Fungus Pedicure

Spas are a wonderful treat, but some facilities are guilty of spreading the fungus around. Physician Dr. Earl J. Campazzi Jr. tells the Palm Beach Daily News that it’s best if people look for licensed medi-pedi spas. “Bring your own foot basin or ask for a disposable one,” he advises.

“Avoid whirlpools, as they cannot be completely sterilized. Bring your own tools or make sure that the instruments used are sterilized in an autoclave…. Bring your nail polish or insist that a new/sealed bottle is used. If you already have nail fungus and want a manicure, decorum would suggest you follow the same steps to avoid any possibility of contaminating others.”

Florida nail technician Samantha Levine of Kaffee’s Garden Spa says she doesn’t judge her clients. “I’m not here to treat or diagnose,” she says. She does make sure that she speaks with podiatrists so she knows how to give pedicures to clients with nail problems, which she finds “very rewarding.” Sterilization is an important part of her practice as well. It’s okay to ask a salon what precautions they take to prevent the spread of onychomycosis. That way, when you are cured of your malady, you will feel comfortable going back for another pedicure. And don’t forget to properly sterilize your socks and shoes to prevent a toenail fungus recurrence!

The post Spa Stigma: Can You Get Your Nails Done If You Have Toenail Fungus? appeared first on SteriShoe Blog.

“It’s not exactly a life-threatening condition, but toenail fungus, known in the medical community as onychomycosis, can be cosmetically unattractive and painful,” reports Anahad O’Connor, a science feature writer for the NY Times. Several years back, he investigated thyme as a possible holistic toenail fungus cure. We’re naturally skeptical of these claims because toenail fungus is notoriously difficult and expensive to treat, but in some cases there is some scientific basis behind these folk remedies.

The thyme plant can be a source of antimicrobial goodness, studies suggest.
Image Source: Flickr User vidalia_11

What Is Thyme Oil?

Thyme is an herb that has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. According to Medical News Today, thyme oil was used by Ancient Egyptians for embalming, by Ancient Greeks as a bathwater soak, and by Ancient Romans as a flavor for cheese. Hippocrates (460-370 BC) used thyme to treat respiratory diseases. Today, the essential oil of thyme (20-54% thymol) is classified as a “biocide,” meaning that it is a substance known to destroy harmful microbes.

Which Studies Suggest that Thyme Oil Cures Toenail Fungus?

It can be difficult to find research that make a direct assertion about home remedies for fungal nails. However, there have been several studies suggesting that thyme oil at least has powerful antifungal properties that may explain how it could work as a viable home treatment for foot fungus.

- A 2003 study tested the antifungal effects of seven ingredients in a generic medicated chest rub. They discovered that thymol was among the most effective at stunting the growth of the dermatophytes that cause nail fungus.

- A 2007 study found that thymol destroys candida fungus by disturbing its cellular membranes and metabolism.

- A 2008 rat study found that a 1% solution of thyme oil cured animals infected with Trichophyton mentagrophytes, T. rubrum, and T. tonsurans.  

- A 2012 double-blind study found that a 3% thyme oil antifungal cream healed 66.5% of patients with eczema-like skin lesions.

Thymol is said to be a natural remedy for toenail fungus and other fungal infections.
Image Source: EssentialOilsForFamilyAndFarm.Wordpress.com

How Can Patients Use Thyme Oil to Treat Toenail Fungus Naturally?

Thymol is one of the main ingredients in Vicks VapoRub, so Joe and Teresa Graedon — authors of the People’s Pharmacy alternative remedy books — say that onychomycosis sufferers can coat the affected nails once or twice a day with Vicks VapoRub. In their book, Best Choices from The People’s Pharmacy, they claim that “Michigan State University clinicians found that applying the product daily to the infected nail cleared the condition in 32 of 85 patients, though it took anywhere from five to 16 months.” They added that the study had “notable weaknesses,” but given the inefficiency of many other marketed “cures,” the VapoRub’s efficiency at least rivals “more costly prescription topical medications.” It should be noted that allergic reaction symptoms like itching, rashes and reddening may affect some users.

Several online writers give first person accounts of effective thyme oil applications curing their toenail fungi. One blogger suggests applying thyme oil directly to fungal nails twice a day using a cotton pad. Just three drops covered all the nails on one foot. Improved appearance was reported after a month of treatment with thyme oil and a nail file. Blogger Brie Widmeyer said she cured her toenail fungus naturally by applying thyme oil to the nail bed with a Q-tip twice a week and soaking her toes in Listerine (which also contains thymol) each night. “It took eight months to grow out, but today the nails are finally normal,” she reports. She surmised that “probably the first application kills the yeast” and the rest of the time was the duration it took for the healthy nail to grow in.

Bloggers say applying thyme oil — in the form of Listerine or essential oil — is an effective cure for toenail fungus.
Image Source: TheCraftPatch.Blogspot.com

Did You Know UV Light Is Also a Toenail Fungus Cure?

In our Redwood City, California, laboratories, we discovered that UV light can also be used to help treating toenail fungus. Unfortunately, there is no safe way to target the nail using germicidal UV rays, without affecting the surrounding tissues with potentially harmful radiation. However, you can safely use UV radiation to treat non-human surfaces. Hospitals use UV to disinfect hospital rooms and sterilize tools all the time. By the same token, you can use the SteriShoe UV shoe sanitizer (inside the provided bags) to eradicate fungus living inside your footwear. Often people feel as though they can never get rid of foot fungus because they keep re-infecting their feet with contaminated shoes during treatment. Stop the cycle using the natural power of UV light! Buy a SteriShoe sanitizer for your home today.

The post Is It “Thyme” for Toenail Fungus Treatment? Exploring the Effectiveness of this Natural Remedy appeared first on SteriShoe Blog.

The SteriShoe UV shoe sanitizer was created with toenail fungus sufferers in mind. Our product’s founder understands, first hand, what it’s like to spend countless days and dollars fighting the unsightly infection. Foot fungus is particularly difficult to eliminate because of its mode for reproduction. Teeny, tiny spores have a way of sloughing off the feet and contaminating everything from towels and bed sheets, to socks and shoes. So even if you’ve managed to successfully kill the fungus, you risk re-contamination if you’re putting your feet back into the same old infected shoes again.

That’s why, no matter which treatment you choose, you’re best investing in our Ultra-Violet shoe sanitizer to kill off the residual fungus in all your footwear. If you’re looking for other natural remedies for foot fungus, you may also want to consider Mediterranean bath salts.

Mediterranean bath salts have been proposed as a DIY method of fighting toenail fungus.
Image Source: Shhhesnbc.com

Why Try Home Remedies For Toenail Fungus?

The existing treatments for toenail fungus are surprisingly ineffective. For instance, so-called “antifungal nail lacquers” like Ciclopirox are only 10% effective at best. Even prescription oral medications, like the widely-recommended terbinafine, has a cure rate no greater than 50%. Laser toenail fungus treatment efficiency rates can be as high as 75%, but the treatment is expensive and not yet covered by insurance providers. So consumers are really between a rock and a hard place when it comes to finding reprieve from yellow, thick, and crumbling nails. Given the odds, why not try a natural cure for toenail fungus at home?

Can Mediterranean Bath Salts Cure Toenail Fungus?

Previously, we discussed how sea salts can dry out the moist environment fungi prefers. Vitamin E and lavender are said to have antifungal properties as well, so it makes sense that they would be added to a bath salt concoction. In a particularly promising study from 2011, scientists from the University of Coimbra in Portugal found that lavender oil destroyed the cell membranes of several strains of dermatophytes, although more clinical trials are still needed.

What Do People Say About Curing Toenail Fungus With Bath Salts?

An Amazon reviewer going by the name “Rockster” claims that Bath Path Mediterranean bath salts — containing sea salt, vitamin E, and lavender oil — can cure toenail fungus. According to the review, you should put three heaping tablespoons of the salts into a plastic foot basin, add enough hot water to cover the toes, and soak the feet for 45 minutes.

After finishing the jar, the reviewer reports: “I can actually see where my toe nail is flattening out — like the fungus under the nail is getting smaller, so the nail is starting to appear more normal. This is exciting to see that there is actually some difference. It looks like it will take a lot more time and at least another jar of this salt to see if the fungus goes away. But so far, the results seem promising.”

Here you can see the early stage of toenail fungus where the nail is turning yellow, thickening and rising up.
Image Source: Toenail-Fungus-Treatments.com

The Bottom Line:

If you’ve suffered with toenail fungus for a long time or have a severe case, you probably want to consult a podiatrist to explore all options. If you’ve just noticed a bit of fungus taking hold on your nails, then a course of treatment with Mediterranean bath salts and the SteriShoe UV shoe sanitizer is in order. With just one 45-minute cycle per day with the germicidal UV light of this innovative product, you can rest easy knowing that you’ll be far less likely to have to deal with a recurrence of onychomycosis.

The post Natural Healing: Could Mediterranean Bath Salts Work to Cure Toenail Fungus? appeared first on SteriShoe Blog.

When you have unsightly toenail fungus, you might want to nip the problem in the bud immediately and seek out powerful treatment methods. Lasers represent the latest technological advancement in the treatment of toenail fungus. Laser toenail treatment manufacturers like Pinpointe, Cutera, Q-Clear, Noveon, and Aerolase promise to eliminate nail fungus without requiring a lengthy course of treatment or a lot of patient compliance. All you do is show up to the laser clinic, submit to a 30-minute treatment, and take a few precautions at home to prevent recurrence. In that way, lasers are much more preferable to oral and topical treatments that must be administered daily for months on end. However, not every patient will be able to receive laser treatment for fungal nails.

Noveon is one manufacturer of FDA-approved foot lasers.
Image Source: BloomfieldFootCare.com

How Laser Toenail Fungus Removal Works

During laser toenail fungus removal, tiny pulses of light emitted from a machine pass through the nail bed to heat up the fungus so much that it dies off, while leaving the surrounding tissue intact. The unit’s real-time sensor ensures that the right amount of energy is delivered to kill the fungus, and the 5mm size allows doctors to accurately target a fungal colony without adverse side effects. Most onychomycosis laser treatments involve an initial consultation and two or three laser sessions. Patients report a “warming” sensation, but no pain — and can resume work and other activities immediately.

Does Laser Treatment for Fungal Nails Work?

Some doctors recommend applying topical medication or shoe powder following laser toenail fungus treatment as added insurance against recurrence, but generally speaking, no medications are necessary after laser therapy. Patients will not notice a significant difference until the fresh, disease-free nail begins growing out of the nail bed. This usually takes nine to twelve months, depending on how fast a person’s nails grow. Ultimately, improvement is seen in over 70% of patients, with a total cure rate of 60-65%, which may not sound that impressive — but it is very effective, comparatively. Recurrence is common when environmental precautions are not taken into consideration.

It could take a year before patients notice significant results from laser toenail fungus therapy.
Image Source: DallasLaserMed.com

Patients Who Should NOT Get Laser Toenail Treatment

According to Healthy Cells Magazine, the following cohorts are not good candidates for laser foot fungus removal:

- Sunburned patients: The heat from the laser may exacerbate a burn and cause post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

- People with Scleroderma: This autoimmune disorder often causes scarring following laser treatments.

- Skin cancer patient: Lasers may not work well in people with weakened immune systems, and could interfere with aggressive cancer therapies.

- Accutane user: Accutane is a form of vitamin A that reduces the oil secreted by the skin’s glands. Accutane users are advised to avoid any type of laser treatment for six months after cessation of the product. Otherwise, scarring may occur.

- Children: The FDA has approved the use of lasers to treat foot fungus, but only in patients over 16 years of age.

Treating the shoe for fungal spores that cause onychomycosis is an essential part of laser toenail fungus treatment.
Image Source: MobileMag.com

What Laser Fungus Removal Patients Must Do Next

As mentioned earlier, recurrence of onychomycosisis likely if patients do not use a shoe spray or UV shoe sanitizer to kill the fungal spores harbored in their footwear. We sprays are not ideal because they add chemicals to the shoe, and foot powders create a mess inside footwear. As great alternative solution, you can stick the SteriShoe UV light device into the shoe each evening to kill up to 99.9% of the microbes lurking within your footwear. In addition to shoes and slippers, other sources of re-contamination include towels, bed sheets, and socks.

The post Onychomycosis Remedy Awareness: Some People Are Not Ideal Candidates for Laser Toenail Treatment appeared first on SteriShoe Blog.

Dr. Tim Holcomb of Victoria, Texas says that there is a problem affecting 80% of Americans, though they may be unaware of it. Diabetes, cancer, and obesity have stolen the public health spotlight, but there is an even bigger epidemic identified in his practice. “It is a disruption in the normal balance between healthy bacteria in the gut,” he explains, ”resulting in an overgrowth of yeast, a harmful fungus, first overgrowing in the gut and then spreading to the body in general, causing serious medical problems.”

Is an imbalance of healthy and unfriendly bacteria causing you health problems?
Image Source: IT.PaperBlog.com

Yeast: An Underlying Danger

Yeast overgrowth can have many root causes, including:

- High blood sugar levels

- Antibiotic use

- Birth control use

- Excessive estrogen levels

- Exposure to steroid drugs

- Eating too much processed foods

Symptoms of yeast overgrowth come on gradually and are often misdiagnosed. Some possible symptoms of yeast overgrowth include: chronic fatigue, weight gain, low sex drive, sinusitis, carb and sugar cravings, inflammation, arthritis, skin disorders, toenail fungus, yeast infections, urinary tract infections, menstrual cycle disturbances, digestive issues, gas, bloating, cramping, headaches, allergies, muscle pain, depression, memory problems, irritability, and loss of focus.

Candida overgrowth symptoms are many, which is why it is often difficult to diagnose.
Image Source: BrainyWeightLoss.com

What To Do About A Yeast Problem

A doctor can test for yeast overabundance by measuring the blood for high levels of IgG, IgA, and IgM. A stool sample can be analyzed for levels of yeast, pathogenic bacteria, and friendly bacteria, while urine samples can be assessed for tartaric acid. Note that candida does not always show up in the urine or stool sample tests, so the blood test is considered most accurate.

Usually, tackling a yeast problem starts with diet modifications. Patients should avoid almost all sugar and sweets, with the exception of chocolate and a couple pieces of fruit each day. You’ll also want to avoid fermented foods, mushrooms, and peanut butter. Supplementing with acidophilus (found in yogurt with live and active cultures) is recommended. It could take three to six months to right the ship, so some doctors recommend taking Diflucan or Nyastatin for at least a month. A caprylic acid supplement can also “poke holes in the yeast cell wall, causing it to die,” says Dr. Amy Meyers.

In addition to cutting certain foods from your diet, you’ll also want to add foods that kill candida.
Image Source: AskANaturopath.com

Treating Toenail Fungus Caused By Excessive Yeast

If you have many of the aforementioned symptoms, along with toenail fungus, you may want to try the candida diet by cutting out all refined carbohydrates, sugar, alcohol, vinegar, peanuts, cheese, dried fruit, and bread. Instead, fill your plates with meat, fish, fresh vegetables, brown rice, and oats. The Daily Mail also recommends applying tea tree oil to fungus nails as a home remedy for foot fungus.

If you are looking for natural toenail fungus remedies, we also recommend the SteriShoe UV shoe sanitizer. Our product works by zapping fungus, bacteria, virus and yeast living in your shoes with ultraviolet light. This is the same process many hospitals use to sanitize their tools and patient rooms. One 45-minute treatment can kill up to 99.9% of the pathogens that cause athlete’s foot, bacterial staph infections, toenail fungus, and other illnesses. Ultraviolet light may not kill what’s already infiltrated your body, but it can help prevent re-infection, which is all too common when treating fungi. You can buy an ultraviolet shoe sanitizer to add to your foot health regimen at our website.

The post Health Connections: Curing a Yeast Problem Can Help Combat Toenail Fungus appeared first on SteriShoe Blog.

It’s safe to say, most Americans would rather not see a doctor. About one in three men and one in five women have no regular doctor, according to a survey conducted by the Commonwealth Fund research foundation in New York City. For some people, it’s fear of bad news or shame about their lifestyle choices. For others, it’s about drumming up the money for co-pays and treatment options, or an overwhelming feeling of hopelessness. Toenail fungus sufferers especially fall into that last category, because there are so few treatment options that are any good. However, there are a few tricks you can try to eliminate toenail fungus without a visit to the doctor.

Some people avoid doctors due to lack of money for co-pays and treatments.
Image Source: Blog.Heritage.org

Home Remedies for Toenail Fungus

According to Nurse Suzy, you can treat toenail fungus at home by:

 - Reducing stress to avoid fungal infection flare-ups.

- Soaking your feet in 1 part vinegar and 2 parts warm water for 15 – 20 minutes.

- Applying Vicks VapoRub, which some people swear by, although we’ve found no scientific evidence.

- Using over-the-counter ointments, which are effective for athlete’s foot (a possible cause of onychomycosis) but may or may not work in this case.

- Treating with an antifungal nail lacquer, which can help a mild case of nail fungus in the early stage.

When You Should See a Doctor

For more serious cases, you may need an oral prescription of Lamisil or Sporanox from your doctor. In rare cases, a nail may be surgically removed. Laser toenail fungus treatment is another option, but it will cost you hundreds of dollars out-of-pocket. 

Fungus likes to grow in warm, dark, damp surroundings — which makes the shoes the ideal breeding grounds.
Image Source: WikiHow.com

Prevention Is the Best Cure

Our feet can be covered in bacteria and fungi, but not infected. Infections occur when an overabundance of harmful pathogens colonize, reproduce rapidly, and find a portal into the body — through a cuticle, a blister, a cut, a cracked heel, or a callus. To avoid infection, you should keep your feet clean, cool, and dry to discourage fungal growth. You can do this by wearing sandals more often, choosing sweat-wicking socks, alternating footwear to give your shoes time to dry out, and drying in between your toes with a towel after showering.

A 45-minute treatment will sanitize 99.9% of the bacteria and fungi in your shoes.
Image Source: SteriShoe.com

What Is the SteriShoe UV Shoe Sanitizer?

The patented, podiatrist-recommended SteriShoe ultraviolet shoe sanitizer is the only product that has been clinically proven to sanitize the inside of shoes using germicidal ultraviolet light. We wash every article of clothing in between wears, except for our shoes — which come into the most direct contact with our surroundings. Sweat and heat from our feet turn our shoes into ideal breeding grounds for fungus and bacteria to cultivate.

People who have had foot fungus in the past can be re-infected after treatment if they have not sanitized their footwear of fungal spores. That’s why SteriShoe is recommended for anyone who has had a fungal infection, as well as people looking to reduce odor in their shoes or protect their diabetic feet from ulcer development. You can buy a SteriShoe UV shoe sanitizer for your home here.

The post Home Remedies: How to Treat Toenail Fungus without Seeing a Doctor appeared first on SteriShoe Blog.

Foot fungus can be a terrible problem for a person who is dedicated to holistic healing and natural remedies. The usual course of treatment for toenail fungus involves heavy duty oral antifungal medication which can be considerably expensive. Athlete’s foot is a bit easier to treat with an over-the-counter topical, but it still tends to resist natural cures and can become a persistent problem. Neem oil is one of the products we’ve seen pitched to treat foot fungus, so this post serves to look into the matter further.

The Neem tree comes from India, and is a relative of the Mahogany tree.
Image Source: SchoolsForChiapas.org

What Is Neem Oil?

The Neem tree — a tree native to India and related to the Mahogany — produces an essential oil known as “Neem oil.” It is used as a topical oil, and can be toxic if ingested. JustNeem, a North Carolina company that sells Neem oil products, says one can use the oil for anti-aging purposes, to clear up acne, to soothe eczema, and to treat common fungal infections of the skin, including athlete’s foot, ringworm, and nail fungus.

Neem Oil is recommended for many different uses in skin care.
Image Source: RevitolReviewsExposed.com

What Scientific Evidence Shows that Neem Oil Kills Fungus?

Like many homeopathic remedies for foot fungus, there have been no studies to date that draw a definitive link between Neem Oil and the curing of toenail fungus or athlete’s foot. However, in the desperate search for an effective and affordable cure, one may choose to apply the results of other studies done in a clinical setting and infer that Neem Oil most likely has antifungal properties.

- A 2009 study published in the journal Toxins found that “Neem extracts affected the growth rate and sporulation” of different types of fungi isolates. They reported that the Neem extracts had “fungitoxic activity.” Scientists are not entirely sure how the Neem oil works to kill fungi, but they suspect there are several different chemicals in Neem trees that repel fungi. More research is needed, they concluded.

- A 2011 study published in the Brazilian Journal of Microbiology reported Neem extract to be effective at treating several different types of fungi when mixed with organic ethanol. Neem leaf extract had a toxic effect on 19 out of 22 human pathogenic molds, including: Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus terreus, Candida albicans, and Microsporum gypseum. 

Neem Oil is easy to buy over-the-counter as a potential home remedy for toenail fungus and athlete’s foot.
Image Source: JustNeem.com

How Can One Use Neem Oil to Treat Foot Fungus?

According to Margaret Cho fan Jon Fink, treating a fungal nail with Neem Oil is simple:

1. Take a warm shower or bath to soften the nail.

2. Trim the nail as short as possible and remove fungus beneath the nail as best you can.

3. Warm up a bottle of Neem oil under hot tap water to melt the oils that have settled at the bottom.

4. Shake the bottle to blend well and put two drops under each nail.

5. Apply the Neem oil to the feet each day for at least one week.

What Can Be Done to Prevent Foot Fungus Recurrence?

When it comes to foot fungus, prevention is the best cure. For people who appreciate natural home remedies, we recommend using the SteriShoe UV shoe sanitizer to kill the bacterial, fungal, and viral pathogen colonies living inside your shoes. This podiatrist-recommended, FDA-approved device uses natural ultraviolet light rays to kill microbes, so you don’t have to put harsh chemicals or gross powders into your footwear. Buy one here to prevent the return of foot fungus!

The post Natural Healing: Can Neem Oil Be Used to Treat Pesky Foot Fungus? appeared first on SteriShoe Blog.

Amazon is a popular go-to source for just about every product one may be thinking about buying. Sometimes you can find great markdowns on the site as well. While we sell the SteriShoe UV shoe sanitizer for the exact same price directly through our website, you may be curious about what consumer reviewers have to say about the pathogen-killing device. In today’s post, we’ve summarized common threads from the 170 reviewers who weighed in.

Amazon is one of the largest online shopping marketplaces, and is also home to many reviews.
Image Source: NChannel.com

Laser Toenail Fungus Therapy Patients Protect Their Investments

Using our UV light device as a complementary treatment along with laser toenail fungus removal is one common theme that’s popped up over the past few years, as laser treatment for fungal nails gains popularity. As you may have heard, laser toenail therapy is one of the most effective methods to eradicate toenail fungus, but it is very expensive. Some patients pay up to $1,500 out of pocket! So it makes sense that people would want to take added measures to ensure the nail fungus does not come back immediately because the patient put his or her foot back into a shoe that was contaminated with fungal spores. Here’s what some SteriShoe UV shoe sanitizer customers said:

“The laser took care of the fungus. The person doing the laser treatment advised me to also buy the Sterishoe to prevent re-infection. Sterishoe has worked perfectly for me.” - A. Cirulli “Angela” (Seattle, USA)

“Treating fungus takes time and is quite expensive. I wanted to do it only once and things are looking great so far.” – Lou

“The SteriShoe is a terrific product. It was recommended by a podiatry laser center that I visited. Oh, my gosh, think of your shoes and all that nasty stuff inside.” – Jeffrey A. Miller

“I recently had the laser toenail fungus removal treatment dealy done to my toes, and was then recommended to either get this or spray Lysol or the shoe spray they use at bowling alleys, into my shoes every night. At first I tried the Lysol and quickly decided I didn’t want to have to do that every night because of the smell, and also because then you are supposed to wait 48 hours to wear the shoes! Anyhow, I opted for the SteriShoe. It seems a bit pricey up front, but it does seem like a pretty solid product.” – “Sponge Monkey”

If you’re going to pay a lot of money out of pocket for laser toenail treatment, why not protect your investment?
Image Source: SoleFootAndAnkle.com

SteriShoe UV Shoe Sanitizer Customers Seek Odor Control

Many of our customers are also looking for help eliminating shoe odor. Bacteria is one of the primary culprits behind stinky feet. Sweat is the fuel the bacteria consumes and also creates a nice damp environment for bacterial reproduction, so you’ll want to consider ways of reducing moisture in your shoes as well. We also recommend using the device along with the other “odor masking” methods to leave a pleasant scent behind. More than 30 customers said the UV device was very helpful in their efforts to reduce the smelly feet odor:

- “The UV light dries and removes the odor of shoes while it cleans it. I use it on all my shoes.” – Austin

- “My family used to complain about the odor from my shoes. When I found this product I tried it on day one on all of my shoes. It works and no smelly shoes! I am very happy!” – H. Jiang

- “I have to wear black socks with my dress shoes everyday and have noticed an odor problem. This product was easy to set up and took care of the issue.” – David

- “It does a great job reducing the odor in my climbing shoes. Some of my older pairs still smell a bit but the overall improvement is amazing. Using the Sterishoe with running shoes or dress shoes, the odor gets zapped completely.” – “Torsten”

- “Half of my family suffers from ultra stinky feet. It has been a problem for a long time; sometimes it smells like a skunk hit our house. With SteriShoe, I no longer have to toss the shoes outside in the sun; they smell sweet and fresh now. It’s heaven in our house again.” – Daniel G. Lebryk

Podiatrists Recommend The SteriShoe UV Shoe Sanitizer

Lastly, many reviewers remarked that their podiatrist recommended the SteriShoe UV shoe sanitizer as a way to prevent recurrent toenail fungus, athlete’s foot, and diabetic foot ulcers. Here’s what our customers had to say:

- “If you’re being treated for any kind of foot fungus, the usual scenario is to throw out all your shoes. My podiatrist recommended this alternative.” – “Yours Truly”

- “I got one of these from my podiatrist to help with a toenail fungus and quickly learned that it deodorizes shoes too. My shoes were never particularly stinky, but after the SteriShoe is used, it is like they are new! You can put your nose right in your shoe and smell only the leather.” – Kappy Hodges

- “I bought this product after seeing them in my podiatrist’s office and talking to him about it. He thought it would be a good idea for my “clammy” feet which have caused lingering issues. After using it for about a week, I would say that it is working very well.” – M. Ellis

“SteriShoe Ultraviolet Shoe Sanitizer is an excellent product recommended by my podiatrist…. I have already recommended this product to a friend.” – Nancy E. Talburt

Buy A SteriShoe UV Shoe Sanitizer & Write A Review Of Your Own!

As with any product, there will always be a few disappointed customers, but the vast majority of people who bought our UV shoe sanitizer were surprised by how well it worked. Get yours for $129.95 here!

The post What Are Amazon Reviewers Saying about The SteriShoe UV Shoe Sanitizer? appeared first on SteriShoe.

If you’ve developed yellow toenails over the long winter, it could be more than just a cosmetic issue. Often, yellow nails are a sign of foot fungus! Other symptoms of toenail fungus include: thickening of the nail, crumbled edges, and sometimes pain. When left untreated, toenail fungus could lead to complications like cellulitis — particularly if you are a diabetic or have a compromised immune system. Unfortunately, toenail fungus is not an easy problem to treat. Adam Ullman, the founder of the SteriShoe UV shoe sanitizer, has suffered with this problem and sheds some light on the different treatment options he’s explored.

Have you let your feet go this winter? It may be time to tackle toenail fungus.
Image Source: AMomInRedHighHeels.com

Home Remedies

You will find many forums online where people are quick to pitch different natural home remedies for toenail fungus that they’ve tried. Vicks VapoRub and an apple cider vinegar soak are two of the most common treatments mentioned. The low cost and low risk of side effects make these options enticing, although there is no scientific data proving that it’s not simply wasted time. There is, however, one natural toenail fungus cure worth mentioning; as we’ve previously reported, 60-80% of people who try 100% tea tree oil find relief from symptoms within six months.

Tea tree oil is one home remedy that has been reported to help mild cases of toenail fungus.
Image Source: AgoraMedia.com

Topical Nail Fungus Treatments

Penlac (ciclopirox) is a commonly-used topical medication for mild toenail fungus. People are generally given nail lacquers if they have compromised immune systems, past history of liver failure, or other issues that may stand in the way of treatment. While topical remedies have a lower risk for side effects, it could take up to a year of use before any results are seen. One randomized controlled study found that ciclopirox has an semi-decent cure rate. There is also a significant rate of recurrence.

Oral Antifungal Drugs

You would think with so many different types of antifungal drugs, they would have found something that works. Popular names include Lamisil, Diflucan, and Sporanox. These medications have a better success rate than topical remedies for foot fungus, but they also come with the added risk of liver damage. Patients need to take the drug daily for three to six months. Furthermore, Web MD states that 15-20% of patients who spend the money on antifungal pills tend develop another infection within a year.

Laser Toenail Fungus Removal

Of all the treatments, laser nail fungus removal shows the most promise. The benefit of laser therapy is that it asks very little of the patient beyond financial investment. Instead of having to take a drug or apply a lacquer every day for months on end, the afflicted individual just shows up for a quick 20-minute treatment once or twice. Then, as with any treatment, the patient waits for the infected nail to grow out and the healthy nail to grow in. On the downside, there haven’t been many randomized clinical trials that prove the efficiency of these lasers, so insurance companies do not cover the procedure. The price tag can be over $1,000 in some states, so this may not be an option for everyone.

The Bottom Line:

It seems no treatment is perfect, so it really boils down to what appeals to you. Adam Ullman underwent treatment for toenail fungus using oral antifungal medication three times. The infection kept coming back time and time again. After speaking with his podiatrist, he realized that a large part of the problem was that he was sticking his feet into contaminated shoes everyday. So, no matter which type of toenail fungus treatment suits your needs best, you will need to treat your shoes, as well, if you wish to remain fungus-free. Shoe Care Innovations is offering a free 30-day trial of their ultraviolet shoe sanitizer. Take it for a test-drive here!

The post Nail Fungus Treatment: 4 Options to Try This Spring appeared first on SteriShoe.

Laser toenail fungus removal is a rapidly growing area of onychomycosis treatment. Currently, if you have thick, yellow toenails, there aren’t a whole lot of ideal options out there. You could try an over-the-counter lacquer or a home remedy for toenail fungus…but these methods are often efforts in futility that only work for a very small fraction of the population. Furthermore, you have to apply these treatments each day for six to 12 months to see any effect at all. Or you could see your doctor and get a prescription for oral terbinafine…but there are risks to the liver, so you will have to attend appointments for frequent monitoring over the course of three months.

With few other options, it’s much more desirable to come in for one or two laser treatments (which boast impressive cure rates) and be done with the icky fungus once and for all. There are many different lasers from which to choose. We’ll examine a few things about each type of laser treatment, but they all work in much the same way and lack any negative side effects. If you decide to give a foot laser a shot, be sure to invest in the SteriShoe ultraviolet shoe sanitizer to kill residual fungus in your footwear and avoid a recurrence.

Laser toenail fungus removal is a rapidly growing market for quick, easy foot fungus relief.
Image Source: healthierlaser.com

Cynosure PinPointe FootLaser

Cynosure boasts that its PinPointe FootLaser is the “first clinically-proven laser device for the temporary increase of clear nail in patients with onychomycosis, or nail fungus.” The device has been FDA-approved since 2010. The laser passes through the nail and heats up the nail bed, thus killing the fungus. The manufacturers say their patients report a clinical success rate of 70% following just one treatment with the laser. Martine Abrahams, a podiatrist at the London Nail Laser Clinic, says she has successfully treated 2,500 patients using the PinPointe FootLaser. She likes that it only treats the affected area and leaves surrounding tissues alone.

Nomir Noveon Laser

The clinical results of the Noveon Laser by Nomir Medical Technologies, Inc. have been published in the peer-reviewed Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association (JAPMA). They have just received FDA clearance for laser toenail fungus treatment this year. Their laser works by targeting tissue with two unique wavelengths of laser light, which promises “lethality at much lower power levels.” Following a 270-day clinical trial, study data suggests that infection rates dropped after the use of the Noveon laser, with 85% of the toenails showing clear improvement by 180 days and some patients reporting a full clinical cure by 270 days. “Unlike other lasers, the Noveon is effective with only three to four treatments,” says Dr. Robin Fleck of Arizona. “My patients were very disappointed with the Pinpointe laser’s results last year,” she adds. “I’ve treated all the former Pinpointe clients in my practice, and the clearance of fungus is remarkable.”

Erchonia Lunula Laser

Erchonia is a relatively new player in the laser toenail fungus removal market. Their laser can treat all ten toes at the same time in a 24-minute treatment — unlike other lasers that can only do one to five toes at once. It works by killing fungus in the nail bed using low-level laser light. The clinical trial results of the Lunula laser have been published in the medical journal Podiatry Review. In an 18-month study of 323 patients, 99% of patients reported full clearance of their fungal infections after four treatments. Four patients suffered re-infection within a year. The makers of Lunula promise “no pain” and “no temperature change in the treated area.” Study author Robert Sullivan concluded, “The data demonstrates that Lunula is effective at treating varying degrees of infection.” This laser has not yet been cleared by the FDA.

Hyperion HyperBlue 1530 Laser

The HyperBlue 1530 uses 30 watts of power to treat all 10 toes in three ten-minute sessions. You may notice marketing materials suggesting that Hyperion’s HyperBlue 1530 Laser has been granted FDA approval for the treatment of toenail fungus, but a warning letter dated November 11, 2013, suggests otherwise. Even so, professionals like Dr. Timothy Grace of Family Foot Health Center in Puyallup, Washington, have been using the multi-use diode laser to eliminate foot fungus. ”With the HyperBlue laser treatment, my patients can have their fungus eliminated more safely and easier than ever before,” says Dr. Grace. One patient said she tried topical solutions, but didn’t want to try tablets that are hard on the liver. She described her HyperBlue laser nail removal as “quick and painless.”

Cutera GenesisPlus Laser

The FDA cleared the GenesisPlus laser in 2011 for the “temporary increase in clear nail in patients with onychomycosis,” which is different from saying it can actually kill nail fungus completely, according to an FDA warning letter. Cutera released a whitepaper reporting a 70% improvement rate in seven patients treated with two sessions of the GenesisPlus laser. One woman suffering from toenail fungus for a decade said she went through three rounds of expensive oral treatment that did not work for her; the GenesisPlus laser ultimately cured her fungus issue and was “easier than a pedicure,” she said.

The SteriShoe UV shoe sanitizer is a great complementary product for anyone considering laser toenail fungus removal.
Image Source: SteriShoe.com

Don’t Forget: Treat the Shoes to Prevent Future Toenail Fungus

Unfortunately, laser toenail fungus treatment is still relatively expensive and still not covered by medical insurance providers. More clinical studies and peer-reviewed research are needed to validate the effectiveness of foot lasers in the treatment of onychomycosis. As we’ve noticed from many FDA warning letters, the makers of toenail lasers are quick to make fanciful claims, but slow to release valid clinical data.

We feel lasers can be part of a well-rounded solution to toenail fungus. Obviously, lasers are the easiest method of treatment that requires the least amount of patient compliance. Keep in mind that it’s important to practice proper foot hygiene, including the use of an ultraviolet shoe sanitizer, to prevent recurrence of nail fungus. Try a high-tech ultraviolet shoe sanitizer risk-free.

The post Treating Onychomycosis: 5 Lasers that Treat Toenail Fungus appeared first on SteriShoe.

Nothing strikes fear into the hearts of sandal lovers with foot fungus more than the warming weather. Soon there will be pool parties, beach outings, and special events requiring open-toe shoes. No one wants to miss out on summer fun because of a little toenail fungus. Thankfully, laser toenail fungus removal is available for people who want an easier way to eradicate the pesky condition. The bad news is that it’s probably too late to whip your feet into shape for this summer’s festivities.

You mustn’t procrastinate when it comes to toenail fungus removal.
Image Source: Flickr user: Asja

Woman Dreads July Wedding with Toenail Fungus

“I want to be able to wear a nice pair of sandals,” Cindy Charvat told 11 News I-Team reporter Lisa Robinson. Charvat explains that her son is getting married in July, so it’s especially important that she look her best this summer. “I don’t want to hide my toes all the time,” she adds. For her, laser toenail fungus removal was the right solution because it’s quick and painless. She began her treatment in October and her podiatrist said there is a lot of healthy nail growth so far, making the likelihood of strutting around the wedding in strappy sandals likely.

Curing Toenail Fungus Takes Time

Unfortunately, getting started on toenail fungus removal in May means that, at best, you can expect to have improved toenails by next February or perhaps even later. Podiatrist Dr. Kelly Geoghan says it could take anywhere from nine to 14 months for infected toenails to be replaced by healthy nail growth. It all depends how quickly the nail grows.

Why Laser Toenail Fungus Removal?

Even though the healing doesn’t happen overnight, many people prefer laser toenail fungus treatment because it requires the least effort on the part of patients. Topical and oral medications must be used or taken daily — sometimes more than once a day — for months on end. On top of that, topical medications lack the penetration power to get beneath the nail and tackle the root of the infection. Laser toenail fungus removal heats up a specific type of fungal cell and kills it over the course of around three treatments, while leaving the rest of the tissues unscathed. Most podiatrists recommend that their patients still apply a topical solution to the nails in between sessions, but the dual attack mode makes toenail fungus defeat all the more likely.

Laser treatment for onychomycosis is quick, easy and painless.
Image Source: WoodlakePodiatry.com

What Can You Do to Prevent a Repeat Infection?

Another thing you shouldn’t procrastinate on is the planning of your prevention strategies. Many patients undergoing therapy for toenail fungus removal end up contracting the infection again within the same year. This should come as no surprise to anyone who understands how fungi reproduce. They release their tiny, microscopic spores all over your shoes, where they procreate and cause trouble, ranging from secondary athlete’s foot infections to awful foot odor. Since you can’t throw your shoes in the wash without ruining them, your best bet is to invest in the SteriShoe UV shoe sanitizer, which kills up to 99.9% of the fungi, bacteria and viruses in your footwear within 45 minutes. We are currently offering free trials of the device, so don’t delay! Order one today!

The post Time is Ticking: Even Laser Toenail Fungus Removal Can’t Help Procrastinators appeared first on SteriShoe.

Back in November, we wrote about Anacor’s new drug, Tavaborale. In an industry where treatments are marginally effective at best, Anacor promised slightly-better-than-mediocre results. If Penlac cured 0.5% of patients, then Tavaborale would cure 6% of patients. The problem with topical toenail fungus treatments is that they are unable to make it past the nail barrier to penetrate deep into the nail matrix. We have to wonder, though: are these treatments really good enough? Is it worth developing something that works on less than a tenth of the population? David Sobek, a market analyst over at The Street, says no.

Though Anacor’s stock is rising, analysts say Tavaborale is a bust.
Image Source: SEC.gov

Tavaborale vs. Efinaconazole: Two Very Ineffective “Cures”

From January to August 2013, Anacor’s stock has more than tripled, rising from $3 to $10.24 a share. Analyst David Sobek attributes this to the results of Anacor’s phase III study, which indicated that Tavaborale was proven much more effective than placebos and the topical nail lacquer Penlac.

However, Valeant Pharmaceuticals published late-stage toenail fungus research indicating a complete cure rate of 14.5% (9.7% when adjusted for placebo), which is several percentage points higher than Tavaborale. That being said, these minuscule numbers hardly suggest the miracle toenail fungus breakthrough we’ve all been waiting for.

Fast-forward to April 2014: Sobek reports that Anacor’s shares are down 35%, but the company’s “$600 million-plus market value is still bloated.” They anxiously await FDA approval, expected on July 29th. In summary, Tavaborale is “overvalued” and “inferior,” Sobek writes.

Dirty, contaminated shoes remain a common source of toenail fungus reinfection.
Image Source: Flickr user William Clifford

Why Is Toenail Fungus so Difficult to Cure?

Some people spend a year battling toenail fungus and get rid of it forever. Others are hit with the ailment time and time again. There has been a lack of published studies conducted on the precise rate of recurrence, but estimates as high as 53% recurrence have been reported in clinical settings. There are various reasons why toenail fungus remains so insidious:

- Topical treatments cannot get past the surface of the nail plate to treat the root of the infection.

- Oral treatments can be hard on the liver, which remains a barrier to this method of treatment.

- Both oral and topical treatments (including home remedies for toenail fungus) require a great deal of patient compliance, including application at least once daily for months on end. It could take six months or more to see progress, so many patients get disheartened and do not follow their daily treatment regimen as directed by their doctors.

- Sheets, towels, and socks must be run through HOT laundry cycles with antifungal detergent.

- Old toenail clippers must be discarded or effectively sterilized.

- Contaminated shoes must either be disposed of or sanitized of fungal spores to prevent the continued reproduction of the colony.

An ultraviolet shoe sanitizer is just what the foot doctor ordered.
Image Source: Tuvie.com

How Can We Cure Toenail Fungus?

There is no easy answer, but we feel the best way to attack toenail fungus is with a multipronged approach. Treating the nail with a toenail fungus laser shows promise. Patients without liver problems can take the oral medication as well, while others may need to settle for a topical nail lacquer, like Tavaborale, instead. In addition, sheets, towels, socks, toenail clippers, and shoes must be treated. You can sanitize your shoes with our SteriShoe UV shoe sanitizer. Within 45 minutes, up to 99.9% of the living fungi and bacteria in your shoes will be eradicated through the deployment of ultraviolet light inside a protective shoe-bag. Using the device daily can greatly reduce the likelihood of toenail fungus recurrence. Learn more and buy one here.

The post Market Analyst Warning- Don’t Fall for Anacor’s Toenail Fungus Drug Hype appeared first on SteriShoe.

Toenail fungus is an ugly problem to have. A little bit of fungus may look similar to psoriasis or eczema on the nail. In its more advanced stages, onychomycosis thickens the nail, turns it from clear to yellow, and causes chalky crumbling along the edges. While the condition can be treated, any method you choose to rid yourself of the fungus is going to require a long time to improve the appearance of the nail. Even with laser toenail fungus removal, you still have to wait for the fungus nail to grow out and the healthy nail to come in. Waiting is much easier said than done, especially when summer rolls around, and you’re dying to swim, wear sandals, and get fresh air to your feet. There are, however, some cosmetic options for the aesthetic improvement of fungal nails.

You may want to get those feet out by the pool this summer, but yellow fungal nails stand in the way. We list treatment options for you, although we believe prevention is the best cure.
Image Source: D Sharon Pruitt

Keryflex

The Keryflex Nail Restoration System was named one of the top 10 innovations in podiatric care by Podiatry Today. A podiatrist applies a patented, flexible resin nail over-top your fungus nails to improve the appearance of your feet while the new nail grows in. The application only takes about 15 minutes to put on, and patients need to come back every six to eight weeks for re-application. The nail doesn’t appear exactly “natural,” but it’s much better than the fungus nail, and it can be painted upon with nail polish. The cost ranges from $99 – $150.

When painted, Keryflex provides a natural cover for fungus nails.

Kerasal Nail

If you’d rather not see a podiatrist, you can try a product like the Kerasal Nail system, which is available over-the-counter in stores like Rite-Aid, CVS, and Wal-mart, or online at Amazon. Kerasal is a clear, colorless liquid that is applied to the nail to “normalize thickness, reduce discoloration, and hydrate the nail.” Some Amazon reviewers have reported visible results in as little as 30 days, but the manufacturer says it should take about three months to see real improvement in the nail’s appearance.

Kerasal is an OTC fungal nail renewal treatment. Image Source: PodiatryM.com

Debridement

Podiatrists or medical spa technicians can also perform a procedure known as “debridement,” which involves using nail nippers or chemicals to treat the fungal nails. According to Podiatry Today, “Although debridement does not treat the infection, it can decrease the fungal load of the nail and can complement medical therapy. It can also reduce pressure necrosis and improve the nail’s overall cosmetic appearance.” For extremely thick nails, you may have them mechanically thinned using a Micromat-3000 nail thinning device.

The Micromat 3000 may be used to thin out thickened fungal nails.

Laser Therapy

“I think the laser can improve the appearance of the nail, but it’s only temporary and it needs to be used again and again to maintain that improvement,” said Washington podiatrist, Lee Firestone. Like many other treatments, it takes about three months to see significant results. The benefit of laser toenail fungus removal is that it’s not just a cosmetic treatment. It also tackles the root cause by penetrating the nail bed and killing the fungus within. Unfortunately, the treatment costs around $1,000, and is not covered by insurance.

Laser light can improve the look of nail fungus within months.

While You Wait for the Cure, Be Sure to Prevent Recurrence of Fungal Nails!

Many people with toenail fungus make the mistake of treating their feet, but failing to treat their footwear — which is teeming with fungal spores! The moment they put their fungus-infested shoes back on, they are recontaminating their feet, thus preventing any hope of getting rid of the fungus once and for all. The SteriShoe ultraviolet shoe sanitizer is a high-tech device that can eradicate infectious pathogens within 45 minutes. For less than $130, you can have the peace of mind in knowing that your shoes are fungus-free.

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