So far, we haven’t had a lot of snow this year in Connecticut. But that’s beginning to change, and that’s great news for the legions of winter sports enthusiasts. This is the time of year skiers, snowboarders, and snowshoers live for. Ice fishing has become increasingly popular, as has competitive snow sculpting. When the white stuff falls from the sky, we love to go outside and play!

There’s only one problem. It’s at this time of year when some people will develop painful toenail fungus. Toenail fungus is caused by microscopic spores that become lodged under the nailbed. When our toes are in moist, warm environments – like the inside of ski boots – these spores can flourish, multiplying at an exponential rate. The result is a toenail fungal infection.

Toenail fungus causes our toenails to change color. You’ll know you have toenail fungus if your toenails are yellow, brown, or black. Toenails can be all one color, or display a combination of colors for a mottled effect.

Other signs of a toenail fungal infection include changes to the toenail’s texture. You may notice your toenail getting thicker and thicker – so thick, in fact, that it becomes difficult or impossible to clip your toenails with regular toenail clippers. Toenails can become brittle or crumbly. Sometimes, painful toenail fungus can cause toenails to develop deep and painful splits. These splits can bleed. Severe cases of toenail fungus can make it impossible to wear shoes or boots comfortably.

What should you do if you have painful toenail fungus?

The first thing you should do if you have painful toenail fungus is make an appointment for laser treatment for foot fungus. Toenail fungal infections won’t just go away on their own. You can’t wait them out and hope they’ll disappear. In fact, toenail fungus becomes worse with time! Ignore your mild toenail fungal infection now, and you can discover that the painful toenail fungus will grow and become more severe with time.

Laser treatment for foot fungus is the answer! Winter sports enthusiasts appreciate laser treatment for foot fungus for three distinct reasons. Laser treatment for foot fungus is fast, proven to be effective, and painless.

A specially designed laser is used to eliminate the spores that cause painful toenail fungus at the source. This laser penetrates the surface of your toenail without damaging the flesh beneath or surrounding the nail. The spores are wiped out! Our toenails are continually growing. Once the spores are gone, you’ll see your new toenail growth appearing, and it will be healthy and pink. This process takes approximately a month, and the results from laser treatment for foot fungus have been shown to last up to a year.

Help prevent painful toenail fungus by making sure to choose boots that fit properly. You want to make sure there’s plenty of room for your toes to lie flat, without being squished or pinched. Air circulation is important. Rotate your boots, so you’re always wearing a clean, dry pair! That way, you’ll keep your toes healthy and fungus free so you can enjoy the great outdoors all winter long.

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