KeryFlex

Many people don't realize they have a fungal nail problem and, therefore, don't seek treatment. Yet, fungal toenail infections are a common foot health problem and can persist for years without ever causing pain. The disease, characterized by a change in a toenail's color, is often considered nothing more than a mere blemish. Left untreated, however, it can present serious problems.

Also referred to as onychomycosis, fungal nails are infections underneath the surface of the nail, which may also penetrate the nail. Fungal nail infections are often accompanied by a secondary bacterial and/or yeast infection in or about the nail plate, which ultimately can lead to difficulty and pain when walking or running. Symptoms may include discoloration, brittleness, loosening, thickening, or crumbling of the nail.

A group of fungi, called dermophytes, easily attack the nail and thrive on keratin, the nail's protein substance. In some cases, when these tiny organisms take hold, the nail may become thicker, yellowish-brown, or darker in color, and foul smelling. Debris may collect beneath the nail plate, white marks frequently appear on the nail plate, and the infection is capable of spreading to other toenails, the skin, or even the fingernails.

Treatment Option: KeryFlex
For anyone with toenail fungus, “soccer toe,” or other toenail conditions, the KeryFlexTM Nail Restoration System finally gives you the chance to show off your toes. KeryFlexTM uses polymer resins and special activators to create a durable, yet flexible artificial nail when exposed to a certain frequency of ultraviolet light. KeryFlexTM is available only through a properly trained podiatrist, who can complete the application of the product, with UV light curing time included, in as little as 10-15 minutes for the big toenail.

Local podiatrist Marco Vargas, who has received training on KeryFlexTM application, thinks the product will really change how people deal with toenail fungus. “The new toenail looks very natural. If done properly, it’s hard to tell the new nail apart from the other nails,” says Dr. Vargas.

The interval between applications will vary according to the patient, but in general, the time between applications is six to eight weeks. If the patient wants to have the nail removed, the podiatrist can file away the artificial nail until it is no longer attached to the natural nail. Rarely, a KeryFlexTM nail may detach from the natural nail. This usually occurs with repeated trauma to the KeryFlexTM nail, such as might occur with long-distance running. But if the podiatrist is careful not to extend the KeryFlexTM nail beyond the fleshy edge of any toe, the KeryFlexTM nail should handle the stress just fine.

The incidence of toenail fungus in the U.S. has been estimated to be 15% to 20% among persons aged 40 to 60 years. According to one study, 75% of persons diagnosed with nail fungus were embarrassed by their nails. Nail fungus is difficult to cure, and the current topical and systemic pharmaceutical products do not have an immediate effect on nail appearance. The KeryFlexTM Nail Restoration System, while not a treatment, can be used as a cosmetic adjunct with pharmaceutical agents designed to eradicate the fungus.

You can prevent fungal nail infections by taking these simple precautions:

  • Exercise proper hygiene and regularly inspect your feet and toes.
  • Keep your feet clean and dry.
  • Wear shower shoes in public facilities whenever possible.
  • Clip nails straight across so that the nail does not extend beyond the tip of the toe.
  • Use a quality foot powder (talcum, not cornstarch) in conjunction with shoes that fit well and are made of materials that breathe.
  • Avoid wearing excessively tight hosiery, which promotes moisture. Socks made of synthetic fiber tend to "wick" away moisture faster than cotton or wool socks, especially for those with more active lifestyles.
  • Disinfect home pedicure tools and don't apply polish to nails suspected of infection.

Depending on the type of infection you have, over-the-counter liquid antifungal agents may not prevent a fungal infection from recurring. A topical or oral medication may need to be prescribed, and the diseased nail matter and debris removed, a process called debridement. Note: Please consult your physician before taking any medications.

In severe cases, surgical treatment may be required to remove the infected nail. Permanent removal of a chronically painful nail, which has not responded to any other treatment, permits the fungal infection to be cured and prevents the return of a deformed nail.