If your toenail fungus returns, even after taking your oral medications as prescribed, you may wonder if there are other treatments you may qualify for. Although traditional fungal medications work well for many people, the treatments aren't as successful for other individuals. Due to certain factors, the infection fails to clear up properly, or it returns later. You can take steps to treat your fungal infection with the information below.

Why Won't Your Toenail Fungus Go Away?

Fungal infections can reoccur for many reasons. People with family histories of fungal infections may develop or experience infections. Individuals who have poor circulation or a condition that affects their blood flow and immune system are also at risk for recurrent infections. Blood carries oxygen, cells, and nutrients that fight infection. If your circulation is deficient or poor, your nails may not receive what they need to fight the fungi attacking them.

Sometimes, fungal infections develop in your toes and feet if you wear damp footwear. Moisture can allow fungi to grow and thrive inside your shoes and on your skin. The organisms eventually spread beneath your nail beds and cause a host of uncomfortable symptoms that include discoloration, odor, and flaking.

Your current toenail fungus medications might not be enough to work against the factors mentioned above. In this case, you'll need to take a different approach to treat your infection.

What Other Treatment Options Do You Have?

Although traditional fungal creams and oral treatments can provide good results, the medications may cause a few problems or side effects for you, such as skin rashes and headaches. Some medications may need to go through your digestive system and blood before they reach the fungus in your toenails. If you have digestive problems or poor circulation, the medication might not reach your infection on time or properly. Laser nail treatment is one of the options you might try to fight your toenail infection.

Laser nail treatment attacks the fungus at the source. A podiatrist, or foot specialist, sanitizes and cleans the skin around your toenails. Afterward, the podiatrist uses a laser to "heat up" the organisms destroying your nail beds. As the fungus dies, new cells grow in its place. This new growth promotes healing in your toenails.

Depending on the extent of your nail infection, you may need several treatments to see long-term results. A food doctor can discuss what you may expect from your treatment during your visit.

To learn more about fighting the fungal infection in your toenails, contact a foot doctor today.