Effective Treatment Options in Medical Spas
Fungal infections are unsightly, uncomfortable, and even painful. They can appear anywhere on the body, from feet to scalp, and may be difficult to treat. Fortunately, medical spas offer a range of effective treatments for fungal infections to put an end to them once and for all.
What Are Fungal Infections?
Fungal infections are caused by microscopic organisms found in our environment. They can affect skin, nails, and hair, causing symptoms like itching, redness, and flaking. Common fungal infections include athlete’s foot, jock itch, ringworm, and nail fungus.
Topical Antifungal Medications
Topical antifungals have long been used as an effective means of treating fungal infections on the skin.
One of the most effective timeless age medical treatments for fungal infections is topical antifungal medications. These come in creams, lotions, and powders and should be applied directly to the affected area. They work by killing or inhibiting fungi growth. Topical antifungals should typically be applied once or twice a day for several weeks to provide long-lasting protection.
Oral Antifungal Medications
Topical medications may not be enough to eradicate a fungal infection. In such cases, oral antifungal medications are sometimes necessary and taken by mouth; these work by killing the fungi from within out. These drugs usually need to be taken for several weeks or months, depending on how severe the infection is.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment option for fungal infections that utilizes high-intensity light to destroy the fungi. This therapy has proven particularly successful in eliminating nail fungus, as it penetrates deep into the nail bed, where it can reach hidden bacteria and viruses. Laser therapy typically requires multiple sessions and takes several months before results appear.
Chemical Peels
Chemical peels are a widely-used treatment for fungal skin infections. They work by exfoliating the outer layers of skin, which can serve as breeding grounds for fungi. Chemical peels typically utilize acids such as alpha hydroxy acid and salicylic acid to exfoliate away dead skin cells and kill any present fungi. This procedure usually consists of multiple sessions and may be combined with other treatments for optimal results.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy is a treatment option that uses extreme cold to destroy fungi. This procedure often applies to nail fungus and involves freezing the affected nail and surrounding tissue with liquid nitrogen. Cryotherapy offers an efficient and painless option; however, multiple sessions may be needed before results can be seen.
Prevention Tips
Though there are numerous effective treatments available for fungal infections, the most effective way to deal with them is prevention. Here are some preventive tips:
Keep your skin clean and dry, especially in areas prone to fungal infections.
Wear clean socks that allow your feet to breathe, and avoid sharing personal items like towels, socks, or shoes.
Address any cuts or scrapes right away in order to prevent infection.
Avoid wearing barefoot in public places such as locker rooms and pool decks.
Fungal infections can be a nuisance, but they don’t have to be part of your life forever. Medical spas offer various effective treatment options to say goodbye to these pesky parasites – from topicals and oral medications to laser therapy, chemical peels, and cryotherapy. By taking steps to prevent fungal infections and seeking professional assistance early on in the process, you can enjoy healthy skin, nails, and hair for years into the future.
