PinPointe FootLaser
Family Foot Care is pleased to announce that we are now a proud certified provider of PinPointe, a leader in podiatric light based therapy and creators of the PinPointe FootLaser intended for use for the temporary increase of clear nails in patients with onychomycosis, or nail fungus. PinPointe FootLaser is the first & currently the only laser to receive clearance from the U.S. FDA to treat the symptoms of patients suffering from onychomycosis, and Family Foot Care is the only practice in Whatcom & Skagit Counties to offer this clinically proven treatment.
Fungal infection is estimated to affect more than 10% of the U.S. population, or 35 million Americans. The PinPointe FootLaser is designed specifically to meet the needs of the podiatric community. PinPointe FootLaser typically requires only a 30 minute treatment performed in the comfort & privacy of our office. Nail fungus, Onychomycosis, is an embarrassing chronic condition that impacts a person's quality of life and can lead to other health problems for patients with diabetes, poor ciculation or immune disorders. The treatment of nail infection is difficult because the infection is under & inside of the nail, which makes it hard for other treatments to reach & destroy the fungal organisms. treatments such as medicated liquids/creams or oral medications may be associated with side effects or serious drug interactions. Home remedies such as bleach, vinegar, Vicks Vapor Rub, mouthwash or household cleaners to resolve the problem are often tried but ultimately fail to resolve it. After a single treatment, between 78-88% of patients experienced an increase in clear nails at 6 and 12 months, and 81% of all patients sustained improvements at 12 months. If you would like to more about our exciting new treatment for toenail fungus or would like to make an appointment, please call us at (360) 738-9797.
Two kinds of skin allergies, or dermatitis, are caused by substances coming in contact with the skin: primary irritant dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis. Primary irritant dermatitis is a non-allergic reaction of the skin resulting from exposure to an irritating substance. Allergic contact dermatitis is an allergic sensitization to various substances.
People who work in areas where their feet are exposed to repeated or prolonged contact to hot water, chemicals, oils, or wet cement can develop primary irritant dermatitis. Some solutions are safe if used properly. However, improper use can lead to a serious contact dermatitis. This is particularly dangerous for diabetics. For primary irritant dermatitis, soaking feet in solutions, such as bleach, vinegar, salt water, or Betadine, can be beneficial as long as excessive amounts are not used.
Allergic contact dermatitis is the result of exposure to substances that sensitize the skin. Each time the foot is exposed to the substance, an inflammatory reaction occurs. Some people are allergic to the substances in sock dyes or certain shoe materials. Adhesive tapes can cause an allergic reaction with blisters or a rash developing beneath the tape. Because of the heat and the accumulation of moisture beneath the tape, an acute Athlete's Foot infection can also be caused by an allergic reaction to the adhesive. Treatments include the use of cool compresses, topical steroid compounds (like hydrocortisone creams), and antifungal creams.