Laser Therapy for Fungal Nails
Nail Fungus (or onychomycosis) is one of the most common nail conditions treated by our Podiatrists, it is estimated that more than 10 per cent of the population have this condition. Fungal infection of nails is most common in the toenails. Some people are genetically prone to it, others are more likely to get it due to having tinea, a trauma to their nail where the fungus takes opportunity to get into the nail. Others, including swimmers and other athletes, may be more likely to get it because they go barefoot in public. Many people have their fungus treated as they would like their nail to look healthy again however there are also some health concerns. Additionally nails can also start to grow abnormally and become painful when walking.
Case studies are only ever published with permission of patient
Fungal nails can present in the following ways:
Discoloured nails
Yellow streaks under the nail
Distorted or thickened nails
Brittle, crumbly or ragged nails
Nails separated from the underlying nail bed
Build-up of debris (nail fragments, skin) under the nail
White spots or streaks on the nail surface
As the fungal nail infection advances the nail can become thick, brittle and separate from the nail bed. With advancing deformity of the nail it is possible for a secondary bacterial infection to develop locally in the area or further up the leg. For those with or without Diabetes, this is an unwanted and serious complication.
Many people are unaware that they have a fungal nail problem and do not seek treatment until the infection has spread through the entire nail, the rest of the nails or to other nails including finger nails.
Up until now, nail fungus has been very difficult to treat with people often frustrated at the lack of progress with traditional treatment options. Toenail laser treatment offers an alternative to oral medication (which carries a risk of liver damage), and a topical nail paint, which has poor efficacy. Laser therapy does not have any of these side effects
Nail Fungus is heat sensitive and light sensitive. Laser treatment easily penetrates the nail and generates a heat at the site of infection beneath the nail plate to kill the fungus. Nail laser is a comfortable, fast and effective treatment. Laser therapy is now available every day in our Podiatry clinics in Wagga, Albury and Bowral.
It's important to note that your nail has no ability to fight off the fungal infection and heal without treatment. This means that once nail fungus is established it will not go away unless treated effectively. Once Laser is applied and fungal cells have been destroyed the damaged/infected nail will slowly grow out and be replaced by healthy nail. This will take several months so it's important to remain patient.
The Laser treatment does not require any local anaesthesia and there is no recovery period. It's a simple, comfortable walk in, walk out procedure with no side effects and no visible harm to the nail or skin.
The number of treatments required is determined by the number of infected nails, severity of the fungal infection, your age and general health. The podiatrist will advise on the number of laser therapy appointments recommended for your treatment, but generally 3 treatments are required.
Due to high demand we have purchased an additional laser. Laser therapy is now available every day with our Podiatrists in Wagga, Albury and Wodonga. The results we have been seeing have been incredibly pleasing to our Podiatrists and our patients.
If you would like to book straight in for laser therapy please request laser when talking with reception.