There are six options for treating fungal nail infections:
WHY USE A LASER?
Medicine has benefited significantly from the use of lasers. Specifically within dermatology, advances in laser technology have allowed the development of lasers to target fungal cells. Over the past 5 years the advances have been significant initially using heat delivered with the PinPointe FootLaser and its infra-red 1064nm beam. Other lasers have utilised this modality based on applying heat to the nail allowing it to pass through and vaporise the fungus with the energy.
In 2012 further advances were made with the Lunula Low Level Laser, informally described as a ‘cold’ laser since it does not rely on heat. Different wavelengths of light exert an effect on different cells. The two wavelengths employed stimulate the immune reaction to fungus in the nail and also kill the fungus by reacting with its cell wall.
Fungus is contained within the nail complex and the lasers are able to target these fungal cells directly without the risks involved when oral medication is taken or the long period of time required when applying topical medicines that aren’t able to penetrate to the nail bed.
Both lasers have no detrimental effect on healthy skin or nail and require no anaesthetic. They are not surgical and there is no recovery period or effect on activity after treatment.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A TREATMENT
The treatment process is started with a consultation where the presence of nail fungus will be established. The symptoms, signs and progression are discussed, together with any treatment options. We would then be able to discuss the expectations of treatment and likely results, along with being able to answer any of your questions. The nails can be thinned and tidied with a water based file to remove any thickening and fungal debris if required. Photographs are taken for comparative purposes and monitoring of your results.
The number and length of sessions will be determined during the consultation and will depend on the amount of damage caused by the fungus, the duration of the infection and the amount of fungus present.
During the Lunula ‘Cold’ Laser treatment your foot (or hand) is placed in the laser cavity and the machine switched on. The two long laser beams rotate over each foot. You will barely feel any sensation since this laser uses no heat to attack the fungus.
Antifungal cream or spray is applied to the foot. Preventative advice is given and you receive a footcare pack to take away. Since fungal nail infection is caused by contact with fungi, if care is not taken to improve levels of hygiene and reduce fungi living on the skin naturally, it can recur.
We have a variety of products available to purchase to assist in maintaining the long-term health of your feet. These include antifungal shoe spray, the SteriShoe ultraviolet shoe steriliser, athlete’s foot creams and sprays, tea tree foot wash and cream and antifungal aromatherapy oils. We will provide as part of the treatment cost appropriate medicines to start this process. Our online store allows patients and visitors alike to buy these items.
We advise changing into a fresh pair of socks following treatment.