laser onychomychosis treatment
NON INVASIVE
Onychomycosis, or fungal nail infection, is a persistent fungal infection of the nail bed, matrix or plate. Nails can become discoloured and advanced infection causes thick, brittle nails that often separate from the nail bed. It can also cause discomfort when wearing shoes or walking.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF ONYCHOMYCOSIS?
The most common cause of onychomycosis is dermatophyte fungus that invades the dead tissue of skin or nails. Other causes include contact with certain moulds or species of yeasts.
Since these infective fungal agents are present everywhere in our environment, everyone potentially is at risk for infection. Common sources for infection could include public showers, swimming pools, nail spas and gyms. Nail trauma and tight fitting shoes can also lead to infection.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
One or more of the following symptoms may indicate that you suffer from onychomycosis:
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENT OPTIONS?
Current treatment options include topical drugs and oral antifungal drugs. Topical drugs are applied directly to the nails daily for a period of 6 to 12 months. This treatment is often ineffective because the drug has difficulty passing through the nail to reach the site of the infection. Oral drugs can be effective and are usually taken for a period of 6 to 12 months. However, there are many side effects associated with these drugs and in some cases weekly blood tests are required to monitor liver function.
LASER TREATMENT:
Laser is a non-invasive procedure to treat affected nails and surrounding skin. It is safe, fast and effective.
The treatment involves passing the laser beam over the infected nail and surrounding tissue, resulting in a photo-thermal heating effect that weakens and kills the infection-causing fungi. Best results are achieved with 4 treatments at weekly intervals.
Successful treatment will result in the growth of a new and healthy nail. Changes are often seen 3-6 months after the completion of the 4 laser sessions. Full clearance is achieved at 6-12 months.*
At Oakleigh Foot Clinic, we use the Fotona XP-2 Focus laser. Studies show a 99% clearance rate after 4 treatments using the Fotona XP-2 Focus, proving it has the highest efficacy rate than any other laser.
*Nails with extensive infection and thickening may require additional treatment. Your podiatrist will discuss this with you.
Nd:YAG 1064nm Medical Grade Laser, High Performance, Quick, Effective and Painfree Treatments.
WHAT ELSE CAN WE TREAT WITH LASER?
Before and after Laser Treatment!
Also referred to as biostimulation, LLLT is a laser treatment primarily used for wound healing and inflammatory conditions. It is believed to affect the function of connective tissue cells (fibroblasts), accelerate connective tissue repair and act as an anti-inflammatory agent
The LLLT creates a response at a cellular level to treat:
1) inflammation, pain, oedema, acute injuries and chronic disease
2) wounds, tissue repair and prevention of tissue death
3) neurogenic pain and neurological problems
This is a comfortable and highly effective treatment, with patients seeing results after 1-2 treatments.
