fungal nail infections
Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nail, which often causes thickening and discoloration of the nail plate. Of all fungal infections that occur on the body, nail infections are the most difficult to prevent and treat. However, our laser treatment has proven to be very effective in the treatment of fungal tissues, fungal isolates, and onychomycotic nails.
How is it treated?
Nail fungal infections can be treated in three ways:
1. Topical treatments
2. Oral Medication
3. Laser treatment
What causes it?
Onychomycosis is a condition caused by nail fungus. Fungi grow in all warm, moist places. The fungus usually commences growth at the end of the nail plate and continues to spread under the nail. Sometimes chalky, white plaques form on the nail surface and, as the infection progresses, yellowish, brownish discoloration may be seen. Cell damage by the fungus to the foot of the nail can cause the nail to thicken and change shape.
Our laser treatment
With the technological advancements of laser, we can treat these reoccuring fungal infections more effectively than ever before. The laser is able to penetrate through to the nail plate and into the nail bed where the fungi are located. The laser energy then heats the colonies and destroys the spores, thus inhibiting their growth and multiplication
Research suggests oral and topical treatments aren’t always as successful in treating fungal nail infections as they are unable to penetrate deep enough to the nail bed underneath.
The procedure is simple and quick with no noticeable side effects or complications. As the laser treatment is non-invasive, it also has a limited recovery time. It is important not to ignore the infection and treat it as early as possible to prevent further spreading.
At Women’s Health Plus we work closely with other health professionals to help treat the persistent fungus, but also prevent it from reoccurring. We can work alongside your podiatrist to develop and manage a treatment plan that ensures the infection is eradicated and re-infection does not occur.
The treatment takes less than 30 minutes. The severity of the fungal infection and the number of nails infected will determine the number of appointments needed. Generally, around 3-6 appointments are required for treatment and prevention of reoccurrence.
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Scientific and Clinical Research Case Studies:
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Combined Fractional and Bulk Heating Modality for Nd:YAG Laser Skin Treatments - Read Full Text.
Taylor M, Lukac M, Gorjan M, Nemes K
Journal of the Laser and Health Academy, Vol. 2012. No. 1. P.26-34.
Use of Long Pulse Nd:YAG 1064 nm Laser for Treatment of Rosacea Telangiectatica.
Kozarev, J. Journal of the Laser and Health Academy, Vol. 2011. No. 1. Read Full Text.
Treatment of large vascular lesions in the orofacial region with the Nd:YAG laser.
Vesnaver A., Dovsak D. Journal of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery. 2009 Jun;37(4):191-195. Read Abstract.
Treatment of Vascular Lesions of the Tongue with Nd:YAG Laser.
Coelho J, Serrao V. Case Reports in Medicine, Vol. 2009. Read Full Text.
Treatment of vascular lesions in the head and neck using Nd:YAG laser.
Vesnaver A, Dovsak D. Journal of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery. 2006 Jan;34(1):17-24. Read Abstract.
Variable-pulse Nd:YAG laser in the treatment of facial telangiectasias.
Bevin AA, Parlette EC, Domankevitz Y, Ross EV. Dermatol Surg. 2006 Jan;32(1):7-12. Read Abstract.
Additional Resources: visit the Laser and Health Academy* website for additional information about medical laser treatments that can be performed with Fotona laser systems.
Disclaimer
Please note you must always undergo a thorough initial assessment by the Doctor to discuss your condition and the available management options, including their potential benefit and harm, prior to commencing any treatment.
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