Clear Nail Laser Clinics
Onychomycosis is the medical term for toenail or fingernail fungus. This is when fungus gets under the nail and causes an infection. This will cause the nail to change color, thickness and emit a bad smell. If it is left untreated it can spread to the other toes and the fingers if not careful.
Causes
Your feet are vulnerable to fungi and bacteria due to their location on the body. This is more accurate especially if you walk barefoot in damp areas such as, showers, locker rooms and swimming pool, allowing your feet to come in direct contact with the pathogens. You are at a higher risk if there is an injury to the nail bed as it allows easy access to the pathogen to enter. Other possible risk factors include diabetes, peripheral problems, chronic illnesses and immune deficiency.
Treatment options
It is important to schedule an appointment with your podiatrist as soon as possible if there is any signs of fungal infection on your nails to prevent it from spreading or getting worse.
Your podiatrist will make a diagnosis by sending a sample to the lab or by visual observation.
Topical antifungal medication or cream can be used if the fungal infection is not severe after filling and cutting the nails.
Cold laser therapy has been proven to be one of the most successful treatments available. The podiatrist would cut and file the nails and then advice how many laser treatments would be recommended depending on the severity of the infection.
Another option would be seeing your GP and taking Oral anti-fungal medication.
What to expect if booking an appointment for cold laser treatment at Clear Nail Laser Clinic Consultation
An in-depth consult including your health history, background around fungal infections and how we use the cold laser to treat it. We determine the extent of your condition and provide a recommended program including how many sessions you’re likely to need.
Photograph
It’s important to track the progress of your treatment. Therefore we take some photos of your nails during the initial consultation, halfway through your treatment program and again at your last session.
Shoe Sanitization
While we provide laser treatment, we’ll also sanitise your shoes using SteriShoes ultraviolet light which are proven to kill 99% of bacteria and fungus in your shoes.
Electronic-Filing
Usually infected nails present themselves as excessively thickened. In order to optimise the penetration and effectiveness of the laser, we file back the thickened nail using an electronic file.
Laser Treatment
The standard laser treatment duration is 12 minutes for each foot. The laser treatment is totally safe and pain free. Some clients say they experience a slight tingling sensation during laser treatment.
Post Treatment Care
At the end of each session we protect the nails and prevent reinvention by spraying an anti-fungal spray which dries instantly when in contact with skin and we also provide you with some recommended post treatment care to maximize the likelihood of a successful outcome.
At-Home Solutions for Toenail Fungus
There are a few things you can do at home to help treat your toenail fungus. A strict cleaning regime can relieve mild infections. Patients have found success in filing off the white marks and then applying over-the-counter anti-fungal agents. These do not stop infections from coming back, which is why we encourage patients to seek treatment from a medical professional.
