Laser Treatment for Fungal Toenails
Each day we speak to many clients about fungal toenail infections (onychomycosis) and it often shocks them to learn these infections are contagious and can be spread to other family members.
This often difficult to treat condition affects up to 1.6 million Australians every year and is caused by an overgrowth of fungus on, in, or under the nails.
Fungal toenail infections can be a painful and embarrassing condition
Fungal toenail infections are contagious and often very difficult to treat effectively at home without help.
This type of infection is more typical in toenails as we commonly enclose them in a shoe which encourages a warm, dark humid environment that allows the fungus to flourish.
Fungal nail infections often develop after a minor trauma occurs to the nail which damages the structure of the nail.
Once the nail is damaged, it is then very easy for the fungus to get into the nail and start to do what it does very well: compost your toenail!
These infections can cause the nail to become very painful and may serve as a reservoir for fungal skin infections and increase the risk for bacterial skin and further nail infections.
What Do Fungal Toenails Look Like?
Infected nails demonstrate some or all of the following characteristics:
- discolouration (white, yellow or brown streaks)
- scaling
- thickening
- flaking
- changes to the nail shape
- the nail may breakdown and fall off
- a distinct odour can accompany the infection
How Do I Know If I Have a Fungal Nail Infection?
Typically, fungal nail infections can be easily diagnosed in the clinic by the appearance, changes and odour of the toenail.
Your Podiatrist will be able to examine your toenail for clinical signs and symptoms of a fungal nail infection.
At Complete Podiatry, we also offer a specialist in-clinic fungal nail test called Diafactory.
Diafactory testing of nails is sensitive to 99% of fungal pathogens
The Diafactory fungal nail test has a sensitivity of 97% with means it will pick up 97 out of 100 fungal toenail infections in the clinic.
The Most Effective Treatment for Nail Fungus
At Complete Podiatry, we have invested in the Lunula non-thermal anti-fungal laser system to treat fungal toenail infections.
The Lunula non-thermal laser is the only Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) device to be TGA approved for treating fungal nail infections (onychomycosis).
Lunula antifungal nail treatment, the most effective on the market
The efficacy of our laser has been proven by multiple (level 1) double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled, and multi-site clinical studies – the most credible research in the market today.
The treatments are short, effective, and automated, allowing you to save on staff costs and increase profits.
There is no associated pain or reported side effects, and the technology is very safe with no health risks.
How Does Laser Therapy work for Fungal Nail Infections?
The Lunula Laser targets fungal nail infections through the use of two true laser beams (red 635nm and violet 405nm – monochromatic, collimated, and coherent).
The two wavelengths trigger a photochemical reaction, producing Reactive Oxygen Species which is converted to Hydrogen Peroxide – a natural antiseptic that kills onychomycosis.
In addition, the red 635nm wavelength induces the production of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) which is converted to Nitric Oxide – aiding the natural immune response in fighting the infection.
We are here to help
If you are experiencing changes in your nails and are worried it might be a fungal nail infection, the first thing to do is book an appointment with one of the Podiatrists at Complete Podiatry for a comprehensive assessment to identify what is causing the changes in your nails.
Once this is done, we will develop a structured management plan that outlines our best advice for how to help you to return to doing the things you love to do without needing to worry about your fungal nail infections.
Just call us on 8330 0004 or book online.
I'll love to talk to you about how we can help you build an amazing life from the feet up!
Anthony Robinson
Director of Complete Podiatry