New Laser Treatment
June 29th, 2012

Fungal nail diseases (Onychomycosis) affects up to 14% of the population.

Fungi that feed on keratin, a structural protein within your nails, often cause this condition. The disease ( fungal nails ) may result in pain, is contagious and results in a negative self-image.

“I wish I could have beautiful toenails”

Being foot specialists, we treat thousands of people for all types of conditions. Without doubt the number one desire for most people is to be able to have normal toe nails and to be free of their embarrassing condition.

“Adelaide now has the latest in Laser technology that kills the fungus and returns your nails to what they once were”

Up until now, treating the condition was hit and miss, and involved taking dangerous anti fungal medication, exhaustive topical treatments and even surgery to remove the entire toe nail. Needless to say, results with all of these options are poor.

Laser treatment is fast, safe, painless and is extremely effective with NO side effects.

Any medical treatment must be tested and proven. The studies all concluded  … “that the laser therapy was safe, well tolerated and VERY effective in promoting the growth of clear nail in patients with Onychomycosis, with significant improvement 3 months after initial treatment”

I Love the results!“The treatments are painless! All 10 toes took about 20 minutes. It has been 6 months and my toe nails are growing out normally. I have noticed a big improvement in my big toe that had the most fungus. It is growing out slower than the others, but is coming in clear for the 1st time in years. I love the results”

Betty B. Surfside, FL.

What Is Onychomycosis?

Onychomycosis is an infection of the nail by opportunistic fungi that include dermatophytes, non-dermatophyte moulds and yeasts (mainly Candida species). They feed on the keratin within the nail and just like any other infection (bacterial or viral), it is important that the condition be treated so as not to lead to more serious complications, especially in the diabetic.

The disease is characterized by a change in nail colour, thickening and distortion of the nail, debris under the nail and often a foul odour.

It is often ignored and cause embarrassment and frustration as treatments to date have been dangerous and ineffective.

The infection often spreads to other nails and in severe cases can impair one’s abilty to walk or lead to painful ingrown toenails. Secondary bacterial infections may occur on or around the nail plate.

How Does it Work?

The technology chosen by Podiatry Care to conduct the procedure followed an exhaustive trial process and was selected for its safety, reliability and impressive formal published outcomes.

The Fox 1064 Diode Laser emits a near- infrared beam of light at a wavelength of 1064 nano metres. It is able to pass through 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.

The laser energy passes through the toe nail without causing damage to the nail or adjacent skin. Only a laser is able to penetrate through to the nail bed effectively. Along with its antifungal properties, the laser also is an effective bactericidal instrument … destroying pathogenic microorganisms and stimulating the reparative process.

Is the Procedure Painful?

During the laser treatment, the laser will be slowly directed across the nail bed. The laser beam will generate heat beneath the nail and within the underlying fungal colony. You will feel a warm, but comfortable sensation during the procedure. As the laser has no effect on healthy tissue, there are no side effects.

How soon will I have clear nails?

Results are not immediate, but rather as the nail grows you will notice new, healthy growth from the nail base (epynichium). Nails grow slowly so a complete result is observed months following the procedure.

Will I need more than 1 treatment?

All the published studies show a positive result in over 80% of cases. However, a second treatment may be indicated for severely affected nails and persistent fungal strains. 2nd and subsequent treatments are offered at a discounted rate.

Is the treatment safe?

All clinical studies show no adverse reactions, injuries, disabilities or known side effects from the use of a 1064 diode laser.

In contrast, oral medications are extremely taxing on the liver and kidneys and topical medications take months, are expensive and often ineffective in penetrating through to the nail bed.

What happens after the procedure?

You are able to comfortably walk out of the clinic following the procedure. As the treatment has no side effects, you are able to continue on with your normal daily activities. You are able to apply nail polish soon after the treatment and shoes and socks can be worn immediately.

We do however recommend a post treatment sanitisation program to prevent any cross infection.

Why do all 10 toes need to be treated if only 1 nail is affected?

Fungi live on all surfaces and can affect all living tissue. It is impossible to determine if the other nails have started to be affected and if the fungi are present on the other nail surface, therefore the greatest chance of a favourable outcome involves treatment of all the nails. There are exceptions to this rule however and your Podiatrist will determine the number of nails that need to be treated on an individual basis. Call your nearest Podiatry Care clinic for your initial examination screening today.

Fungal Nail Treatment Conclusion

  • The procedure is safe
  • No anesthesia is required
  • There are no side effects
  • There is no visible harm to the treated nail or adjacent skin
  • Socks and shoes can be worn immediately after the procedure
  • Nail polish can be applied after treatment
  • There is no “recovery“ period after the procedure