If you’ve picked up a fungal nail infection, you’re probably looking into the best treatment options to get rid of it and ensure that it doesn’t return. With a variety of treatments to choose from – including topical ointments and polishes or oral medications – many people wonder why they should bother with laser fungal nail treatment.
There are actually a number of reasons why laser is the preferred treatment option for many patients.
The team at Doubleview Podiatry frequently use the Lunula Laser to treat fungal nail infections, as it’s more tolerable than other options currently available. Contact our team today if you have a painful, unsightly toenail infection that you want to take care of.
What Causes Fungal Nail Infections?
Infections occur when a fungus infiltrates the nail bed and nail plate. Although there are many different types of fungus, you are most likely to develop an infection after coming into contact with someone that is already infected. Fungus thrives in warm, moist environments – places like public swimming pools, changing rooms, public showers and even gyms are where the infection is likely to spread.
What are the common symptoms of a fungal nail infection?
If you suspect that you’ve developed an infection, look for:
- White or yellow discolouration, or streaking
- Thickened nails
- Nails that are crumbling, flaky or brittle
- Nails that are starting to separate from the nailbed
- Nails that have changed shape or become distorted
- An unpleasant smell
- Pain under or around the nail
Are all thick nails caused by fungal nail infections?
No, there are actually many causes for thick nails. Fungal toenail treatments will only work if the problem has been caused by a fungal infection. This is why it’s important to have your toenails assessed by an experienced podiatrist to ensure that you actually have an infection and that a proper treatment plan can be created.
What are the Fungal Nail Treatment Options?
There are a number of options when it comes to treating fungal nail infections; some are better than others.
Over-the-counter treatments and medications (such as oral antifungal drugs, medicated nail polish, and medicated nail cream) used to be the go-to, however, there’s a high risk for user error and they aren’t as effective at treating an advanced infection.
Laser fungal nail treatment has fast become the preferred option for many patients because it’s relatively painless. The Lunula Laser, for example, is a low-level laser treatment that involves two lasers rotating over the nail. They weaken the structure of the fungal spores that caused the infection and help your body to clear it.
Why is laser fungal nail treatment preferred?
Podiatrists prefer laser because it’s been shown to have the highest efficacy and clearance rates (as published in many clinical studies). There are actually a number of reasons why more patients are opting for laser:
- Studies suggest it’s completely safe
- Patients report no pain (some patients describe it as comfortable, even)
- Studies suggest low to no risk of side effects
- The laser doesn’t require a local anaesthesia
- There is no necessary recovery period
What can I Expect at a Lunula Laser Appointment?
If your podiatrist has determined that laser treatment is likely to be effective for you, they’ll schedule you for your first appointment. At this visit, your toenails will first be thinned using a special grinder. Then they’ll be treated with the laser (the big nails need about two minutes, whilst the small ones will only need about one). The whole process should take less than 15 minutes per foot before you’ll be on your way.
The number of treatments that you’ll require will depend on how many infected nails you have and how severe the infection is, along with your age and general health. Your podiatrist will advise on the number of appointments they recommend but expect to make multiple visits. The initial course for the Lunula Laser, for example, is four sessions, each one week apart.
Zap Toenail Fungus in the Bud with Laser Fungal Nail Treatment at Doubleview Podiatry
If you suspect that you’ve developed a fungal nail infection due to discoloured or brittle toenails, make an appointment with Doubleview Podiatry Perth to have it assessed by an experienced podiatrist. If fungus is the cause of your issue, Lunula Laser could be the ideal treatment option for killing off the fungus and preventing it from returning or spreading. Our team will be more than happy to answer any questions or talk through your concerns – it’s our goal to ensure that all our patients leave with happy feet.