What is Toe Nail Fungus and Toe Fungus Treatment?
Onychomycosis is a toe fungus of the nail which causes thickening and discoloration of the nail plate. Callus (dead skin) is broken down and builds up beneath the nail plate. The nail will even change shape. Of all fungal infections that occur on the body, nail infections are one of the most difficult to prevent and treat due to their nature. For Toe Fungus Treatment click here
What causes it?
Onychomycosis is caused by an overgrowth of fungi which can thrive and grow in all warm, moist places. The fungus commences growth at the end of the nail plate and continues to spread under the nail. Chalky and white plaques form on the nail surface and as the infection progresses is becomes more yellow and brown, also discoloration may be seen. Cell damage by the fungus to the base of the nail can cause the nail to thicken and also change shape.
How is it treated?
Fungal infections of the nail are treated in two (three) ways:
- Conservatively
- Surgically
- With the use of Laser
Conservative treatment involves:
- A visit to the podiatrist for cutting and thinning of the nails;
- An anti-fungal topical medicament is prescribed and applied. It is applied like a traditional nail polish. This treatment will help to prevent spreading of the infection to nearby nails and helps to cure the infected nail.
Prevention of reinfection is very important. If this is not carried out, treatment will fail.
If skin has been infected and is deteriorating, advice on management of the surrounding tinea pedis is needed. Your podiatrist will advise you on this.
Treat the infection that exists in your shoes with anti-fungal spray. Apply anti-fungal spray once a day for the first week and then after shoes are worn.
Surgical treatment
Surgical treatment of nails infected with fungus (Onychomycosis) involves administering Local Anesthetic and removal of the toe fungus. This combined with the application of a topical medicament as the nail regrows. Alternatively a medication which prevents the nail from regrowing can be applied. Surgical treatment is only considered when all other options have been tried and without success. This means different approach is required.
Laser treatment for fungal nail infections
Laser Treatment for fungal nail infections is now available at Doubleview Podiatry. The team at Doubleview Podiatry are your first to option in Perth using the leading Lunula laser technology to deal with fungus affecting toe nails and have many years experience in administering laser treatment.
You may have spoken with Doubleview Podiatry in the past about treating fungal nail infections. Without a doubt it is a difficult condition to successfully treat. Moving forward we can Forget messy and ineffective topical creams and ointments. Hazardous oral anti-fungal medications have been the only treatment available.
The side effects of the drugs and also the inability of the medication to penetrate the nail and nail beds have meant poor compliance to this type of treatment and also subsequent poor outcomes. The introduction of the Lunula Laser has meant we can now treat this embarrassing and extremely stubborn condition with a success rate of 80%.
The fungal nail treatment in Perth is safe, non invasive, requires no anesthesia, there are no side effects and is a “walk in, walk out” procedure.
The patients love the ease of the procedure. The technology is very advanced and therefore our perceivable sensation is a subtle warming effect on the toes area and most importantly the toe nails. Improvements in the appearance of the nails occur within 3 to 4 months post laser treatment.
Doubleview Podiatry continues its reputation of providing cutting edge treatment technologies to the people of Perth and Western Australia. Doubleview Podiatry provide laser treatment and enjoy help people with this problem.
Call Doubleview Podiatry and ask about our Fungal Nail Treatment and book your appointment today
