Fungal toenail infection (medically termed Onychomycosis) occurs when a fungal microbe invades the nail bed, causing the nail to thicken, discolour, become disfigured and split.
This condition is more than just of cosmetic concern, because if left untreated the thick toenails can become uncomfortable and even painful when wearing shoes, and the nail can lift off from the nail bed.
Laser treatment is a very effective way of treating fungal toenails, the laser beam targeting and destroying the spores responsible for the infection.
The laser sends light pulses through the nail, quickly raising the temperature of the micro-organisms causing the infection and killing the fungal spores that allow it to grow, without damaging the surrounding skin.
Laser treatments take time to completely kill the infection – up to around four months in most cases – after which a new, undamaged nail can grow out, ready to be shown off in your summer sandals!
Aftercare is very important, and I’m happy to advise on how best to care for your toenails at home both during and after having laser treatment.
At a free initial consultation, I will assess the severity of the infection and explain the course of treatment you will require.
When treatment starts the feet are first cleansed, and the thickened toenails are filed thinner to allow the laser to penetrate the nail bed. Each affected toenail is treated with three or four passes over the whole nail, until the heat is felt quite positively. It is the heat generated by the laser that kills off the fungal infection.
Treatment with Daktarin anti-fungal cream should continue at home daily until the next scheduled laser treatment.
I use a NdYag laser in a 5mm spot size to gently heat each whole affected toenail and cuticle, aiming to eliminate the fungal infection over four treatments at three-week intervals. This is combined with the daily application of Daktarin (available in pharmacies) for the duration of the treatment course and until new nail growth appears (usually after about four months).
Very long-standing deep-seated fungal nail infections may need longer to be cured.
Stop hiding your feet – let me use the laser beam to bring them into the light.
To make a booking or enquire.
alice@womantowoman.info
Woman to Woman & The Male Perspective Specialist Laser & Beauty Studio
8 Portland Way
Calne
Wiltshire
SN11 8LJ
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