Laser Toenail Fungus Treatment
Fungal infections can develop underneath the toenail surface, often as a result of other fungal foot infections. Fungal nails, or onychomycosis, can be harder to treat than other foot fungi, such as athlete’s foot; they can be accompanied by bacterial and/ or yeast infections that affect the nail plate as a result of the fungal infection, and they may spread to affect other toenails, fingernails, and areas of skin.
Oftentimes, people are unaware that they have a fungal nail problem. Symptoms can be brittle, thickened, discolored nails that may loosen and crumble as the fungal problem advances. White spots on the nail surface can also indicate fungal nails. People with chronic diseases that impact the immune system, such as immune deficiencies, diabetes, and circulatory problems, are more susceptible to fungal nails.
Fungal nails and foot fungal infections can be prevented by the following suggestions:
- Wash and dry feet thoroughly, taking extra care to dry between the toes
- Use powder to keep the feet dry
- Keep socks and footwear clean and dry; socks can be changed several times daily
- Wear footwear made of breathable materials that allow air to circulate around the feet; constricting footwear, stockings, and socks can trap moisture and perspiration on the feet
- Never share socks or footwear
- Do not walk barefoot in public areas such as showers, pools, and locker rooms; instead, wear plastic flip-flops, slides, or shower shoes
- Sanitize nail clippers, nail files, and pedicure instruments; never share them with others
- Avoid injuring the toenails and nail beds, which can eventually develop into an infection
- If over-the-counter treatments do not arrest the fungus or if chronic fungal nail is an issue, prescription treatments administered orally or topically may be necessary (always consult a doctor before taking any type of medication). Debridement can remove the infected nail matter. With aggressive fungal nail cases, a doctor may have to permanently remove the toenail.
Don’t be embarrassed by your toenails anymore! We now offer fast and effective toenail fungus treatment.
Clean Slate Ink offers the latest in toenail fungus treatment for our Austin area patients and treat patients with the condition known as Onychomycosis or fungal toenails. Onychomycosis is a fungal infection that lives on the bed of the toenail and between the layers of the nail. This infection can be difficult to get rid of. Up to 16% of people in the U.S. suffer from toenail fungus.
Toenail fungus can be an embarrassing and unsightly condition. Although the condition is fairly common (much more than you’d think) and usually not medically serious, it can be quite a source of self-consciousness and angst.
Until recently, it could also be pretty stubborn, too—highly resistant to treatment and tough to eradicate. Fortunately, modern technology is changing the game. Laser therapy from Clean Slate Ink is the best way to get your healthy nails back, and it’s not close.
For more information on fungal toenails in general, please review our fungal nail service page.
Why Laser?
Traditional treatment for fungal toenails involved a combination of oral and topical antifungal medications. This method, unfortunately, came with a lot of drawbacks.
Oral medications in particular had to be quite strong to have an effect, and as a result could produce some nasty side effects—rashes, nausea, even severe liver problems. Treatment courses ran 6 to 12 weeks, and the ultimate success rate was middling at best, especially for those older than 65. A large part of the problem is that blood flow to the toes is already quite low (and even more so if you have PAD or diabetes), meaning oral antifungals worked very slowly (if at all).
Topical medications, too, had trouble penetrating the nail to get at the fungus underneath. Often times the entire nail would have to be removed, and there was no guarantee it would grow back healthy.
Laser treatment has completely changed the game. These FDA-approved devices are 100% safe, completely pain free, have no known side effects, and are far more effective in the long run than older methods—a recent study showed that 95% of patients who received laser therapy showed marked improvement in the clarity of their nails.
How Laser Therapy Works
The laser we use in our office uses focused beams of light—not heat—that are carefully restricted to two particular wavelengths: 870nm and 930nm. At these wavelengths, the light passes through the nail and targets the fungus and bacteria underneath, killing the microorganisms that cause yellow, thickened, damaged toenails without harming or otherwise disturbing the surrounding cells.
The treatment sessions are quite brief, usually on 15 minutes and almost always less than 30. The total number of sessions required during a treatment course may vary depending on the number of toes affected and the severity of the infection, but many patients see significant improvement in as little as 2-3 sessions.
No side effects are known. You shouldn’t feel any discomfort, and laser therapy won’t keep you off your feet or affect your ability to engage in activity in any way. When we’re done, you walk out the door with no downtime.
After Your Procedure
Although you may start to see some clearing of the nail after just a few treatments, it’s important to remember that eliminating the fungus is only the first step toward getting your beautiful nails back. If your toenail has been warped or damaged, you’ll still have to wait for it to grow out as new, healthy nail grows in to replace it. This might take 6-12 months depending on how fast or slow your nails grow, but for those struggling with fungal nails for years, it’s welcome relief.
Don’t wait until sandal weather to get your healthy nails back. If you’re sick of your yellowed, thickened, ugly toenails—especially if you’ve tried other treatments and found them lacking—make a call to Clean Slate Ink today and see if laser treatment is right for you. Give us a call today, or request an appointment online via our contact form.