Fight the fungal infection
What is Fungal Nail?
Fungal nail infections are common, and whilst not a serious infection, they can be unsightly and difficult to treat.
Fungal nail infections are an overgrowth of fungi in, under, or on the nail. Fungi are normally present in and on the body, but when a fungus begins to overgrow, it can give rise to infection. Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, so this type of environment can cause them to naturally overpopulate.
Fungal nail infections usually affect the toenails, but they can also be experienced on the fingernails.
Infections are more likely to affect the elderly, people with impaired immune systems, diabetes, or poor circulation, or people with damaged nails.
Fungal nail infection symptoms.
An infected nail may turn white or yellowish, and become brittle, thickened or crumbly.
Thickened nails may result in pain when they press on the inside of a shoe, and can be difficult to trim. The nail can damage socks and tights, and may cut into the adjacent skin. The skin nearby may also have a fungal infection; it may itch, crack, form a blister or appear white, especially between the toes.
The look of an infected nail, particularly a fingernail, may cause a significant psychological impact on affected individuals.
Before and After Laser Fungal Nail Treatments.
Laser treatments have been clinically proven to successfully treat fungal nail infections.
You can find more information about our laser treatment here
How it works
Fungal nail infections are notoriously difficult to eradicate with nail lacquer and medication.
Laser treatments have been shown to effectively kill the fungal infection, leading to clear nails without the need to take medication.
Find out more about our Laser Fungal Nail Treatments here.
The Nd:YAG (1064nm) laser penetrates through the nail plate and produces heat deep within the nail tissue, destroying the fungus but leaving the surrounding tissue intact. This allows the clear, fungus free nail to grow through.
Mild infections require 4-6 treatments, whereas more severe infections need 6-12 treatments. Treatments may be performed weekly. The new nail will grow out slowly from its base, and it may be 6 months to a year after the treatment has finished before the nails look normal again. There is a mild warming sensation during treatment and no downtime.
Patient results and treatment experiences may vary.
Diagnosis
Fungal nail infections should be diagnosed clinically before commencing laser treatment. A sample of the nail can be taken by a doctor and sent to a laboratory to confirm a fungal nail infection under a microscope.
Diagnosis is important before starting laser treatment, as many nail problems can look like a fungal infection, but may actually be psoriasis, bacterial infection, or damage from an old injury. In these instances, laser treatments will not help.
Further Information
More information regarding fungal nail infections can be found on the following websites
British Association of Dermatologists
National Health Service
Web MD
Mayo Clinic