Are you embarrassed to wear sandals or flip-flops due to yellowing and crusty toenails?
Toenail fungus is incredibly common and can be unsightly, but you don't have to suffer in silence. Fortunately, treatment options are available, and it's now simpler than ever to bid farewell to that stubborn fungus. Laser treatment for toenail fungus stands out as one of the
most promising solutions, but is it the right choice for you? Let's delve into that and more
below.
Onychomycosis: What is Toenail Fungus?
Toenail fungus, medically known as onychomycosis, thrives in damp, dark environments. It
feeds on keratin, the substance that forms your toenails and fingernails. This fungal infection
leads to thickened, yellowed nails that become distorted and may eventually crumble.
Moreover, it has the potential to spread to other toenails and even to other people.
Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nail that poses a significant treatment challenge,
as it is often completely or partially refractory to approved topical and systemic medications.
The predominant nail pathogens are dermatophytes Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton
mentagrophytes, though yeasts and non-dermatophyte molds may also be etiologic,
especially in diabetic and immunosuppressed patients.
Fungi colonize various parts of the nail, including the plate, bed, and matrix, resulting in nail
discoloration, thickening of the subungual region, and, in advanced stages, onycholysis.
Beyond cosmetic concerns, onychomycosis can trigger secondary bacterial infections and
raise the risk of cellulitis. In diabetic individuals, jagged onychomycotic toenails may cause
tissue injury, elevating the likelihood of foot ulcers. This, in turn, can lead to sepsis or
necessitate amputation.
Toenail Fungus Infection Symptoms
Toenail fungus infections come with several easily identifiable symptoms, including:
Yellowing of the nail
White spots and streaks
Thickening and distortion of the nail
Nails that crumble or brittle
Nails separating from the nail bed
Image courtesy of Daniel Graham, "Types of Toenail Fungus", https://bespokehealthandperformance.com.au/types-of-toenail-fungus/
How Do You Treat Onychomycosis?
It's crucial to recognize that a toenail fungus infection won't resolve on its own and requires medical intervention. While several treatment options exist for onychomycosis, they come with notable limitations such as high failure rates, time-consuming regimens, elevated costs, and the risk of drug interactions. Conventional approaches involve the use of topical or systemic oral antifungal agents, as well as surgical interventions like toenail removal.
The use of oral antifungal agents is the most effective treatment for onychomycosis and is
considered the gold standard in its management. However, this approach often requires
long-term therapy, has various adverse effects, can lead to potential drug interactions, and is
associated with high recurrence rates. Topical treatments are generally unsuccessful
because they cannot penetrate the nail plate effectively. In recent years, laser-based
treatments have shown promise, especially for diabetics, elderly patients with drug
intolerance, and those with liver or kidney disease.
How Does Laser Treatment for Onychomycosis Work?
At Dream Clinic, the Fotona SP Dynamis Nx Line laser provides a revolutionary method for
treating onychomycosis in a patient-friendly, quick, and effective manner using Nd:Yag laser
light. This laser heats evenly throughout the depth of the affected nail and skin tissue,
effectively weakening and killing the parasitic fungi that have infected the nail. Subsequently,
the body's natural growth and immune processes can restore the nail to its pristine state.
Compared to traditional methods, the effects of laser light spread evenly throughout the
tissue and are not limited by chemical diffusion, as is the case with topical treatments, nor do
they induce hepatotoxic side effects, as with oral antifungal medications. Fotona laser
treatment is the most effective and least invasive option for onychomycosis. With this
treatment, you can achieve healthy, aesthetically pleasing nails without the dangerous side
effects associated with antifungal drugs.
Conclusion
Ready to take the first step towards nail rejuvenation? Contact Dream Clinic today to
schedule your consultation. Powered by advanced technology and administered by our
skilled professionals, our Fotona Laser Treatment offers you a path to clearer, happier feet.
Walk with pride, knowing that our non-invasive, safe, and effective treatment is here to
transform your nails. No more hiding, no more embarrassment - just beautiful, healthy nails
to flaunt!
Reference:
1.Ma, W., Si, C., Carrero, L. M. K., Liu, H., Yin, X., Liu, J., Xu, Y., & Zhou, B. (2019). Laser
treatment for onychomycosis. Medicine, 98(48), e17948.
2.Wanitphakdeedecha, R., Thanomkitti, K., Bunyaratavej, S., & Manuskiatti, W. (2015).
Efficacy and safety of 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser in treatment of onychomycosis. Journal of
Dermatological Treatment, 27(1), 75–79. https://doi.org/10.3109/09546634.2015.1034078
