Toenail fungus can be irritating and difficult to deal with. Without the right treatment nail fungus can become recurrent, returning over and over again. This is why laser treatment has become so popular in managing nail fungus in recent years. It offers a targeted option that works specifically upon the fungus by weakening it while also stimulating the body’s natural immune cells to enable them to destroy the weakened fungus.
But what is laser treatment and what can you expect from it? In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know from how it works to its various pros and cons.
For personalised advice, contact our team at the Foot Health Clinic today.
Understanding Toenail Fungus
Toenail Fungus is an infection of the nails that usually occurs when microscopic fungi enter the nail, spreading into the nail plate and the surrounding skin, through the warm and moist environment in socks and shoes. Not only is the infection unsightly, but it can cause significant harm to your feet. Without the right treatment, nail fungus can cause pain and even lead to the loss of your nail.
Nail fungus can be caused by humid or wet environments, unhygienic practices or exposure and from any damage to your existing nail. All of these can cause fungus to grow and thrive, so protecting and caring for your feet is imperative to avoid its development.
Nail Fungus Symptoms
There are several signs and symptoms you can look out for to determine if you have nail fungus. The earliest symptom you can see will likely be discolouration on your toenail. This will usually first appear as a yellow or white spot that spreads, usually eventually turning to a brown colour.
Other signs that you may have developed nail fungus include:
- Your nail may change shape, twisting or distorting out of alignment.
- A thickening of your toenail.
- A weakening of your nail, becoming brittle to the touch and easily breakable.
- An unpleasant smell or odour coming from the nail.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, reach out to your podiatrist. They have the training and experience needed to identify and treat your nail fungus.
Diagnosing Nail Fungus
Your podiatrist will assess your nail to diagnose the nail fungus. Occasionally a nail scraping sample may also be taken and sent to Pathology for testing.
Pros and Cons of Laser Treatment
Laser treatment uses low-level laser light to stimulate the growth of strong, clear and healthy nails without causing any harm to tissue as it is 100% safe with no side effects.
However, before undergoing laser treatment for fungal toenails you might want to know more about the pros and cons. Here, we’ll lay out a comprehensive list of the potential benefits and drawbacks.
Pros
- Non-invasive procedure.
- A high success rate of approximately 80%.
- No side effects.
- No pain associated with the treatment.
- All 10 toenails are treated at once (even normal looking nails can have fungal spots hiding in them).
- Shoes and socks can be worn immediately after treatment.
- No downtime – each treatment session takes just around 30 minutes.
Cons
While laser treatment is very popular, some cons to consider include:
- Generally more expensive than purchasing over-the-counter antifungal tinctures/treatments. However, it may be partially covered under private health insurance.
- Requires multiple treatments, typically weekly appointments for 4 weeks with a follow up appointment after another 4 weeks.
- Despite its efficiency, you may still be at risk of reinfection if good hand and foot hygiene is not also followed.
Are You Ready to Enjoy Fungus Free Feet?
Have you noticed your toenails changing colour? Perhaps you’ve been experiencing pain and discomfort in your feet. No matter your concern, you can trust the Foot Health Clinic to put your needs first.
Our experienced team has the skills and knowledge needed to treat your nail fungus with care. With the latest laser treatment options available, you can have that pesky fungus removed in no time. For treatments you can trust, reach out to our team today and book an appointment.
