*NEW* Laser Toenail Fungus Treatment
Do you have discoloured thick toenails?
At FootNurse we use Nd:YAG 1064 Long Pulse Laser for toenail fungus.
A specially designed laser beams through the toenail and safely kills the organisms embedded in the nail bed that cause Onychomycosis – more commonly known as toenail fungus.
The procedure requires one or a small number of safe, quick treatments with little or no discomfort and is performed as an outpatient service with no anesthesia. The gentle laser light beam has no effect on healthy tissue and treats only the infected area of the toe. No drugs or topical ointments are used, eliminating the total-body side effects of traditional oral medications.
Clinical studies show that the laser kills toenail fungus and promotes clear nail growth with a single treatment in better than 80% of cases. The laser treatment is safe, effective, and some patients improve after their first treatment.
The Nd:YAG 1064nm laser that has been cleared by the Health Canada to be both a safe and effective solution for the treatment of nail infection (onychomycosis), more commonly known as toenail fungus. This laser is also a safe and effective treatment for scar reduction and warts.
About Toenail Fungus
What causes nail infection? (onychomycosis)
Dermatophytes are the fungi most commonly responsible for causing this condition. They are specialized organisms that live off of keratin which is the main component of nails and skin. The most common fungi that cause nail infection disease are Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Candida albicans. Everyone is at risk for infection because fungus is present everywhere in the environment.
Where does nail infection come from?
Nail infection is caused by contact with dermatophytes which are everywhere in our environment. Common sources of infection include swimming pools, public showers, gyms and nail spas. Tight fitting shoes and nail trauma can also lead to infection. Genetic susceptibility, poor health and increasing age are also factors that increase the risk of nail infection.
What are the symptoms of nail infection?
You may suffer from nail infection (onychomycosis) if you have one or more of the following symptoms:
- Discolored nails
- Yellow streaks under the nail
- Distorted or thickened nails
- Brittle, crumbly or ragged nail
- Nails separated from the underlying skin
- Buildup of debris (nail fragments, skin) under the nail
- White spots or streaks on the nail surface
Signs & Symptoms
The first sign of nail fungus is a slight change in the nail colour often at the tip or corner of the nail but patches may begin anywhere under the nail even close to the cuticle. The colour may be white, yellow or brown or darker and appear in patches or even streaks in the nail. The nail may become brittle and crumble or seem to chip easily. As the infection progresses nails can change shape and become thick causing a buildup of keratin and fungal debris under the nail. In some cases an odour may be present. The nail will begin to lose its luster and shine. The nail may crack or become raised from the nail bed making it difficult to wear shoes and socks comfortably. The affected nail(s) may start to grow inward causing painful ingrown nails. This may raise your risk for secondary skin or toe infections.
Why is it important to treat?
Ignoring the infection may allow it to spread to other toenails, skin on the feet and even fingernails. The nail may become permanently deformed, cause abscesses under the nail and put you at risk for other serious fungal and bacterial infections. In diabetics or other immune compromised patients it may delay healing or cause or worsen foot ulcers.