Onychomycosis
Toe Nail Fungus
Onychomycosis, commonly known as toenail fungus, is a fungal infection that affects the nails, particularly those on the toes. It is a common condition, and while it usually doesn't cause serious health problems, it can be persistent and challenging to treat.
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Key features of onychomycosis include:
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Cause: The infection is primarily caused by dermatophyte fungi, but yeasts and molds can also be responsible. These fungi thrive in warm, moist environments, making toenails, especially in closed-toe shoes, susceptible to infection.
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Symptoms: Onychomycosis can cause various symptoms, including changes in the appearance of the affected nails. Common signs include discoloration (yellowing or darkening), thickening, brittleness, and a distorted or crumbling nail shape. In some cases, it may lead to pain or discomfort.
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Risk Factors: Factors that increase the risk of developing onychomycosis include aging, weakened immune system, diabetes, poor circulation, nail trauma, and frequent exposure to damp environments.
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Diagnosis: Diagnosis is often based on the clinical appearance of the nails, but confirmation may involve nail clippings or scrapings for laboratory testing.
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Treatment: Onychomycosis can be challenging to treat, and treatment options may include topical antifungal medications, oral antifungal medications, and in severe cases, surgical removal of the infected nail. The choice of treatment depends on the severity and type of infection.
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Prevention: Preventive measures include keeping the feet clean and dry, wearing breathable shoes, changing socks regularly, using antifungal powders or sprays, and avoiding walking barefoot in communal areas like locker rooms and swimming pools.
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Effectiveness of Laser Treatment for Nail Fungus
Clients will likely see improvement after the first round of laser treatment; most will require multiple treatments over a period of time. Effectively eradicating the fungus may require regular appointments over 6-12 months.
This treatment is very effective. In fact, 80% of cases are noticeably better after just a single therapy session and most see improvement within 3 months. Continual improvement will be seen as the nail grows out and healthy nails replace the areas affected by the fungus. Treatment is considered complete when the nail growth is clear, the surrounding skin is free of fungus, and the symptoms of the infection have been resolved.
