Laser Therapy for fungal nails.
Are you concerned about discoloured toenails? Have you had other treatment for fungal nails that has not worked?
Our Podiatrists here at the Peninsula Foot clinic can make an assessment to see if Laser Nail therapy will help your fungal toenails.
Fungal nails can be challenging to treat! The first and most important decision is to decide whether the nail is infected with a fungus. Typically, fungal nails will look discoloured, thickened and crumbly.
Laser treatment is a relatively new treatment that heats the nail bed enough to kill the fungal nail.
The laser beam will generate heat beneath the fungal nails and in the nail bed, which results in destruction of fungal infection, allowing the nail to grow out without the discolouration.
You will feel a warm sensation during the laser treatments, and the operator will adjust accordingly.
The number of laser treatments required depends on the severity of the fungal nail. In most cases 4 treatments will occur in a 3-4 month period.
How does Laser nail treatment work?
Fungal nails can affect up to 14% of the adult population.
Fungal nails can be challenging to treat! The first and most important decision is whether the nail is infected with a fungus. Typically, fungal nails will look discoloured, thickened, and crumbly. Other treatments include nail paints, antifungal solutions, and oral medication.
Laser treatment is a relatively new treatment that heats the nail bed enough to kill the fungal nail.
The laser beam generates heat beneath the fungal nails and in the nail bed, destroying the fungal infection and allowing the nail to grow out without discolouration.
You will feel a warm sensation during the laser treatments, and the operator will adjust accordingly.
The number of laser treatments required depends on the severity of the fungal nail. In most cases, 4 treatments will occur in a 3-4 month period.
Is laser treatment for nail fungus effective?
The laser therapy is well tolerated and very effective in promoting the growth of clear nails in patients with toenail fungus.
Research shows that laser treatment for toenail fungus is greater than 70% effective.
Fungus removal will not occur immediately but rather after a period of months as the nail resumes healthy growth. Preventative measures will be advised to ensure toenail fungus does not reoccur, and in many cases, topical solutions are also used.
Are there any risks?
Your Podiatrist will assess your suitability for Laser treatment and take precautions in patients with Diabetes, Neuropathy, or decreased sensation of the toes.
What are the Costs Involved?
An initial consultation is required to assess your nail condition, measure the extent of nail damage and determine if the laser is the right treatment for you. This may involve pathology testing to determine what fungal bugs are involved.
The costs associated with laser treatment will vary from patient to patient, based on the number of treatments required. As a guide, the treatment protocol to achieve the best results is a minimum of 4 treatments over 12 weeks. These treatments are $135-$165 per session, depending on the number of nails being treated. This will be claimable on some private health insurance funds.
If you are concerned about the appearance of your nails and would like further advice, please call Peninsula Foot Clinic on 59820000.