Also called onychomycosis, fungal infections in your toenails can cause your nails to thicken and become yellow and brittle. Toenail fungus is caused by organisms that grow in receptive environments, such as warm, dark, moist areas of your body, such as your feet. Toenail fungus is more prevalent in older adults, but anyone can get it at any age. In years past, toenail fungus has mainly been treated with oral and topical medications, but podiatrists now rely on laser toenail fungus treatments for the best results. Today, the Lunula Laser provides a safe, effective, and painless alternative to past methods of treating fungal infections that often proved ineffective.
This FDA-approved toenail fungus treatment is revolutionary. With low-level laser energy, the Lunula Laser uses photochemistry to target the toenail fungus and stimulate blood flow. Photochemistry is the science of light and color. With red and violet laser lights, the photochemical reaction caused by the laser kills the fungus and stimulates new, clear toenail growth. While the laser aggressively treats the fungus, it does not affect the rest of the toe or foot. The procedure is quick and painless, and each foot takes about 12 minutes to treat. Most patients have multiple sessions to see optimal results, and sessions are usually spaced out about seven days apart.
You should arrive with clean feet and trimmed toenails. Furthermore, you should remove all nail polish and any lotions or creams from your toes. Following treatment, you can return to your activities immediately. There have been no reported adverse reactions to laser treatment. It is well-tolerated, quick, safe, and painless. You can expect to see results in as few as two sessions. At home, you should make sure to wash all of your socks in hot water to kill any lingering fungus. Furthermore, you should treat your shoes with antifungal spray to prevent reinfection. If you want to have beautiful, healthy feet again, and you’re tired of the embarrassment and pain caused by your infected toenails, call Primary Foot Care Center for an appointment today.
Nail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, involves the thickening, dulling, distortion, darkening, or crumbling of one or more nails. Nail fungus is usually caused by dermatophyte fungus, or, in some cases, yeasts and molds. Nail fungus is much more common in toenails because the toes are frequently in environments characterized by moisture, warmth, and lack of light—factors that make it easier for fungi to grow. Also, the toes have reduced blood circulation in comparison to the fingers, so the body’s immune system is delayed from identifying and fighting against an infection.
