Fungal laser treatment

The Lunula cold laser is used to eliminate fungal infections and treat other specific nail and skin diseases. It produces impressive results when compared to alternative treatments such as oral medications, topical treatments, thermal laser, surgery, or home remedies.

The Lunula has two laser diodes (beams) which rotate. The beams deliver light to the cells in the form of energy. The cells have photoreceptors which absorb this energy and convert it into chemicals which are occur naturally in the body. The two chemicals that are released by the cells are hydrogen peroxide, which is a natural anti-septic, which attacks the fungal elements present. The other chemical produced is nitric oxide, which is a vasodilator (opens blood vessels) thus increasing blood supply and oxygen to the area. This increased blood supply helps the body to use its own immune system to fight fungus. It also aids in the regeneration of damaged tissue to enable the affected nail and skin to heal. Lunula is the only treatment available which both heals damage and eliminates fungus.

ABOUT THE TREATMENT:

Each treatment cycle lasts for 12 minutes. Each foot or hand is placed into the device and receives one cycle of treatment at each appointment. Each treatment cycle is started by the Podiatrist. Lunula treatment is not harmful to you in any way as the device uses low power settings. No heat will be felt, unlike treatment with other lasers. Some people may feel a mild pins and needles sensation as the blood vessels dilate and the increased blood supply floods the area. However, most people feel nothing at all. After the first cycle you will be given anti-fungal creams for the skin to take home with you and apply daily. This is more of a precaution than a treatment to ensure that any fungal spores sitting on the skin are eliminated so they cannot infect the damaged nail. Your shoes will also be sprayed with an anti-microbial shoe spray (these can be purchased in clinic or via the web) and you will be given an advice sheet on how to prevent fungal infections and keep your nails healthy.

The treatment procedure begins with a new patient assessment where we will discuss your nail condition, medical history, and any effects your lifestyle may be having on your nails. Photographs will be taken to provide a starting point record so that progress can be recorded. Nails will be cut, filed, and debrided where needed. Treatment options will be discussed and should it be appropriate to go ahead with Lunula treatment during the first appointment.

EACH TREATMENT PLAN CONSISTS OF:

  • A consultation carried out by a qualified Podiatrist
  • Comprehensive treatment plan is agreed
  • Nail preparation and debridement where necessary
  • Photographs to monitor progress
  • Reviews at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months
  • After-care and preventative advice pack
  • Sanitization of footwear and Medicament given for self-care treatment

Our standard protocol comprises of treating each area with the laser 4 times, ideally with no longer than 4 weeks in-between each treatment. Not all fungal infections respond at the same rate, so the number of treatments is dependent on the history, recurrence, and severity of the infection. During your consultation, the practitioner will recommend the best package for you.

Generally, four cycles will be administered per foot or hand as part of the initial treatment package. Each cycle is carried out between one week and four weeks apart until the fourth treatment. If further treatment is required, additional cycles will be carried out with a minimum of four weeks between them.

At the fourth appointment nails will be photographed again and cut and filed. Some changes to the nail may be apparent at this early stage, however it does take several months to be able to see healthy growth and less damage.

Four weeks after this appointment nails will be reviewed either in clinic, if nail care will be required, or by photograph, which we will ask patients to email to us. As nails take a minimum of 18 months to grow out (time is dependent on patients’ nail growth rate and severity of initial damage seen) we like to review progress regularly. Photo reviews are free of charge, however appointments in clinic are chargeable at our routine appointment rate.

Below is a before and after image of laser nail treatment at The London Podiatry Centre.

before and after laser nail.jpg

Fungal laser treatment FAQ

How Do I Get Rid of a Fungal Toenail?

Can fungal toenails be fixed?

Will toenail fungus go away on its own?

What is the fastest way to cure toenail fungus?

What gets rid of toenail fungus?

Does anything really cure toenail fungus?

What is the best/most effective fungal nail treatment?

Can you scrape out toenail fungus?

Do lasers work on toenail fungus?

How much does it cost to laser off toenail fungus?

How many laser treatments are needed for toenail fungus?

Does laser for toenail fungus hurt?

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