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:
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.
This, in part, involves specific treatment to the nail itself but it is also important to manage any underlying risk factors. For example, if you have sweaty feet (hyperhidrosis) then this is an ideal environment for the fungus and measures should be taken to reduce this. This could include charcoal impregnated insoles, use of deodorants and keeping the toes dry. Regular change of socks is important too.
Secondly, fungal nails will often develop as a result of trauma when a nail loosens which allows fungal spores to penetrate. Therefore, in some cases even when a fungal nail is treated, it may recur simply because of damage to the nail which could be irreversible. Keeping the nails well maintained is an important aspect of care and wearing correct footwear is also important. The specific treatments that we utilise at The London Podiatry Centre includes the Lanula nail laser treatment.(create a link here) This treatment has become increasingly popular which involves exposing the fungal nails to a laser. The laser has a number of effects on the fungus and this includes altering hydrogen peroxide levels which can kill the fungus. Additionally, it can stop the fungus from multiplying so that it grows out. The laser has a more general effect of improving blood flow to the nail and therefore healing and the general appearance of the nail, even when there is no fungus present.
The London Podiatry Centre uses other treatments such as topical agents and where necessary medication such as Terbinafine tablets.
Example of before and after ongoing result with 4 Lanula Cold laser treatments
Yes, there are a number of treatments for fungal nails offered at The London Podiatry Centre. This includes the use of our cold laser antifungal system (link). Additionally, topical antifungal agents are used in combination with local treatment such as reducing the nail down. Also, we can use various types of medications including topical agents and systemic drugs such as Terbinafine. A nail sample is generally taken.
This is unlikely. Once the fungus is established it is hard to get rid of without some specific treatment as recommended by The London Podiatry Centre.
One of the quickest ways is to remove the nails under local anaesthetic and apply an antifungal agent. However, many patients prefer not to do this. Also there is a small risk that the nail root could be damaged as part of the operation causing thickening of the nail. Many patients elect to have the Lanula cold laser system at The London Podiatry Centre which will be combined with antifungal agents and reduction treatment to the nail itself.
The London Podiatry Centre utilises a number of sophisticated treatments to get rid of fungal nails. This includes cold laser treatment, topical nail agents and where necessary drugs. We also reduce the nail with a specialist bur.
Yes, toenail fungus can be cured. However, some people mistake the appearance of the fungus with irreparable damage to the nail caused by trauma, for example from footwear. Sometimes the nail becomes very thickened because of damage and even if the fungal toenail is removed, there may still be some thickening. The Lanula cold laser system has been shown to not only treat fungus but will also improve the general appearance of thickened nails.
To some extent this depends on the individual circumstances. However, The London Podiatry Centre has excellent results combining topical agents with erchonia cold laser treatment and local treatment.
In some cases there are different types of fungal infection affecting the nails. Some are very superficial and, in this case, it can be possible to file the nail to reduce a lot of the fungus. If the fungus is underneath the nail, it would not be possible. It is best to visit The London Podiatry Centre for a formal opinion as to the nature of your problem.
Yes, The London Podiatry Centre finds that cold laser treatment is one of the best forms of treatment for this and is effective in many instances especially when combined with other treatments and approaches. This includes self-help measures to reduce the predisposition to fungal nails, for example if you have sweaty feet.
The treatment itself consists of one treatment every month for four months. We are unable to give prices because they will change from year to year and it is best to call The London Podiatry Centre to obtain a price.
The London Podiatry Centre generally do four treatments in combination with other measures such as topical agents and nail reduction. We then monitor the situation. In some cases, repeat treatment is required but often not.
The London Podiatry Centre uses a cold laser system which is one of the most researched and best systems on the market and this does not cause any pain whatsoever. Sometimes reducing the nail can be a little uncomfortable but in most cases this is not the case.