Laser

a simple treatment for fungal nails

Onychomycosis, or fungal nail infection, is a persistent fungal infection of the nail bed, matrix and/or plate. Nails can become discoloured and advanced infection causes thick, brittle nails that often separate from the nail bed. It can also cause discomfort when wearing shoes or walking.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF ONYCHOMYCOSIS?

The most common cause of onychomycosis is dermatophyte fungus that invades the dead tissue of skin or nails. Other causes include contact with certain moulds or species of yeasts.

Since these infective fungal agents are present everywhere in our environment, everyone potentially is at risk for infection. Common sources for infection could include public showers, swimming pools, nail spas and gyms. Nail trauma and tight fitting shoes can also lead to infection.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

One or more of the following symptoms may indicate that you suffer from onychomycosis:

Distorted, thickened or discolored nails
Yellow or white streaks on or under the nails
Brittle, crumbly or ragged nails
Nails that have separated from the underlying skin

WHAT ARE THE TREATMENT OPTIONS?

Current treatment options include topical drugs and oral antifungal drugs. Topical drugs are applied directly to the nails daily for a period of 12 months or longer. This treatment is often ineffective because the drug has difficulty passing through the nail to reach the site of the infection. Oral drugs can be effective and are usually taken for a period of 6 to 12 months. However, there are many side effects associated with these drugs and in some cases weekly blood tests are required to monitor liver function.

LASER TREATMENT:

The treatment involves passing the laser beam over the infected nail and surrounding tissue, resulting in a photo-thermal heating effect that weakens and kills the infection-causing fungi. Best results are achieved with 5 treatments at weekly intervals.

Successful treatment will result in the growth of a new and healthy nail. Changes are often seen 3-6 months after the completion of the 5 laser sessions. Full clearance is achieved at 6-12 months.*

At Oakleigh Foot Clinic, we use the Fotona XP-2 Focus laser. This is classified as a Class 4 laser which has both TGA and FDA approval. It can be used as both a hot and cold laser depending on treatment specific goals. Studies show a 99% clearance rate after 5 treatments using the Fotona XP-2 Focus, proving it has the highest efficacy rate than any other laser.

*Nails with extensive infection and thickening may require additional treatment. Your podiatrist will discuss this with you.

WHAT ELSE CAN WE TREAT WITH LASER?

onychomycosis (fungal toe nails)
warts (also known as papilloma, Verrucae Pedis)
spider veins
vascular lesions
skin tags
pigmentation
wound healing
skin rejuvenation (aesthetic skin toning & tightening)
laser hair removal

LOW LIGHT LASER THERAPY (LLLT)

Also referred to as biostimulation or Cold Laser Therapy, LLLT is a laser treatment primarily used for wound healing and inflammatory conditions. It is believed to affect the function of connective tissue cells (fibroblasts), accelerate connective tissue repair and act as an anti-inflammatory agent

The LLLT creates a response at a cellular level to treat:
1) inflammation, pain, oedema, acute injuries and chronic disease
2) wounds, tissue repair and prevention of tissue death
3) neurogenic pain and neurological problems

This is a comfortable and highly effective treatment, with patients seeing results after 1-2 treatments.

USES:

Acute and chronic wounds/ ulcers
Abrasions, bruises, open wounds, cuts,
Punctures, surgical incisions
Diabetic ulcers and neuropathy
Pain … acute and chronic Inflammatory conditions
Bursitis
Heel pain
Plantar Fasciitis
Ankle sprains
Bunion pain, sesamoidits, metatarsalgia
Arthritis
and much more …

KeryFlex

Oakleigh Foot Clinic now offers KeryFlex Nail Restoration treatments

Transform Damaged Toenails and Restore Confidence with KeryFlex

KeryFlex is a painless, in-office application that restores the appearance of an individual’s natural nails. This system allows for a certified provider to remodel an individual’s damaged nails affected by fungus, defects and trauma. The composite resin creates a flexible, but durable, non-porous nail that allows the remaining natural nail to grow. The KeryFlex nail is an immediate cosmetic improvement providing a natural-looking nail. It is unaffected by acetone, nail polishes or detergents.