Fungal Nail Treatments
Treating fungal nail infections can be challenging, and the effectiveness of treatments can vary depending on individual circumstances. It is important to note that there is no “quick fix” for these infections, and guaranteed results cannot be guaranteed. The regrowth of a healthy nail takes time, typically ranging from 6 to 18 months, and several factors can influence this timeframe.
The Consultation
After conducting an assessment, which includes recording the patient’s medical history and a detailed history of the nail problem, in many cases the podiatrist can reach a diagnosis by examining the affected nail(s) and assessing the foot. However, a fungal nail test is recommended in many cases to confirm the presence a fungal nail infection prior to treatment. We offer a clinical test for nail infection which gives accurate results in under 5 minutes. Following this the chosen treatment plan will be a collaborative decision made between the patient, the podiatrist, and sometimes the (GP).
Treatment options available:
Reduction of the nail can reduce the discomfort experienced by thickened fungal nails and improve the appearance of the nail temporarily, it does not cure the fungal infection.
This involves painlessly removing the fungal portions of the nail with an ointment that is applied daily over a few weeks. This leaves a clean base prior to applying antifungal products directly onto the infected nail bed.
This is a safe highly effective and painless treatment, with no side effects and is suitable for all patients including diabetics.
Laser therapy is effective cure for nail fungal infections with a success rate over 75% because the light energy from the laser can penetrate the nail and targets the fungal cells within the toenail bed. A focused beam of light at a specific wavelength penetrates the nail and heats the fungus. Thus, destroying the fungus without causing damage to the surrounding tissue.
K laser also increase blood flow to the area helping boost the immune local response.
The surrounding skin may also be infected so directions on how to treat this will be given to prevent reinfection.
Treatment Process:
A K-laser treatment plan doesn’t always need many laser treatments before you see positive results. Depending on the severity of the fungal infection it typically involves a course of 3 treatments in a week, sometimes this can be enough in mild cases otherwise, a course of several follow-ups maybe required. We repeat this at monthly intervals, each lasting approximately 20-30 minutes.
Clearanail is a professional effective and safe treatment for Fungal Nails. The Clearanail treatment produces micro holes 0.4 mm in diameter (about the same width as ten human hairs) through the nail plate, this allows antifungal medication to reach the nail bed in higher concentration, where the fungal infection is most active. Because the device is computer controlled to ensure that it retracts as soon as it breaks through the nail plate i.e. it does not damage the nail bed you usually won’t feel anything.
This is best suited to a lifted and not thickened nail
Treatment Process:
It takes approximately 30 minutes to make all the holes, but please allow up to an hour for the full appointment. Usually, the holes only need to be made once (or twice in more severe cases), but you will need to apply topical treatment regularly for up to 3 months following this. Will want to see you another one or two times to ensure that the treatment is successful.
The skin and shoes and socks may also be infected so you may be given directions on how to treat these.