Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nails which is a common condition we see at the clinic. Affecting around 10 percent of the general population, this is something that lots of people have.
Fungal infections in the nails grow because of the dark and warm environment inside socks and shoes, which is why it is much more common on toe nails than finger nails.
There are many treatments available for fungal nails, however some of the most modern and new treatments are hot and cold laser therapy. Both work by the use of light to damage or impede the growth of the fungal spores, creating a healthier nail.
What makes hot and cold laser different?
Hot laser uses a thermal laser to heat up the fungal cells and damage them. Because of this, often in treatment you will feel a warm sensation.
Cold laser instead
uses two different low-level lasers simultaneously to damage the fungal spores as well as trigger an increase in blood flow to stimulate nail growth, helping your body clear the fungal nail faster.
Both hot and cold fungal laser treatments do not require any pain relief or anesthetic, dressings or band aids, or a change in footwear, meaning you simply walk in and walk out, going on with your day-to-day activity.
Are they effective?
As they are quite new, clinical studies outlining the effectiveness of hot and cold laser therapies is limited. In the few numbers of reliable studies there has been mixed results, with most
indicating the for both hot and cold laser, they CAN be very effective, especially in cases that haven't responded to topical treatments.
In many cases, studies indicated that using hot and cold laser in combination with a topical (cream, spray etc.) treatment was also found to be very affective.
What should I do first?
Step one should always be consulting your podiatrist. Hot and cold laser may be the right fit for you; however, it might not be! Your podiatrist can help you decide what treatment pathway will be the right one for you. This may include laser, topical treatments, ongoing burring and cutting, or even apple cider vinegar soaks.
Suggested products that may help with fungal nails include:
Solveasy Antifungal Spray/Cream
Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Oil Spray
Spirularin Anti Fungal Nail Serum (naturally derived)
Nailkalm nail solution for those after a more natural topical treatment
As well as the above which are all available at our clinic, we also offer in store, quick, shoe disinfecting with a specialised UV light to help kill left-over fungal spores in the shoes!
What can we do to help at Foot Body Sole? At Foot Body Sole, we sell all the necessary topical products, so if your podiatrist recommends a spray or cream, you will be set to go from the second you leave the clinic. We have a wide range of topicals, from medicated to natural alternatives.
Currently, we do not offer laser nail treatment, however keep an eye on this space in the future!
Foot Body Sole
108 Bridport Street
Albert Park 3206
Victoria, Australia