Fungal nail infections are common infections of the fingernails or toenails that can cause the nail to become discolored, thick, and more likely to crack and break. Infections are more common in toenails than fingernails.¹ The technical name for a fungal nail infection is “onychomycosis.” Fungal nail infections can be caused by many different types of fungi (yeasts or molds) that live in the environment or bacteria that lives on your skin. Small cracks in your nail or the surrounding skin can allow these germs to enter your nail and cause an infection. Onychomycosis is the most common of all diseases of the nails in adults. In North America, the incidence falls roughly between 2-13%. The incidence of onychomycosis is also greater in older adults, and up to 90% of the elderly may be affected. Men are more commonly infected than women. Individuals who are especially susceptible include those with chronic diseases such as diabetes and circulatory problems and those with diseases that suppress the immune system. Other risk factors include a family history, previous trauma to the nails, warm climate, and occlusive or tight footwear.

Nails with a fungal infection have symptoms  that often include:

• Discolored (yellow, brown, or white), may start in corner and grow outward
• Thick nail
• Fragile or cracked or ridged. A fungal nail infection usually isn’t painful unless it becomes severe.

Onychomycosis is very difficult and sometimes impossible to treat, and therapy is often long-term. Therapy consists of topical treatments that are applied directly to the nails, as well as two systemic drugs, griseofulvin and ketoconazole. Topical therapy is reserved for only the mildest cases. The use of griseofulvin and ketoconazole is problematic, and there are typically high relapse rates of 50-85%. In addition, treatment must be continued for a long duration (10-18 months for toenails), with monthly laboratory monitoring for several side effects, including liver toxicity. Individuals taking these medications must also abstain from alcohol consumption and have regular blood work done.
There is no good way to effectively get rid of toe fungus.

The laser machine treats the fungus by shooting the nail and the nail bed with the laser light, that is attracted to the fungus under the nail. The fungus DNA or it’s genetics is destroyed by the heat and makes it inactive. We have found that it takes from 1 to 5 treatments with the laser every 4 to 6 weeks apart. Everyone has a different response. The laser feels like a rubber band snapping on your nail, there is some residual burning feeling under the nail for a few moments after, then it dissipates. The toes grow slower than our fingernails, so it may be a good 8 weeks before you notice new growth at the base of the toenails. Some discolored nails turn lighter after shooting with the laser. Fungus on the fingers will be noticeably sooner depending on how fast your nails grow.

We  have been lasering fungus  from under fingernails and toenails for the last 6 years. We have had a 99% rate of good success with treatment so far. One of our clients  had the kind of fungus that lifted the nail off the nail bed. She has had 5 treatments a month apart and she reports that the fungus is gone.   Now she reports that 100% are reattached to nail bed.  She has battled this with all other conventional treatments for 2 years before finding relief with the laser.

Cost is $200 per treatment

For more info call 440-477-4074