Laser Fungal Nail Treatment
Fungal Nail Infection (Onychomycosis) are a very common complaint. Over 10 million people in the UK and 700 million people worldwide suffer from it. Onychomycosis affects men more than it does women and is more common as you get older.
Most fungal nail infections cause merely cosmetic complaints with most sufferers reporting unsightly and embarrassing changes. The infected nail becomes thickened, discoloured (yellow) and often crumbly, it becomes impossible to cut down and takes on a unique odour.
If left untreated, fungal nail infections can be very painful in shoes and can cause corns down the outside of the nail. In some cases, the infected nail can lift from the end of the toe, debris can collect under the it, altering the curvature of the nail.
What causes Fungal Nail Infection?
The causes of nail fungus infection are numerous, and a combination of the most common causes usually leads to infected nails, whether that is toenails or fingernails that have the fungal infection. Nails with damage to the nail plate and the seal at either end of the nail are most at risk from fungal nail infection. Also, a common skin infection known as athletes’ foot, usually present between the toes, then invades the nail and causes the fungus problem.
Foot fungus thrive upon the conditions in the shoe and 30% of people complaining of fungal toenail infection also suffer from athlete’s foot infection.
The hot sweaty environment found in the shoe are ideal for the fungi to grow and to spread on the toenails. Fungal infections are caused primarily by dermatophytes, candida and various yeasts and moulds found in these conditions.
Serious medical conditions such as poor circulation and diabetes can lead to worsening conditions and occasionally a secondary bacterial infection. Use of common towels, walking barefoot on contaminated surfaces and the use of non-sterile equipment for toenail cutting and filing can cause the nail fungus infection.
How do you treat Fungal Nail Infection?
The laser we use at Hylagen Clinic has high quality published evidence regarding its effectiveness.
The Nd:Yag laser, which we use, actually targets the pigment within the fungus. As the pigment within the fungus absorbs the pulsed light energy a rapid increase in temperature occurs, denaturing the fungus and getting to the source of the problem immediately.
The micro pulses of light from the laser pass through the toenail to the fungus underneath, targeting the fungus without causing any damage to the surrounding nail or skin. The laser system also has adjustable energy output levels that can be adjusted to allow penetration of even the most thickened nails.
The energy output from the laser system can also be reduced, thus allowing for the treatment of young children and people who have darker skin tones who would otherwise find the treatment more uncomfortable.
How long does the treatment take?
We allocate half an hour for your appointment and the laser treatment usually takes 15-20 minutes to complete.
Can I have just one nail treated?
All the clinical studies involving laser treatment for fungal nail infection have always treated all ten nails. This is to reduce the chance of cross infection and to maximize the chance of treatment success.
On occasion we have departed from the manufacture's protocols and treated a single nail. We have found such treatments ineffective, resulting in high rates of treatment failure.
We would now rather not treat you at all, than accept a reduced fee for the treatment of one or two nails.
The only exception to this policy is for fingernails. Fingernails are not close packed in dark moist environments and as such the risk of cross infection is negligible.
Toenails particularly, as they are tightly packed in socks and shoes, are a high risk for fungal spores spreading.
Can laser treatment be used on fingernails?
The laser can be used on fingernails fungus. Fingernail laser treatment is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
In some fingernail fungus infections, all the nails would be treated, in others, just the infected or neighbouring fingernails.
Do I need to remove my nail varnish?
Yes. Nail Varnish should be removed at least 24 hours prior to laser treatment for fungal nail infection.
How much does Fungal Treatment Cost?
Consultation Fee: £100 (Redeemable against treatment costs)
1st Treatment £350.00
2nd Treatment £250.00
3rd Treatment £150.00
Treatment sessions are typically spaced around 8 weeks apart.
Step-By-Step
1. Consultation
You will attend clinic for a consultation with our practitioner to have the condition of your nails assessed. At this point we will take you through the benefits of the procedure and ensure you are a suitable candidate. It is at this point your practitioner will be able to advise you how many treatments you may require, depending on the condition of your nails and the degree of infection present.
2. Treatment
Following your consultation, treatment will be scheduled for you. Treatment appointments last around 20 minutes, with the actual application on the laser to the nails being just a few minutes meaning the procedure is quick and comfortable.
After the procedure you will be given all the necessary aftercare advice on taking care of your nails and provided with any topical creams and sprays that are required for home use.
A follow-up appointment will be scheduled for around 8 weeks post treatment. Toenails tend to grow around 1mm per month, so after 8 weeks there will be enough new growth present to assess the effect of the treatment on the new nail growth.
3. Follow-Up
When you attend your follow up the practitioner will assess your nails, and the new growth at the nail bed.
At the point it will be decided if an additional treatment is required. If so, the treatment will take place during this appointment.
This process will be repeated until the practitioner is happy that any new nail growth is healthy and infection free. At which point, you will be discharged at your final follow-up.
Most patients require 2-3 treatments, depending on the severity of infection. The most severe infections may require multiple treatments.
Why use Hylagen Clinic for your Cosmetic Treatments?
Q. Why have treatments at Hylagen Clinic?
You will be treated by one of Ireland's leading cosmetic practitioners who are highly experienced in all cosmetic procedures. 12 years’ experience and 1000’s of patients, Hylagen Clinic is renowned for its high quality, honest, and ethical approach to cosmetic medicine.
We pride ourselves on patient care and experience, therefore, our experienced team will ensure that your visit and treatment is as informative, comfortable, and professional as possible.
The treatment is carried out at our clinic based in Newry. Only 45 minutes from Dublin and 30 minutes from Belfast. Conveniently located just of the motorway, with free carparking and discreet location.
Our patients are very happy with their results resulting in many returning to have additional areas. We also have many that recommend friends and family to the clinic.
We use only premium and FDA/MHRA approved products and technology for the treatments.
We are RQIA (Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority) approved & regulated clinic, this ensures that we carry out high standard treatments, hygiene, and care to our patients.