Fungal nail infections are very common. You are not alone if you are  covering  thick and yellow nails under a greasy layer of over the counter antifungal ointment. No matter how rigorously you apply the cream or take  antifungal pills, the infection keeps coming back. Treating fungal nails is quite tricky. In particular, it’s the reoccurrence of fungal nails which causes a greater problems.  Filing the nails or snipping them off won’t treat the problem. To fully gear up against the infection, you may want to talk to a podiatrist for nail fungus treatment. Let’s dive deep into the topic and find out how to get rid of those unsightly toenails successfully.

What is fungal nail infection and why does it occur?

Fungal nails or onychomycosis (read: O-Ni-Kho-My-Ko-Sis) is a common problem that affects around 15% of the Australian population. The problem is generally identified with the thickening of nails that change colour. The discoloured nails then become brittle and may cause pain when you wear shoes. The ugly looking nails can become a source of embarrassment. Additionally, getting an effective fungal nail treatment is also important because when left ignored those problematic nails may lead to severe issues like tinea pedis. It is a fungal disease that can increase complications for people suffering from leg ulcers and diabetes. 

Symptoms of Fungal Nail Infection

It is easy to spot a troublesome nail bed. The first sign of infection is streaking or nail discolouration. Then the nail becomes rough or crumbly. These brittle nails then lift from the edges and start causing pain. In some cases, there might be a foul odour associated with the infection or  debris  accumulation under the lifted nail edges.

Reasons Causing Fungal Nail Infection

Fungal nails are a very common problem. Experts say that one in every ten adults are dealing with them. But they more likely to affect aged individuals. People who are 60 and above are at a higher risk of developing the infection. So your increasing age is one of the risk factors contributing to the problem. Additionally, the infection is highly contagious and you are most likely to catch it if your feet are often in a moist environment, such as pools, common showers and poorly ventilated shoes. Diabetics are also at a higher risk of developing the infection because any injury to the nail bed makes them vulnerable to fungal infections.

Why Can’t You Treat Fungal Toenails At Home?

Resist the urge to search for home remedies on the internet. Liberally applying oregano oil or tea tree oil won’t treat the problem. Anything with antibacterial properties is not necessarily useful for your condition.  Oover-the-counter solutions are not going to offer permanent relief. The pills and creams suitable to treat fungal nails need to be taken for a prolonged duration. To get rid of the infection, sometimes, the prescribed course is even longer than 9 months which is a big   commitment Even after that time has passed, the possibility of reoccurrence is still there. So what should be done instead? 

To get targeted treatment, it is important to consult with a podiatrist and learn about  suitable and effective options. 

What is laser fungal nail therapy?

Laser therapy is a lifesaver for those who are done with the hassles of antifungal pills and gels. The most successful way to fight the infection and to stop it from reoccurring is Laser Fungal Nail Treatment. The laser waves penetrate your skin and kill the problem causing cells forever. Laser therapy is considered the best treatment for fungal nails because it has a 95% success rate. Chances of reoccurrence are almost zero when you opt for laser treatment.

There are two types of Fungal Nail Laser Treatments, i.e. cold laser and thermal laser. During the thermal laser treatment, the beams generated produce heat which some people find uncomfortable. If you think you can’t bear the warm sensations, then you can opt for cold laser treatment also known as Lunula Laser Therapy. It is a relatively new treatment option and highly preferred for a pain-free experience. 

During laser fungal nail therapy, the dual wavelengths used are also helpful in improving blood flow and tissue regeneration. It is considered beneficial for a faster regrowth of a healthy nail. 

Benefits of laser therapy

• • No anesthesia: It’s very convenient, especially the cold laser. You won’t feel anything during the Lunula Laser Therapy. 

• No side effects: Laser therapy omits the need of taking any pills, which means that your liver is safe. You don’t have to worry about any toxicity that occurs when you rely only on pills for months to treat the infection.  

• No recovery period: Unlike surgical procedures, there is no healing or recovery period. After the session, you can get back to your life immediately. 

• No reoccurrence: The best part about laser treatment is that it kills the cells and treats the surrounding skin so the chances of reoccurrence of the infection are unlikely. 

• Quick and effective treatment: Mild conditions can be treated in a single session, whereas typical cases of fungal nail infections can also be handled effectively within two to four sessions. 

Final word

Fungal nail treatments are usually long-term courses, but thanks to laser techniques the contagious and stubborn nail fungus can be treated immediately and effectively. The industry leading technology can now be attained at your local clinic, Suncoast Podiatry. Serving Bli Bli, Gympie, Cooroy, Noosa and the Sunshine Coast, Suncoast Podiatry is practicing  gold standards of laser therapy to cure even the most severe cases of fungal nail infections in just a couple of sessions. Visit the link to learn more about this wonderful treatment option.