Nail fungus
How does nail fungus develop?
Fungal nail infections are caused by special fungi (dermatophytes) which only affect the skin, hair and nails.
The nail fungus is often transmitted through swimming pools, through wet floor mats, damp surfaces and non perspirating shoes.
Over time, the nail plate thickens. The nail is affected both horizontally and vertically.
What are the symptoms of nail fungus?
- Thickening and discoloration of the nails (yellowish, greenish or brownish)
- Brittle or splintering nails
- Deformation of the nail shape
- Detachment of the nail from the nail bed
- Itching or pain around the nail area
- Spread to other nails or surrounding skin
How is nail fungus treated?
The nail fungus is often transmitted through swimming pools, through wet floor mats, damp surfaces and non perspirating shoes. Over time, the nail plate thickens. The nail is affected both horizontally and vertically.
How is nail fungus treated?
The treatment is difficult. Often topical therapies such as nail solutions or special nail polish are used against the nail fungus. However, since these topicals can only penetrate the nail very superficial, they cannot reach the nail matrix (nail root).
The best therapy is a simultaneous with laser, nail solutions and oral medication. A laser therapy with Erbium:YAG- Laser with a wavelength of 2.940 nm with solid stand flsh-lamp is suitable for this approach.
The laser achieves its effect using a small, concentrated laser beam. This heats up the nail plate up to 300 °C causing to destroy fungal hyphae and spores. At the same time pores are created into the nail, cuasing the nail solution to better penetrate the nail organ.
An additional oral antimykotic therapy protects the new nail from re-infection.
During our consultation we will discuss in more detial how your affected nails need to be treated.
The above mentioned treatment procedure has been shown in numerous studies to be the most effective treatment for nail fungus.
The treatment is painless. Since the nail fungus affects the entire nail plate vertically and horizontally, it is recommended to let the nail to be adequately shorten by a pedologist before treatment session.
Since the nail organ grows relatively slowly and the nail fungus tends to re-grow in warm and humid environment (e.g. in shoes), 4-6 laser treatment cycles are recommended. For this reason, additional topical therapy is recommended. The laser treatment takes about 10 minutes per foot, is painless and has shown good effectiveness in several clinical studies.
Medical foot care and laser treatment of nail fungus are covered by private health insurance.
You should also pay attention to the following:
– avoid humid environment and closed shoes
– dry feet carefully (especially between the toes)
– do not walk barefoot, especially on carpets or in public baths
– disinfect shoes and socks
– wash socks with a heavy-duty detergent at least at 60°C
Laser- treatment of nail fungus
Process
Erbium:YAG- laser treatment of the nails
Duration
15-30 minutes
Anaesthesia
not necessary. Coolpack after treatment
Pain
low
Recovery
immediately
Frequency
4- 6 sessions with 6-8 weeks apart