Nail fungus

A fungal infection of the nail is a very unpleasant and fast spreading disease, which is very important to detect and treat early, so it is worth consulting a dermatologist immediately to start an effective treatment. The more extensive the problem, the more difficult it is to treat.

What are the causes of fungal infections?

Fungal nail infection – or onychomycosis – is a very unpleasant and fast-spreading problem. It’s important to confirm a diagnosis at an early stage and start an adequate treatment combination. This condition can develop on the nails on the hands and feet either, but 80% of cases the toenails are affected. The most common fungi species belong to the dermatophyte group, in turn the rarest are the yeast and mold. The problem can weave through the whole nail, even the nail plate and root.

The development of onychomycosis is affected by multiple factors, e.g. poor circulation of the extremities, wearing inconvenient and poorly ventilated shoes, static defect of the feet, physical injuries of the nails and also metabolic disorders (like diabetes, psoriasis, etc.). There is a bigger chance to get infected if You visit a pool or use a public shower or cannot care about your feet and hands properly. In addition, shared-use slippers, towels and shared bedding are risk factors too.

Under the influence of nail fungus, the nails get thickened, fragile and discoloration e.g. white or yellowish spots appear. Other symptoms are: the nails get harder to cut, sometimes may take part from the nail bed and have an unpleasant odor.

Fungal nail infection is usually a very stubborn health problem because even with clearing, the symptoms can return easily. Prevention is very important and must include a proper, hygienic hand and foot care. In case of experiencing symptoms of a fungal infection, it’s important to visit a doctor and start an adequate treatment as soon as possible. The bigger the affected area, the more complex therapeutic combination is needed.

What is the best treatment for nail fungus?

Laser treatment for nail fungus

Laser therapy is a very effective, safe and long-term therapeutic method against nail fungus. The top-quality Nd:YAG laser radiation at 1064 nm allows energy to be transferred into every layer of the affected parts while penetrating the surface and disrupting fungal cell walls directly, and creating a topical thermal effect by the absorbed energy, in favor of causing an indirect lysis and cell death. The special wavelength light emitted by the Nd:YAG laser device is absorbed by the affected nail parts and soft tissue, causing either damage or death of the fungal cells. The focused energy beam creates a topical heat effect and this will indirectly destroy the genetic material of fungus and other pathogens. The well-controlled ray of light penetrates the surface without any harmful effect on the nail plate, leaving surrounding healthy areas untouched. It’s highly important to abide by the rule which says that You need to thoroughly and completely sanitize the socks and shoes which were used before, in favor of preventing the recurring/exacerbation.

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Dermatological examination

In case of experiencing symptoms of a fungal infection, it’s important to visit a doctor. A dermatologist can provide a proper examination, help with starting an adequate therapy and prescribe special medication or other necessary cures.