Laser for Fungal Nail Infections

Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the toenails, which affects a large percentage of the population. The main cause of this infection are dermatophytes, a type of fungus that distorts the color, the shape and thickness of the nail, coming to destroy it completely, unless measures are taken to combat them. Until recently, treatment options were limited to topical creams and lacquers as well as oral mediation these suffer from slow results and liver toxicity. Today, advances in medical technology allow us to have a new and effective method: S30 PODYLAS ™ laser, which treats the nail fungus quickly, safely and without side effects. S30 PODYLAS ™ is a 1064nm laser 40W power used to treat onychomycosis, plantar warts and papillomas, neurovascular helomas, intractable plantar keratosis, postoperative recovery, analgesic and anti-inflammatory therapy and other dermatological conditions of the feet.

How does the laser treatment work?

The laser beam is applied to the infected nails and surrounding skin, alternating horizontal and vertical passes and repeating the procedure several times, so that there is no area left untreated . The laser energy causes a controlled heating effect penetrates through the nail bed, destroying fungi without damaging the surrounding tissue. The are several treatment sessions lasting an average of about 30-40 minutes, depending on the number of affected toes. The only treatment is to eradicate the existing nail fungus and its eradication is extremely complex, even after laser treatment. There are 20-25% that never heal because the coexistence of fungal infections in the skin and need more reviews to keep them healthy once initial treatment has been completed.

How does it feel during treatment?

The procedure is comfortable; though you can feel some heat in the nail as the laser needs to heat the fungus to damage it.

Are there any side effects?

No, treatment with S30 PODYLAS ™ is safe and has no side effects. But it is not allowed in pregnancy, those that have a pacemaker, patients taking photosensitive drugs.

How many sessions are recommended?

Usually it is recommended 4 sessions, lasting 15-20 minutes to ensure eradication of the fungus. Although the implementation of a second round will be necessary in some patients if the infection is widespread. The frequency of treatment is very important so you should not delay the scheduled appointments, as this has a negative impact on treatment.

When can I return to my normal activities?

Immediately.

Can fungi reappear again?

The treated nails show improvement within a few weeks after treatment, but you will need to follow some simple recommendations to prevent the fungus reinfecting the skin or nails.

Will it improve the look of your nails?

The eradication of infection does not always improve the appearance of the nail, as this may be due to previous trauma or trauma caused by the fungus itself. The goals of treatment of onychomycosis are mycological cure and clinical recovery of the nail. Since the nail has a slow growth rate (0.1 mm / day fingernails and 0.03-0.05 mm / day toenails), it will take months to recover their normal appearance. The final test of mycological cure is negative laboratory findings (there is an additional charge for this investigation) . Relapses after treatment are common and may be due to reinfection or incomplete eradication of the original fungus or not following the aftercare instructions given by the podiatrist. A nail can take 12-15 months to grow, the results may not be visible until after three months after the last application of laser. After treatment and even during the treatment, the nail may get reinfected, it is important to follow the aftercare instructions.