Derma V Laser for Nail Fungus
What is Nail Fungus?
Nail fungus, or “onychomycosis” affects about 10% of the U.S. population. Four types of onychomycosis are recognized based on the site and pattern of fungal invasion. Dermatophyte fungi are the predominant pathogens, but yeasts (especially Candida albicans) and nondermatophyte molds may also be implicated. Dermatophytes are specialized organisms that live off keratin which is the main component of nails and skin.
Affected nails become yellow or discolored. As the infection advances, the nail can become thick, brittle, and separate from the nail bed. It can cause pain when wearing shoes or walking. This condition can also affect fingernails, and they too can be treated with the laser.
Where Do These Nail Infections Come From?
Common sources of exposure include swimming pools, public showers, gyms and nail spas. Tight fitting shoes and nail trauma can also put an individual at risk for nail fungus infections. Genetic susceptibility, poor health and advanced age are additional risk factors.
What are the signs of Nail Fungus?
- Discolored nails
- Yellow streaks under the nails
- Distorted or thickened nails
- Brittle, crumbling or ragged nails
- Nails separated from the underlying skin
- Buildup of debris (nail fragments, skin)
- White spots or streaks on the nail surface
What Are The Traditional Treatment Options For Nail Fungus?
Oral antimycotic (fluconazole, itraconazole, and terbinafine) can be taken for months in an effort to resolve toenail fungus, but have potential side effects as well as high cost, and are often not covered by insurance which may deem this a ‘cosmetic’ condition. The possibility exists of liver injury during therapy with the newer antifungal agents. Liver function tests at baseline and periodically during therapy should be performed for patients receiving continuous therapy with terbinafine, fluconazole, or itraconazole. Patients receiving terbinafine are also advised to undergo baseline and periodic complete blood counts as well. Pulse therapy with itraconazole does not require laboratory monitoring. The recommendations for intermittent therapy with fluconazole are unknown. In all cases, patients should be educated so that they can recognize and report signs of drug-related adverse reactions, including jaundice, upper abdominal tenderness, malaise, dark urine, pale stools, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting.
What Are The Benefits of Laser Treatment For Nail Fungus?
The Lutronic DermaV laser offers an option for those affected by nail fungus, without the risk of liver or other systemic side effects, and without the need to take daily medication orally. The procedure involves passing the laser beam over the nails and surrounding skin. We will treat the obviously infected nails, as well as nearby nails. The nails treated will feel warm during the procedure. Fingernails and toenails can be treated. Post care instructions are also provided to help you prevent re-infection. The laser sessions are initially conducted every 2 weeks and require no numbing. You will feel a sense of warmth during the treatment session. There is no downtime. Laser treatments can be used as monotherapy, or in conjunction with topical or oral prescription anti-fungal medications.
- Jublia is a topical prescription medication which has a higher response rate than prior topical treatments for toenail fungus.
- If you would like a prescription for Jublia to use as well during your laser course of treatments, we can provide you with a prescription for it or you may obtain that from your primary care provider
- Derma V laser treatments can also be used in conjunction with oral Rx medications for nail fungus if desired as these too have a somewhat limited success rate when used alone (varies by medication, but in the range of 14% to 38%).
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With laser therapy, most people see noticeable improvement and there is a high cure rate. One study showed a 61% cure rate at 16 weeks. Another study showed 91% clinical improvement and a 30% cure rate at 180 days.
Laser treatment is associated with high rates of negative cultures.—that means a laboratory test for a fungal infection does not show evidence of infection after treatment.
A single session may take 20 minutes for 5 to 10 nails
- Most patients show improvement after one session.
- The required number of sessions will vary depending on how severe the infection is.
Time interval between treatments is 2 to 4 weeks (initially every 2 weeks)
Remove all Nail Polish the day before the procedure. If affected nails are very thick, we may recommend a trip to the podiatrist first in order to have them filed down. If you are unsure, you can send a photo of the affected nails to victor@renewmedispa.com for his recommendation, prior to scheduling your first session.
- Most patients describe the procedure as being very comfortable.
- There will be the sensation of warmth. Some may experience a small hot pinch that resolves quickly.
Immediately after the procedure your nails may feel warm for a few minutes.
Most can resume normal activities immediately.
- Wear clean socks/shoes home after the procedure
- Wash sheets, disinfect shower/bath, vacuum carpets day of treatment
- Apply topical antifungal cream twice a day after treatment for 2 to 12 weeks (depends on severity of infection) to help prevent re-infection
- Apply anti-fungal powder to all shoes at least 1 x per week for at least a month to help prevent re-infection
- Keep nails trimmed and clean (disinfect instruments after each use)
- Do not walk barefoot in public places
Results may take several months to fully evolve.
The laser treatment destroys the fungus, it does not repair nail that is damaged. Thus, due to the slow rate of nail growth, Toenails may take 9 to 12 months to clear, Fingernails 6 to 9 months to grow out.
As the previously infected and therefore damaged nail grows out, new healthy nail grows in behind it.
Before & After Photos
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Disclaimer: Individual results will vary by person and are based upon patient variables (such as genetics, age and lifestyle), the severity of the
condition before the procedure, the procedure(s) chosen, and compliance with any recommended aftercare program. No one can guarantee an
exact outcome for any aesthetic procedure.
The content of this website is intended to be general information- it should not be used to diagnose or treat a medical condition, and is in no
way meant to be a substitute for seeking appropriate medical care.