Skin Concern:
Fungal Infections
What are fungal infections?
Nail fungus, also called onychomycosis, is a common condition estimated to affect up to 10% of the population worldwide. It often begins as a yellow or white spot under the tip of your toenail or fingernail. The problem can quickly become worse as the fungus spreads. A fungal nail is not only unattractive, but it can be painful and difficult to treat effectively. However, here in our Wellington clinic, we have a state of the art laser which can treat persistent nail disease once and for all.
What causes fungal infections?
Dermatophytes are the fungi most commonly responsible for causing this condition. They are specialized organisms that live off keratin which is the main component of nails and skin.
Nail infection is caused by contact with dermatophytes which are everywhere in our environment. Common sources of infection include swimming pools, public showers, gyms and nail spas. Tight-fitting shoes and nail trauma can also lead to infection. Genetic susceptibility, poor health and increasing age are also factors that increase the risk of nail infection.
You may suffer from nail infection if you have one or more of the following symptoms:
- Discoloured nails
- Yellow streaks under the nail
- Distorted or thickened nails
- Brittle, crumbly or ragged nail
- Nails separated from the underlying skin
- Build up of debris (nail fragments, skin) under the nail
- White spots or streaks on the nail surface
How are fungal infections treated:
With nail infections the longer you ignore it, the longer it can take to treat it! The good news is – we offer a nail treatment that is pill and ointment free, and only needs to be treated every 3 – 4 weeks until it is resolved.
At Bloom Clinic, our Harmony laser is a safe and effective treatment for nail fungus. We use the 2 modalieties with our laser, which is a warm heat to treat this infection.
The laser heat penetrates inside the nail where the nail fungus resides, killing the fungus instantly. The laser light passes right through the tough nail plate killing the fungus with minimal pain and no damage to the surrounding tissues.
Most patients will feel some heat generated by the laser but no pain medication is required after the procedure and you can go right back to work or any activity immediately after your treatment.
As the new nail grows in, it shows signs of clearing from the bottom of the nail as it grows. This usually takes 6-12 months depending on how fast your nails grow.
In order to increase effectiveness, we recommend B -skin oil and supplements (to rebuild the integrity of the nail and surrounding skin) and a minimum of 4-6 laser treatments is recommended.
Book a 20-minute skin consultation with our RNs or therapists to discuss & plan the best treatment for you.
