Fungal Nail Infections: Understanding and Treating with Lunula Laser

Fungal nail infections are common and can make your nails look unsightly. Let’s discuss what they are, causes, and treatment options, with a spotlight on the innovative Lunula laser.

What is Onychomycosis?

  • Simple Definition: Onychomycosis is the medical term for a fungal nail infection.
  • Common Causes: Fungi called dermatophytes are usually responsible. This condition is more frequent as we age.
  • Symptoms:
    • Nails become thick, crumbly, or brittle
    • Change shape or lift off the nail bed
    • Lose shine and turn white, yellow, orange, or brown
    • Debris build-up under the nail
    • May occur alongside athlete’s foot

Treatment Options

  • Talk to Your Podiatrist: They’ll assess your nails and recommend the best approach based on severity.
  • Mild Cases:
    • Regular trimming and thinning by a podiatrist.
    • Topical antifungal medication (if no skin infection).
  • Moderate to Severe Cases:
    • Oral antifungal medication (tablets e.g. terbinafine).
    • Surgical removal of the nail, followed by topical medication or laser.
    • Lunula Laser Therapy: A cutting-edge, non-invasive treatment explained below.

Focus on Lunula Laser

  • How It Works: The Lunula uses specific light wavelengths to disrupt fungal growth without harming healthy tissue.
  • Benefits:
    • Non-invasive and painless
    • Requires no medication
    • Around 60% success rate
  • Our Treatment Plan:
    • Consultation: We’ll discuss your case and ensure Lunula is right for you.
    • Initial Phase: Typically 1-2 laser treatments per week for 3 months. Minimum of 4 treatments, ideally 8-10 depending on severity.
    • Monitoring: We’ll track progress and provide follow-up care as your healthy nail grows out. An average growth of a millimetre a month so we review every 2-3 months.

Important Considerations:

  • Reinfection is Possible: Good hygiene is key to prevent recurrence (treat athlete’s foot, keep shoes fungal-free).
  • Results Take Time: Nails grow slowly; visible improvement may take 2-3 months.
  • Not for Everyone: Lunula may not be suitable for extremely damaged nails. Your podiatrist will advise.
  • Effectiveness: A recent survey of our patients (January 2024) found 64% of patients were happy with the healthy growth of the nail and would recommend the treatment to others.

Costs

  • Initial Consultation: £60
  • Lunula Treatment:
    • One foot/hand: £270 (3-month plan)
    • Both feet/hands: £540
    • Both big toes: £450
    • We advise attending for follow-ups every 2-3 months as the nail grows out. With this commitment from you, we will continue to provide additional lunula top ups without extra charge.
  • Follow-up Appointments: £35

Is Lunula Right for You? Contact Us to Schedule a Consultation

Prices are subject to change without notice and Payment is due in full at the start of treatment.

Mr D56192 before treatment

Mr D56192 after 6 treatments

Cosmetic Alternatives: Restore Your Nail’s Appearance

While treating a fungal infection is important, you might also want to improve the look of your nail during the process. Here’s an option:

  • Pedique Nail Restoration: If your nail is damaged or disfigured from the infection, a Pedique treatment can provide a natural-looking cosmetic solution. This involves:
    • Applying a specialised gel to the nail, which is moulded and bonded to create a realistic appearance.
    • Covering the gel with nail polish for the desired colour and finish.
    • Please note: Pedique is not suitable during active laser treatment, but it’s a great option to consider once your nail starts growing out.

Benefits of Pedique:

  • Immediate Results: Enjoy a normal-looking nail right away.
  • Temporary Solution: The restoration lasts 3-6 months, providing a cosmetic fix while your healthy nail grows.
  • Versatile: Pedique is an option even if the infection is gone but the nail remains damaged.

Interested in Pedique? Click here for more information.

.Ros Morris 2015-04-15 L1 PEDIQUE