{"id":1050,"date":"2019-12-13T09:53:58","date_gmt":"2019-12-13T09:53:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/adelaidefootandankle.com.au\/?page_id=1050"},"modified":"2024-02-25T07:20:31","modified_gmt":"2024-02-25T07:20:31","slug":"laser-therapy-to-eliminate-fungal-nails-onychomycosis","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/adelaidefootandankle.com.au\/services\/laser-therapy-to-eliminate-fungal-nails-onychomycosis\/","title":{"rendered":"Laser therapy to eliminate fungal nails (onychomycosis)"},"content":{"rendered":"

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”183″ img_size=”500×500″ alignment=”center”][\/vc_column][vc_column width=”1\/2″][vc_single_image image=”1353″ img_size=”500×500″ alignment=”center”][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Have you noticed changes to your toenails such as discolouration or thickening \u2013 you may have a fungal toenail infection.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What are fungal toenails?<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"fungal<\/a><\/b>Onychomycosis, also known as fungal toenails, is a condition where nails have become infected by a fungus that causes discolouration of the nail (yellow, white or brown). The most common fungi present in nails are dermatophytes as they require keratin for growth.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

A fungal nail infection may involve just a small portion of a single nail or could spread to nails of all 10 toes if not treated early. Fungal nails can become inflamed and painful when left untreated, and the brittle nature of the affected nail makes trimming difficult and increases risk of ingrown toenails.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The skin under the nail and the nail itself may also thicken and develop a white powdery appearance. The nail may become free from the nail bed and only remain partially attached (known as nail lysis). Fungal nails may also develop a distinct, unpleasant odour.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Fungal nail infections are not just limited to the toes and may occur on (or spread to) fingernails. As it is a fungal infection, onychomycosis (fungal nails) is able to spread from person to person through direct contact, shared items such as nail clippers and shoes or walking barefoot in contaminated areas (including showers and swimming pools).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How do I know if I have a fungal nail infection?<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"signs<\/a>Sometimes it can be difficult to differentiate between a fungal nail infection and a traumatic nail injury. Similarities can include nail lysis, discolouration and thickening. Nail changes resulting from trauma will not resolve with fungal nail treatment protocols.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Dermatophyte testing (nail scraping pathology) is the most effective method to determine and confirm the presence of onychomycosis (fungal nail infection) to ensure the correct treatment path is undertaken. There are a range of other conditions that may cause nail discolouration and thickening, including trauma, psoriasis, paronychia. These conditions will not respond to fungal nail treatment and require alternative management strategies.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adelaide Foot and Ankle have in-clinic dermatophyte testing available which gives a result within 5 minutes to give you peace of mind and commence your treatment sooner.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Treatment of fungal nails<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n

\"ngal<\/a>Nails, much like hair, contain no living cells. This means that they are unable to heal from fungal infection without intervention. It also means that the nail will remain discoloured, even after the fungus has been destroyed, until it has grown out (which may take several months)\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There are a range of management options for fungal nails and choice of treatment will be determined based on patient factors including age, number of nails affected, medical history and current medications. It is important the management strategy is individually tailored to the individual’s situation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Treatment management options may include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n