Foot and Ankle L.L.P. would like to introduce a new laser treatment for
unsightly toenail fungus. The genesisplus laser has been cleared by the
FDA to be both a safe and effective solution for the treatment of
toenail fungus. See below for additional information. Call for a
consultation with our board certified doctors at one of our convenient
offices to discuss your treatment options. The genesisplus laser is also
effective for the treatment of warts, spider views and scar revision.
Nail fungus, also
called onychomycosis, is a common condition estimated to affect up to
10% of the population worldwide. It can cause nails to become yellow or
discolored. As the infection advances the nail can become thick, brittle
and separate from the nail bed. It can also cause pain when wearing
shoes or walking.
Below is some
information about the causes of nail infections and available treatment
options. The benefits, disadvantages and risk of each treatment is
discussed. You should discuss your medical condition and treatment with
your doctor.
What is
GenesisPlus?
GenesisPlus is a
Nd:YAG 1064nm laser that has been cleared by the FDA to be both safe and
effective solution for the treatment of nail infection (onychomycosis),more
commonly known as toenail fungus. The laser is also a safe and effective
treatment for scar reduction, warts and spider views.
What causes nail
infection?
Dermatophytes are
the fungi most commonly responsible for causing the condition. They are
specialized organisms that live off keratin which is the main component
of nails and skin. The most common fungi that cause nail infection are
Trichopython rubrum, trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Candida albicans.
Everyone is at risk for infection because fungus is present everywhere
in the environment.
Where does nail
infection come from?
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.
What are the
symptoms of nail infection?
You may suffer
from nail infection if you have one or more of the following symptoms:
-Discolored nails
-Yellow streaks
under the nail
-Distorted or
thickened nails
-Brittle, crumbly
or ragged nail
-Nails separated
from the underlying skin
-Buildup of debris
(nail fragments, skin) under the nail
-White spots or
streaks on the nail surface
What treatments
are available for nail infections?
Current treatment
options for nail infection include oral drugs, topical drugs and laser.
No single treatment is effective in all patients and there are risks and
benefits associated with each one. Be sure to discuss all your treatment
options with your doctor.
Treatments:
Oral drugs can be very
effective in eliminating nail infections and restoring clear nails. The
drugs must be take for 12 weeks and may cause side effects including
risk of liver damage and heart failure. Blood Tests may be required to
monitor liver function. These drugs are not used for patients in poor
health or who have liver disease.
Topical drugs are less
effective in treating nail infections and restoring clear nails. The
drugs are applied directly to the nails daily for up to 12 months. In
some patients, the drug is ineffective because it cannot pass through
the nail to reach the infection. There are no significant side effects.
Laser treatments are
effective in eliminating nail infections and restoring clear nails. Most
patients experience at least some improvement. During treatment most
patients experience a warm feeling in their toes. A clinical study
reported no adverse effects related to the laser.
What can you expect?
The treatment involves passing
the laser beam over the infected nails and surrounding skin. Your
physician will repeat this several times until enough energy has reached
the nail bed. Your nail will feel warm during treatment.
Treatment Session Time:
A single sessions takes approximately 20 minutes.
Number of Treatments:
Two treatments are recommended and then a follow up six weeks after the
initial treatments.
Before the Procedure:
Remove all nail polish and decorations on the nail.
Long Term: If
successful, As the nail grows you will see new, healthy nails. Nails
grow slowly, so it may take up to 12 months to see an entirely clear
nail.
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