Lunula Laser – Bringing World Class Facilities to Toowoomba
Here at The Podiatrist, fungal nail infections (onychomycosis) are a common problem that patients come seeking advice and treatment for. People are generally concerned that it makes their feet look ‘ugly’ or ‘unhealthy’, and tend to get embarrassed about it. This causes many people to either cover up their feet with shoes or apply nail paint, both of which will encourage the infection to thrive.
Traditionally, there were only two ways of treating it:
- Topical antifungals
- Oral antifungals
Both have their significant advantages and disadvantages. One of the main barriers with successfully treating the infection is the constant compliance with treatment – which can be the daily application of topical treatments for 12 months or more. That’s tough for even the most organised person and makes maintaining treatment, avoiding re-contamination and having a successful outcome challenging.
In recent years, the emergence of laser for treating fungal nails has become a mainstay treatment worldwide. Since introducing the Lunula Laser here, we have found that patients are having fantastic outcomes. With the Lunula Laser, many of the previous concerns with other fungal nail treatments are resolved, particularly as the treatment is easy to apply (12 minute application per foot), addresses the external factors (such as sterilising footwear), and has no side effects. The below table has a quick summary of the three treatment options:
One of our patients presented with total dystrophic onychomycosis (the most severe form of fungal nail infection) after having picked it up from a nail salon. She was somewhat embarrassed by the appearance of it, and always covered it with nail polish to mask the appearance. Her photos below show the gradual reduction of the infection, with the outcome being a clear and healthy nail! Not only was the nail resolved, but also, our patient was able to return to wearing open-toed footwear and not be concerned about the appearance of her nail! From a practitioner point of view, it is reassuring and delightful to provide a treatment which has been supported by high evidence-based success rates, particularly for a problem which has previously been so difficult to treat.
After 3 months
After 6 months
After 9 months
We highly recommend using the Lunula laser if you or any of your family are suffering from a fungal nail infection and want an effective, safe, and pain-free solution. Each treatment is performed under the supervision and care of your podiatrist and we work with you to get the best outcome and have you feeling great again! For any questions or to make an appointment, you can book online or give us a call on 07 4638 3022 and chat to one of our friendly team!