Treatment of onychomycosis (nail fungus)
Onychomycosis, or also called nail fungus, is a chronic disease that slowly leads to the destruction of the nail plate on both hands and feet. It is most commonly seen on toenails due to the area being a favourable environment for development – heat and moisture.
Excessive sweating in the toenail area is also a risk factor for the occurrence and development of the fungal infection. Some medications can also provoke the appearance of fungus.
Onychomycosis (nail fungus) is usually characterised by a visible change in the colour of the nails – they become darker, hard and easily brittle. An additional sign is a more unpleasant smell in the area.
How does the fungal infection develop?
Onychomycosis most often begins with visible cracking of the skin or slight changes on the nail. It changes color to yellow in the initial phase of onychomycosis and gradually spreads down to the base of the nail.
The fungal infection starts from one nail and spreads to the other nails as well as the skin around them.
How is onychomycosis treated?
In the initial phase, antifungal antibiotics can be applied – cream, varnish, gel and others.
The most successful method of treatment and treatment of onychomycosis is laser treatment with Nd:YAG laser. It requires 4 laser sessions per nail, once a week. A single treatment per nail takes a few minutes and involves minimal discomfort during the treatment.
When is the effect observed?
The effect is usually noticeable around the 3rd-4th procedure and is expressed in the resumption of nail growth and/or restoration of its normal color.
