Approximately 30 million Americans are currently affected with nail fungus, also referred to as onychomycosis, which can make your nails thick, discolored or ragged. Contrary to what many think, this infection is not a result of lack of proper hygiene. Laser fungal nail treatment is safe, highly effective, and frees patients from dealing with the potential side effects associated with the long-term use of oral anti-fungal medications. Fungal nail treatment is a service provided by JCMG Podiatry at the JCMG Laser & Vein Center. To schedule a consultation for this service, please call JCMG Podiatry at (573) 556-7724.

Yes. Fungal organisms are alive and are contagious. They can cause a variety of skin and soft tissue infections. The infection can spread and worsen over time. It can affect more than one nail and can cause athlete’s foot (tinea pedis). The infection can be spread from person to person through direct contact and by using communal facilities such as showers and pools. A fungal infection may be very difficult to treat, and it may recur. It is best to identify the infection early and treat it as soon as possible to avoid permanent damage.

Fungal nail infections can be managed with laser treatment, oral anti-fungal medications and topical medications.

Laser nail treatment has virtually no side effects or major risks. Typically patients tolerate the treatment well and are comfortable during the short procedure. Oral anti-fungal medications, however, require routine blood work and liver enzyme monitoring throughout the treatment. There is a small risk of liver damage, which has been reported with the oral medication. There is also the potential for medication side effects and interactions, which need to be considered. Topically applied medications are safe, but are rarely effective and have a less than 10% cure rate.

Laser treatment has been adapted to eradicate both superficial and deep fungal nail infections. This option is highly effective and utilizes a 1064 Nd:Yag laser to generate a concentrated wavelength of light to target and kill the infection. Laser treatment is safe, painless and fast. The treatment heats the nail infection and triggers an auto-destruct sequence in the fungal infection, thus halting the spread of the disease as the nail grows out. It is recommended that all 10 nails be treated due to the fact that fungal spores can colonize nails that do not appear to be clinically infected when observed with the naked eye. Typically, at least two treatments are required one month apart to maximize the result of the procedure. A topical anti-fungal medication is recommended to further eliminate the infection as the nails grow out.

Laser nail treatment is performed at the JCMG Laser and Vein Center. On the day of treatment please arrive 15-20 minutes before your scheduled treatment time. Check in at the front desk with the receptionist and wait to be called back to the treatment suite. The procedure takes approximately 10-15 minutes following a brief physician consultation. The procedure is virtually pain free and does not require any anesthesia. You are free to drive yourself home from the appointment afterward. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled for you prior to your departure from the facility.

The laser nail treatment has been found to be as effective as the oral medications. This option, however, frees patients from having to concern themselves with the potential side effects associated with the long-term use of oral anti-fungal medications.

During your nail treatment your shoes will be treated with a SteriShoe ultraviolet light device designed specifically to kill the fungus in your shoes, which may cause a recurrence. The SteriShoe device is available for purchase to reduce/eliminate the risk of future reinfection. It is also recommended that topical anti-fungal medication be used for a period of time following elimination of the nail fungus to help prevent recurrence.

Fungal nail treatment is a service provided by JCMG Podiatry at the JCMG Laser & Vein Center. To schedule a consultation for this service, please call JCMG Podiatry at (573) 556-7724.