Treatment of onychomycosis (fungal infection on the nails)
Onychomycosis, also called fungal infection of the nails, is a chronic disease, which slowly causes the destruction of the nails on the hands, as well as on the feet. It most often occurs on the toenails, as the zone is a good environment for the disease’s development – heat and humidity.
Excessive sweating in the zone of the feet is also a risk factor for the appearance and development of the fungal infection. Some medicines may also cause the development of the disease.
Onychomycosis (fungal infection of the nails) is usually characterized by visible change of the color of the nails – they become darker, harder and more brittle. An additional symptom is an unpleasant smell in the zone.
How does the fungal infection develop?
Onychomycosis usually begins with visible “cracking” of the skin or slight changes to the nail. Its color changes to yellow in the initial phase of the disease and gradually develops down to the base of the nail.
The fungal infection begins in one nail and spreads to the others, as well as the skin around them.
How is onychomycosis treated?
In the initial phase, antifungal antibiotics may be applied – creams, special nail polish, gels and others.
The most successful method for treatment of onychomycosis is laser procedures with Nd:YAG laser. Four sessions per nail are necessary, usually done one week apart. The treatment of one nail takes only a few minutes and causes minimal discomfort during the procedure.
When is the effect visible?
The effect is usually visible between the 3rd and 4th procedure and shows by renewed nail growth and/or restoration of the normal color of the nail.