Laser Nail Fungus Treatment in North Vancouver

Treatment of Onychomycosis

Laser For Toenail Fungus

Physician Skincare Centre in North Vancouver is pleased to offer safe, effective laser treatment for the treatment of Onychomycosis – more commonly known as toenail fungus. Until recently, there have been few options available for successfully treating Onychomycosis. Options have included ineffective topical creams, home remedies, or oral medication which had potentially serious side effects. Due to the ease and safety of laser treatment, it is fast becoming the treatment of choice for patients looking to effectively treat this stubborn and unsightly condition.

What Causes Toenail Fungus?

Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the toenails or, less commonly, the fingernails. Dermatophytes are the fungi most commonly responsible for causing this very common condition, which is estimated to infect at least 10% of the population worldwide. Dermatophytes are spread from person to person, and are frequently found in warm, moist environments including public pools, locker room floors, nail spas, shared towels and nail clippers. You may suffer from Onychomycosis if you have one or more of the following symptoms:

• Discolouration (yellowing, white spots, darkening, or streaking)
• Brittle, crumbly, or ragged nail
• Distorted in shape or thickened nail
• Separation from the nail bed

Laser Genesis for Toenail Fungus

At Physician Skincare Centre, treatment for toenail fungus is performed using Laser Genesis – a renowned Nd:YAG 1064nm laser. The procedure takes approximately 20 minutes, during which the laser beam is passed over the infected nails and surrounding skin. This is repeated several times until enough heat energy has reached the nail bed in order to kill the fungi.

What is the Treatment Like?

During the procedure most patients report an increasing feeling of warmth over the nails, which resolves quickly. There are no side effects to the Laser Genesis procedure, and patients are able to resume their normal activities immediately after the treatment.

For best results we recommend four Laser Genesis treatments spaced approximately three weeks apart, however more severe infections may require additional treatments. Post-treatment care at home is also crucial to the success of this treatment, as it helps prevent recurrence of the fungal infection. Detailed post-treatment instructions are provided at your first treatment.

Most patients begin to see results within a few months, as the nails begin to grow out clear of fungus, revealing healthier nails. However, since toenails grow slowly, full clearance of the fungus may take 12 months or longer.