FEET
Nail fungus - Onychomycosis
Fungal nail infectioncan affect anyone at some point in their life. It may result in unsightly looking nails and embarrassment. The infection is slowly developing and causes the nail to become discolored, thickened and deformed. There may be signs of infection, itch, redness, swelling and discomfort. Most fungal nail infections occur as a result of the fungi that cause athlete’s foot infecting the nails. These fungi often live harmlessly on your skin, but they can sometimes multiply and lead to infections. The fungi prefer warm, dark and moist places like the feet.Other fungi have a tendency to affect the nails themselves. Predisposing factors include wearing shoes that cause feet to become hot and sweaty, walking around barefoot in communal showers, lockers for gyms, having damaged nails, weakened immune system, psoriasis and diabetes or poor circulation. Fungal nail infections can be spread to other people. It is good practice to confirm fungal infection by sending nail clippings for testing before treatment starts. Antifungal treatments are effective 60 to 80% of fungal nail infections. A new healthy nail starts to grow from the base of the nail over the course of a few months. The old infected nail should begin to grow out and can be gradually clipped away. A It can take between 6 and 18 months for the appearance of the affected nail to return to normal, and in some cases the nail may not look the same as before the infection. Other treatment options include: softening and scraping away the nail using 40% urea paste and scraping device, removal of the affected nails and laser treatments. Fotona laser Clear Steps and LPL LED Triple Wave light treatment uses Nd:Yag laser to kill the fungus by closing blood supply to the nail bed. This non-invasive treatment can eradicate nail fungus in 3-6 weekly sessions.
Ingrown toenail
An ingrown toenail is a condition where the nail grows into the toe causing swelling, pain and redness. It commonly affects the big toe but may affect other nails. It may be complicated by an infection presenting with pussy discharge, heat raised temperature. You may need an antibiotic from your GP followed by a visit to a podiatrist who will cut or remove the ingrown nail. Fotona ablative erbium laser removes the ingrown nail with minimal discomfort in one or two treatment sessions. Prevention is better than cure. Avoid cutting nails too short, cut straight across the nail, avoid wearing too tight shoes, keep shoes clean and dry.
Wart / Verrucas
Warts and verrucas are small lumps on the skin that most people have at some point in their life. They are caused by an infection with Human Papilloma Virus which is transmitted through contact with an infected surface or an individual. They usually go away on their own but may take months or even years. Warts are not harmful, but some people find them itchy, painful or embarrassing. Verrucas on feet are more likely to be painful affecting walking and playing sports. Treatments consist of using over the counter preparation to diminish and and soften the warts/verrucas, freezing or laser removal. Fotona Nd:YAG laser has been proven to be very effective in removing warts, verrucas in just 3 treatment sessions. A repeat treatment may be required in case of a regrowth of the lesions in the first 3 months off treatment.
Corns and Calluses
Corns develop due to bone pressure against the skin. They are common on the tops and sides of the toes and on the balls of the feet. Corns can be hard and dry or soft and mushy. Common causes of corns are arthritis or poorly-fitting shoes. You may need an antibiotic from your GP if there is an underlying infection and or a referral to a podiatrist who will remove corn or callus. At Eternal Clinic we remove corns and calluses using Fotona erbium:Yag ablative laser very effectively with minimal discomfort.