Fungal nail infections or ‘Onychomycosis’ affect a huge number of adults in Asia, with some estimates reporting it to be present in 60% of the adult population.
Given its widespread nature, there is relatively little public awareness of the disease and the treatment options, with many people visiting our clinic not even knowing that they have fungal toenails because it’s normally painless, and the symptoms may only be discoloration and thickening of the nail.
There are a number of ways of getting fungal toenails with one of the most common being the spread of other fungal infections like athletes foot from your toes to your nails. Other include walking in damp places where fungi live like swimming pools.
A damaged nail is often the way and starting point for any infection, and a poor general state of health can often increase the risk, as does a family history, increasing age and poor footwear choice.
The fungi most commonly found to cause the infection are ‘Dermatophytes’ and ‘Candida’, but both are treated in the same way.
Fungal Toenail Treatments
Caught early enough and treated, fungal toenails can be cured and normal healthy nail left to grow in it’s place. The first thing to do if you think you may have a fungal nail infection is get a correct diagnosis.
Then depending on your general health and severity of the condition, our doctors will work with you to get you the most effective course of action to cure the problem. Your options may include:
- Topical anti-fungal treatments applied over many months
- Strong anti-fungal tablets taken over many months can be used to treat the nail infection
- Infected nails can be surgically removed in extreme cases
- Lasers that kill the fungus quickly and painlessly in 6 – 7 treatments can be used but are more expensive
- Alternative treatments some people like to try include the use of tea tree oil
In addition to correct diagnosis and a treatment plan, one of the things we can do to dramatically help reduce treatment time is to reduce the thickness and amount of the infection by carefully and painlessly thinning out the infected nail with a scalpel. This is a skilled procedure and is not something you should ever try at home as you may injure yourself and actually spread the infection.
Fungal Nail Treatment With Lasers
The Laser we use for this treatment is called Candela GentleYAG laser. Our Candela GentleYAG Laser operates at a very specific wavelength of 1064nm which clinical research shows during the months that follow post-treatment fungal spores are greatly reduced and in a majority of cases totally eradicated.
However we also like to combine treatments to provide the maximum chance of success. Combinations include the removal of fungus using a scalpel, topical treatments, and the laser.
Are fungal toenails contagious?
Yes. So if you have infected toenails please avoid walking barefoot in places where other people may also walk and do not share towels or shoes until you have been treated.
Can the fungus spread?
Yes. Not only can the fungal inflection move to other toe nails it can move to other parts of your body including between your thighs.
Treatment Costs
- The use of Candela GentleYAG Laser to treat fungal toenails may take up at least 6-7 sessions (or more) may be needed to see results.
- Each session of procedure can be done once a month.
- Each session cost RM200 per nail. In Mediviron UOA Aesthetic Clinic, we come in a package of 6 sessions for RM800 per nail.
If you suspect you have a fungal nail infection and would like a correct diagnosis and treatment, call us at +60-3-2163 5699/98 or +6017-2163 569 to arrange an appointment. You can also email to us at mediviron.uoa@gmail.com. For online enquiry, please fill up our contact form.
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