Onychomycosis, or nail infection, is a persistent fungal infection of the nail bed, matrix or plate. It is the most common nail disorder in adults, accounting for one third of all fungal skin infections and up to 50 percent of all nail diseases. Toenails are affected more often than fingernails. The infection can cause nails to become yellow or discolored. Advanced infection causes thick, brittle nails that often separate from the nail bed. It can also cause discomfort when wearing shoes or walking.
What are the causes of Onychomycosis?
The most common cause of onychomycosis is dermatophyte fungus that invades the dead tissue of skin or nails. Other causes include contact with certain moulds or species of yeasts. The overall prevalence of onychomycosis ranges from 2 to 14 percent of the population.
Where can you get Onychomycosis?
Onychomycosis is caused by contact with infective fungal agents. Since these agents are present everywhere in our environment, everyone potentially is at risk for infection. Common sources for infection could include public showers, swimming pools, nail spas and gyms. Nail trauma and tight fitting shoes can also lead to infection.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
One or more of the following symptoms may indicate that you suffer from onychomycosis. Distorted, thickened or discolored nails, yellow or white streaks on or under the nails, brittle, crumbly or ragged nails and nails that have separated from the underlying skin.
What are the treatment options?
Current treatment options include topical drugs and oral antifungal drugs. Topical drugs are applied directly to the nails daily for a period of 6 months to 12 months. This treatment is often ineffective because the drug has difficulty passing through the nail to reach the site of the infection. Oral drugs can be effective and are usually taken for a period of 6 to 12 months. However, there are many side effects associated with these drugs and in some cases weekly blood tests are required to monitor liver function.
WHAT IS CLEARSTEPS?
ClearStepsTM is a revolutionary new procedure for treating onychomycosis. It is a non-invasive laser procedure to treat the affected nail and skin. It is simple, quick, safe and effective.
How does ClearStepsTM work?
Deep, pulse-profile heating of the nail bed stimulates the killing of the parasitic fungus. the natural growth and immune processes of the body are then able to restore the nail to its pristine state.Compared to traditional methods the effects of laser light spread evenly throughout the tissue and are not subject to either the limits of chemicals diffusion, as are tropicals or the induction of hepatoxic side effects, as is the case with oral medications.
The procedure can be performed in three simple steps:
step 1: file down the nail. During onychomycosis the nail will become deformed and overgrown, it may also thicken. Filling down the nail allows laser light to fully penetrate into the treatment site.
step 2: Administer Nd yag laser pulses in a circular pattern covering the entire nail. There can be a feeling of a slight heating sensation throughout the nail.
The RESULTS ARE CLEAR!
Improvement may be seen after a single session, however best results are typically achieved through a series of 3–4 treatments. Successful treatment will result in the growth of a new, healthy nail, however it could take up to 1 year to see an entirely clear nail, depending on the rate of growth.