Toenail fungus, or Onychomycosis to use its technical name, isn't a sexy subject. In fact, it's probably fair to say that there's a fair bit of stigma surrounding it.
That's peculiar though, given that one in four Australians are affected by nail fungus at any given time. One in four. That makes fungal nail infections more common than acne.
You've probably already tried lacquers, creams, and other topicals, which have done nothing. They're very expensive with a 5-10% success rate, and most GPs don't bother prescribing them anymore.
They are far more likely to recommend you try light-based treatments. Here at Man Thing, I use PTF technology, a medical grade variation of IPL.
Call me on 4926 7778 or 0422 276 202 if you have any questions or to make a booking. You can also book online.
Have a brilliant day,
Andrew Thompson.
Prices ★ IPL Toenail Fungus
One Foot$99
Both Feet$169
FAQ ★ IPL Toenail Fungus
Some visitors want brevity, some want detail. To that end, you'll find a short answer to each question, plus links to any extended articles or videos I've produced. Enjoy. 😊
What causes toenail fungus?
Fungus likes moist body parts. Toe nails are prime targets given that they are often covered with socks for most of the day, and perspiration creates an ideal environment for fungus to grow.
Not surprisingly, toe nail fungus is very common in athletes, truck and taxi drivers, and labourers.
Will I see an instant result from my treatment?
Yes. Part or all of the fungus will blanch in colour. Black will turn grey. Yellow or cream will turn white.
Grey areas will continue to soften over the next few hours. Deeper fungus hidden from the light will require treatments over the coming weeks or months.
Where fungus has been killed, your toenail will still be damaged. It will continue to appear white until your toenail grows out.
If the treated area starts to darken again, the fungus is returning. Book another treatment as soon as possible before it further damages the nail.
How can I prevent toe nail fungus?
Let your feet breathe throughout the day. Keep them clean with baby wipes or alcohol swabs. Change your socks and definitely take them off when you don't need to be wearing them.
Also remember to moisturise your feet to keep the skin healthy and minimise the risk of infections.
How does IPL work on toenail fungus?
The light targets affected areas in much the same way as IPL/PTF targets hyperpigmentation and acne bacteria when trying to correct other skin conditions.
Light converts to heat which subsequently kills the fungus. It also dries out the damaged nail plate making it non-conducive for fungus to regain a foothold.
The treatment also promotes exponential increase in collagen production. Over coming weeks, new nail bed replaces the old damaged section but this time, without the fungus.
A positive side effect of the treatment is that the new nail bed should return flatter, and subsequently the nail above it will be smoother in appearance than the old section of nail.
What are the contraindications for treatment?
Several strong antibiotics, anti-depressants, and malaria medications that can make your skin sensitive to light.
If any of your meds contain minomycin, minocycline, doxycycline, tetracycline, or St John's Wort, you may have to wait until you have finished your course of meds to avoid possible injury.
This article on IPL contraindications contains a more complete list.