Fungal nail infections, also known as onychomycosis are common. These nail infections affect up to 14% of the general population, with fungal toenail infections being more common than fungal fingernail infections. These infections can cause nails to become thick, fragile, cracked, discolored, and painful.
People that suffer from fungal toenail infections often have some type of fungal infection on the foot, such as athletes foot, ringworm, or tinea pedis.
Anyone can get a fungal nail infection, some people may be more likely to suffer from them, such as people with the following conditions:
- Diabetes
- Older adults
- Weakened immune systems
- Poor circulation
- Peripheral arterial disease
- Fungal skin infections on other parts of the body
- Recent injury to the nail
- Live with someone who has a fungal infection
These infections are caused by different types of fungi that live in the environment. The fungi enters between small cracks in the nail or surrounding skin, which allows the germs to cause an infection.
There are 4 main types of onychomycosis (nail fungus):
Distal or lateral subungual onychomycosis: Most common nail fungus infection and is caused by a fungus called a dermatophyte. These infections start in the nail bed, under the nail. It usually starts with a yellowish colored area that spreads from the edges then toward the center.
White superficial onychomycosis: This is the least common nail fungus infection. I only affects the nail surface. This infections starts as white spots, which become powdering and brittle which makes the nail start to crumble.
Proximal subungual onychomycosis: This infection is rare and usually affects people with immune system issues. It also starts as white spots in the middle of the nail bed toward the cuticle. These white spots move outward as the nail grows.
Candida onychomycosis: This nail fungus infection is caused by yeast. The infected area around the nail is usually inflamed and swollen. This infection may make the nail come off completely. This infection usually happens to nails damaged by trauma or another infection.
Preventing Nail Fungus Infections
- Keep your feet and hands dry and clean
- Keep your nails short and clean
- Do not share nail clippers
- Do not walk barefoot in areas like public showers, swimming pool areas, or locker rooms
- Wear socks to absorb moisture
- If your feet sweat a lot, change socks as needed or take off your shoes to let your feet cool as needed
- When getting manicures, make sure it is a safe place of business
Symptoms of Nail Fungus Infections
- Thickened nails
- Discolored nails
- Brittle or crumbly nails
- Nails that are separated from the nail bed
- Foul odor
You should see a health care professional if you are diabetic and think that you may have a nail fungus infection.
Nail fungus infections can also become painful, if you should also see a healthcare professional if you start to experience any of the following symptoms:
- Bleeding around the nails
- Swelling or pain around the nails
- Difficulty walking
Lunula Laser For Nail Fungus
The Lunula Laser is a low level laser, also known as a cold laser, that is a clinically proven method of treatment for nail fungus. The Lunula Laser is Health Canada and FDA cleared for targeting onychomycosis.
The Lunula Advantages for Patients
- Painless
- Non-Invasive
- No Downtime
- No side effects
- Short treatment sessions
- Treats all 5 toes at once
The Lunula Advantages for Health Care Professionals
- Patient and profit growth
- Hands Free and fully automated treatments
- Easy to use graphical user interface
The Lunula Laser is an Erchonia Laser System. Erchonia has over 25 years of experience and are leaders in medical grade Laser Therapy technology. Erchonia produced the first Low Level Laser in the world to gain FDA market clearance. Erchonia has the most credible research in the market, including double blind, mult-site, randomized, and placebo-controlled.