Laser Treatments Specialist

What causes toenail fungus?

Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, develops when a fungal organism, yeast, or mold gets into your toenail through a crack or cut in the nail or skin. When the microorganisms become established, they can cause a fungal infection in your nail.

What are the symptoms of toenail fungus?

The first signs of a fungal infection are white or yellowish spots under your toenail. As the infection spreads, the affected toenail becomes:

• Thickened
• Discolored
• Distorted in shape
• Cracked at the edge

How does laser treatment help toenail fungus?

Dr. Boyuka offers effective toenail fungus treatment using the Erchonia Lunula Laser. This laser is pain-free, effective — 89% of patients see improvements — and FDA-cleared for treating onychomycosis.

The Lunula Laser uses two low-level, or cool, wavelengths to eliminate fungal organisms and promote healing by rejuvenating tissues and accelerating new nail growth. The device also uses a proprietary delivery technique that ensures the laser reaches all infected tissues within the nail bed.

What should you expect during and after laser treatment?

Treatment with the Lunula Laser consists of five or six treatments, depending on how much of your toenail has fungus. Your sessions are spaced 5-6 weeks apart, with each one lasting about 12-15 minutes.

Since the low wavelength of the Lunula Laser doesn’t heat the fungus, you don’t need to worry about smoke plumes that occur with other types of heat-based lasers. Treatment with the Lunula Laser is comfortable and doesn’t require downtime.

What else is included with your laser treatment?

Dr. Boyuka believes in comprehensive care, so when you choose the Lunula Laser, your therapy package includes other treatments that help remove all the fungus. For instance, you’ll receive an ultraviolet light shoe sterilizer and a bottle of topical antifungal foam for treating surrounding skin.

What are the benefits of laser treatment?

The biggest benefits of laser treatment are that it’s effective, poses little risk, and the treatment is quick.

Contrast that with topical medications, the typical treatment for fungal nail infections: they have to be applied twice daily, they're less effective, tend to cause side effects, and aren’t safe for everyone.

Don’t continue to be embarrassed by unattractive toenails or suffer from the discomfort caused by thick nails. Call Southern Tier Podiatry or book an appointment online.