- Dermatology Unit, Conditions
Onychomycosis
What is
What is Onychomycosis?
Onychomycosis, nail fungus, is a fungal infection mostly caused by fungi of the dermatophyte type, in most cases it is Trichophyton rubrum. Other fungi that can cause this infection are Trichophyton mentagrophytes or even Candida albicans (which is not a dermatophyte fungus).
Onychomycosis is very common and is estimated to affect at least 10% of the world’s population. Its prevalence increases with age, and there are also more cases in some specific groups, such as athletes, livestock farmers or diabetics. Onychomycosis usually remains as an aesthetic alteration of the nail, but sometimes it causes chronic pain that is difficult to solve. Therefore, it is best to diagnose the infection as soon as possible and treat it.
Information
Symptoms
The nails of people suffering from onychomycosis may have the following characteristics:
- Thickness increase.
- Fragility, detachment or irregularity
- Shape distortion
- Opacity, lack of luster or shine
- Darkening of the color, due to residues that accumulate under the nail.
Causes
These fungi are transmitted by direct contact and live with us without causing infection, until certain factors favor it. Some of the risk factors for contracting and developing onychomycosis are:
- Aging. Over the years we accumulate more fungi that colonize the foot, and our body’s defenses are weaker.
- Keep the foot moist, as is the case with swimmers and athletes.
- Having ringworm of the foot or athlete’s foot.
- Suffering from other skin diseases, such as psoriasis.
- Diabetes, which negatively affects our body’s immune defenses.
- Having relatives with onychomycosis, both because it may indicate a certain genetic predisposition and because of the possible transmission of the fungus.
- Immunosuppression, caused by chemotherapy, HIV, or biological drugs.
Today there are several treatment options available, such as oral antifungal drugs or creams, but the most effective and preferred treatment for patients seeking effective toenail fungus removal is the Genesis Plus laser.
Treatment
Genesis Plus is a 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser that has proven to be a safe and effective solution for the treatment of the fungal infection that commonly affects toenails:
- Only 4 treatment sessions are needed, 1 every 7 to 15 days *.
- The treatment session lasts about 15 minutes
- The treatment is painless
- No side effects have been reported.
*The number of treatment sessions varies according to the extent of infection in each finger. After the initial treatment, a follow-up is performed 3 to 6 weeks later.
How it works
- Nail sample is collected to confirm fungal infection.
- The thick nails are cleaned and filed to achieve a better penetration of the laser.
- The treatment consists of applying the laser beam to the infected nails and surrounding skin. This procedure is repeated several times until the nail bed has received sufficient energy. During the treatment, heat is felt in the nail. A treatment session lasts about 15 minutes, depending on the number of toes affected.
- All affected toenails are treated.
Genesis Plus is very safe and has not been associated with any side effectsor adverse reactions. Most patients report that the procedure is painless and causes only a slight warm pinch at the end.
Results
Immediately after the procedure, you may feel warmth in the nail for a few minutes. Over the course of the next few weeks, the new nail should begin to grow clear of fungus and visibly healthy.
Onychomycosis may delay the growth of the nail, so the length of time before results are seen varies. On average, most patients see results within 8 to 10 weeks.
The infection will improve following the first treatment, but you will need to implement care techniques to reduce the recurrence of the fungus. It is possible to get the infection again, because the fungus is present everywhere in the environment.
Nail polish may be applied immediately after treatment. It is important to remove all nail polish and nail decorations the day before treatment.
Prevention
Measures to prevent fungal nail infection are as follows:
- Keep the foot dry and ventilated.
- Use blotting powder inside the shoes when playing sports.
- Maintain basic hygiene measures to keep hands and feet clean.
- Early detection of nail disorders.
- Do not share footwear with family or friends, especially those who may have onychomycosis.
Multimedia
More information about Onychomycosis
Video
Our doctors explain
Onychomycosis; Fungal infection of the nails, more frequent on the feet.
Each case is individually assessed with mycological culture to determine the germ responsible and recommend the most effective treatment.
What is the fungus that causes infections? Why is winter a good time to treat onychomycosis? Find out in this video of our dermatologist, Dr. Noelia Rivera.
FAQs
What does the treatment involve?
- Nail sample is collected to confirm fungal infection.
- The thick nails are cleaned and filed to achieve better penetration of the laser.
- The treatment consists of applying the laser beam to the infected nails and surrounding skin. This procedure is repeated several times until the nail bed has received sufficient energy. During the treatment, heat is felt in the nail. A treatment session lasts about 15 minutes, depending on the number of toes affected.
- All affected toenails are treated.
Is the Genesisplus treatment safe, painful?
Genesis Plus is very safe and has not been associated with any side effectsor adverse reactions. Most patients report that the procedure is painless and causes only a slight warm pinch at the end.
How many sessions are recommended?
The number of treatment sessions varies according to the extent of infection in each finger. After the initial treatment, a follow-up is performed 3 to 6 weeks later.
What can I expect immediately after the procedure, when will I be able to see the results?
Immediately after the procedure, you may feel warmth in the nail for a few minutes. Over the next few weeks, the new nail should begin to grow clear of fungus and visibly healthy.
Onychomycosis may delay the growth of the nail, so the length of time before results are seen varies. On average, most patients see results within 8 to 10 weeks.
Will the nail fungus reappear?
When can I paint my nails or get a pedicure?
Nail polish may be applied immediately after treatment. It is important to remove all nail polish and nail decorations the day before treatment.
Prevention of onychomycosis
Measures to prevent fungal nail infection are as follows:
- Keep the foot dry and ventilated.
- Use blotting powder inside the shoes when playing sports.
- Maintain basic hygiene measures to keep hands and feet clean.
- Early detection of nail disorders.
- Do not share footwear with family or friends, especially those who may have onychomycosis.
How is genesis plus different from other common treatments for onychomycosis?
- Oral medications: may cause side effects such as liver damage.
- Topical creams and lacquers: can take months or even longer to take effect and have limited success.