Foot Fungus Laser Treatment Unit

Laser Unit

Onychomycosis, commonly known as nail fungus, is a fungal infection in the toenails that affects a high percentage of the population. The main cause of this infection are the dermatophytes, a type of fungus that distorts the color, shape and thickness of the nail, destroying it completely, if no measures are taken to combat them. Until recently, the treatment options were limited to creams and topical lacquers with slow and discrete results and the taking of oral medication with toxic effects. Nowadays, advances in medical technology allow us to count on a new and effective method: the PODYLAS ™ S30 laser unit, which treats nail fungus quickly, safely and without side effects.

S30 PODYLAS ™ is a 1064 nm. laser unit. of 30 W. of power that serves for the treatment of onychomycosis, plantar warts and papillomas, neurovascular helomas, intractable keratosis plantar, postsurgical recovery, analgesic and antiinflammatory therapy and other dermatological alterations of the feet.

Applications

Laser treatment for onychomycosis (nail fungus).
Onychomycosis—commonly known as nail fungus—is a fungal infection of the toenails that affects a large percentage of the population. The main cause of this infection is dermatophytes, a type of fungus that distorts the color, shape, and thickness of the nail, eventually destroying it completely if no measures are taken to combat it. Until recently, treatment options were limited to typical creams and lacquers—with slow and discreet results—and oral medications with toxic effects. Today, advances in medical technology allow us to offer a new and effective method: the S30 PODYLAS™ laser, which treats nail fungus quickly, safely, and without side effects.

How does laser treatment work?
The S30 PODYLAS™ laser beam is applied to the infected nails and the surrounding skin, alternating horizontal and vertical passes and repeating the procedure several times, so that no area is left untreated. The laser energy causes a controlled thermal effect, penetrating the nail bed, destroying the fungus without causing damage to the surrounding tissue. The treatment consists of several sessions lasting an average of 15-25 minutes, depending on the number of affected fingers. The treatment is only intended to eradicate the existing fungus in the nails, and its eradication is extremely complex, although nails improve after laser treatment. Between 20-25% of cases never heal due to the coexistence of skin fungus and will require further follow-ups to maintain their health after the initial treatment.

What does the treatment feel like?
The procedure is comfortable and painless; you may notice a slight warmth in the nail.

Does it have side effects?
No, treatment with S30 PODYLAS™ is safe and has no side effects. However, it is not permitted for pregnant women, pacemaker users, or patients who use photosensitive drugs.

How many sessions are recommended?
Generally, 6 sessions, lasting 15-20 minutes, are recommended to ensure eradication of the fungus. However, some patients may need a second course if the infection is widespread. This second course will be subject to a reduction in the session price. Treatment frequency is very important, so scheduled appointments should not be delayed, as this negatively impacts treatment.

When can I return to my normal activities?
Return to daily life after a treatment session is immediate.

Can the fungus reappear?
The treated nails will show improvement a few weeks after treatment, although it will be necessary to follow certain care guidelines recommended by your podiatrist to prevent a possible reappearance of the fungus.

Will the appearance of the nails improve?
Eradication of the infection does not always mean the disappearance of nail dystrophy, as it may be due to previous trauma or non-fungal diseases. The goals of onychomycosis treatment are mycological cure and clinical recovery of the nail. Since the nail grows slowly (0.1 mm/day for fingernails and 0.03-0.05 mm/day for toenails), it will take months to return to normal. The final proof of mycological cure is a negative culture result. Relapses after treatment are common and may be due to reinfection, incomplete eradication of the original fungus, or failure to follow the guidelines prescribed by the podiatrist. A nail takes 12 to 15 months to grow, so the results will not be visible until three months after the last laser application. At the end of treatment, and even during the duration of the treatment, the nail can become reinfected.

For this reason, it is very important to follow the following recommendations:
• Fungal growth is favored by a humid environment and temperatures slightly below 37°C. For this reason, it is important to avoid hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) during and after treatment.
• Wear appropriate footwear and socks (natural fibers, cotton, wool) to prevent skin maceration and nail trauma.
• Avoid wearing athletic shoes every day.
• Wash and dry your feet properly, especially between the toes (and use a hairdryer). Use a soap with a pH greater than or equal to 7 to avoid removing the protective fatty acid layer of the skin, which promotes fungal or bacterial growth. Wash your feet last and always use antiseptic acid soaps.
• Air out your feet as much as possible. Sunbathing is helpful.
• Disinfect shoes and insoles. Apply powder or spray directly or use it in shoe disinfection systems.
• Remember that the fungus is not only transmitted by direct contact but also by towels, sheets, and clothing. Therefore, it is important to disinfect towels regularly.
• Avoid using facilities such as gyms, swimming pools, or saunas without protective measures (sneakers, booties).
• Avoid strong cosmetics.
• Do not use manicure/pedicure materials on infected or suspected infected nails.
• To avoid relapses and treatment failures, the patient should continue the treatment prescribed by the podiatrist for the indicated period, even after the unpleasant symptoms caused by the injury have disappeared.