(4/30/2012) For the roughly 30 million Americans coping with the physical, emotional and social effects of nail fungus, the quest for a safe and effective solution has been frustrating.  Known medically as onychomycosis, nail fungus is typically treated through the use of various topical and oral therapies, but such treatment options have demonstrated limited success or caused adverse side effects.

The physicians at Atlantic Foot and Ankle Associates are providing their patients with a leading therapy to improve the appearance of nails affected by onychomycosis through the use of a new noninvasive laser therapy system called GenesisPlus from Cutera (San Francisco Bay Area, CA).  The system applies laser energy to the nail plate and surrounding tissue.  The laser light gradually heats the fungus and promotes the growth of healthy, clear nails.

Topical treatments alone are generally unable to clear the nail because of insufficient nail plate penetration.  While oral drugs have exhibited some success rate, such treatment is associated with common adverse side effects, including gastrointestinal and skin disorders, headaches and abnormal liver function. 

Dr. James Rust says the GenesisPlus system provides a safe and effective alternative to conventional treatment options for nail fungus.  “While traditional treatment options have been limited due to either insufficient outcomes or patient concerns regarding side effects, the GenesisPlus laser system provides a reliable nontoxic option that is much easier to use and well tolerated by patients,” Dr. Rust said.  “In a few 10-20 minute sessions, I can treat a patient who has been suffering for many years with unsightly, deformed and discolored toenails, all without downtime for my patients.”

Ann Whiddon of Deland, who chose GenesisPlus for toenail fungus, said the laser system surpassed her expectations.  “I suffered from toenail fungus for almost twenty years.  Before I received my laser procedure, my toenails hurt and I was always embarrassed of the unpleasant appearance of my nails,” said Whiddon.  “After receiving GenesisPlus therapy, my nails grew in clearer and healthier-looking.  The treatment sessions were surprisingly comfortable,” she added.

GenesisPlus has been demonstrated to clear nails of mild and severe forms of fungus, ultimately improving the cosmetic appearance of the nails.  Utilizing the latest technology, GenesisPlus also is powerful enough to treat warts and is used to treat and accelerate scar remodeling, including fresh surgical scars, hypertrophic and keloid scars. 

About Onychomycosis

Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the toenails or fingernails.  Most commonly found in toenails, onychomycosis causes the nail to become discolored, thickened and separated from the nail bed.  If left untreated, the condition can cause toenails to become so thick that they press against the inside of shoes, causing pressure, irritation and pain.

Onychomycosis is the cause of half of all nail disorders and it is the most common nail disease in adults.  Approximately half of the population will have at least one infected toenail during the course of their lives.  The incidence of onychomycosis has been increasing, owing to such factors as diabetes, immunosuppression and increasing age.

About Atlantic Foot and Ankle Associates and the Florida Laser Center

In addition to providing the best quality care for your feet and ankles, Atlantic Foot and Ankle Associates has created the Florida Laser Center for the treatment of toenail fungus.  Visit www.FloridaLaserCenter.com for a website that is completely dedicated to providing a wealth of patient education about onychomycosis and treatment options.  If you or a loved one is suffering from toenail fungus and would like to like to make an appointment, please call (386) 274-LASER (5273).

At Atlantic Podiatry Associates, we are thrilled to present to you a new treatment that can quickly and effectively eliminate toenail fungus.  Toenail fungus, also called onychomycosis, is a common condition estimated to affect up to 10% of the population worldwide.  It can cause nails to become yellow or discolored.  As the infection advances the nail can become thick, brittle, and separate from the nail bed.  It can also cause pain when wearing shoes or walking. 

At our Laser Center, we are using an FDA approved laser that safely and effectively treats nail fungus by targeting the fungus directly and getting to the source of the problem immediately.  Tiny pulses of light from the laser pass through the nail to the fungus underneath.  The fungus is irradiated without any damage to the surrounding nail or skin.  The procedure takes 15 – 30 minutes, and all toes are treated for the best chance of success.

Most patients see results as the nail grows out.  Toenails grow slowly, especially nails infected with fungus, so it may take six to twelve months for your toenail to clear.  And you may be wondering, is this laser procedure painful?  Most people feel a slight warming sensation during the laser therapy procedure, but no pain medication is needed and most people find the treatment very easy to tolerate.  You can resume your normal activities immediately and can apply nail polish the very next day. 

Laser therapy for toenail fungus is a quick, easy, safe and effective way to treat fungus at the source and studies show a success rate of 85%.  So if you want to have supermodel-beautiful feet, come visit us in Daytona Beach and let us help you enjoy sandals and walk barefoot on the beach again.

By Dr. James Rust