Toe Fungus

• The laser will be maneuvered in a “painting” motion over the infected nail.  This can also include non-infected nails to ensure that the infection will not spread.
• Number of treatments will depend on the severity of the Onychomycosis/Toenail fungus. Severely infected nails may take longer to resolve, but clients should expect around three sessions.
• The average time interval between treatments is 6 weeks.
• Due to slow nail growth, results may not be noticeable for 3+ months.
• Within 3-6 months post-treatment, your new nail will begin to grow. Sometime during the year, your nail should be healthy and fully grown back to its original form.

There are a number of effects of a laser treatment.  These are common and include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Blistering/Crusting
• Darkening
• General warm sensation

These can last from several hours to up to 14 days.  This depends on each person’s skin and how it will react.  Most side effects are expected to last no more than 7 days.  Ice packs, cold compresses and antibiotic creams (for the blisters) can help with healing.  DO NOT peel off any of the crusting but rather allow it to heal on its own.

If any of the conditions worsen or do not heal over time, you will need to consult your doctor.

Freckles, capillaries, spider veins, and other skin pigmentation that was the target of the treatment may become darker for 2 weeks following the treatment.  This will eventually give way to a lightening of the area.

Areas of the body that were targeted for hair removal will continue to grow hair.  Some of this hair will follow out on its own.  The remainder will grow less dense after each laser treatment.  In order to completely work through the area, multiple treatments will be required.  This is because each hair follicle grows in different stages.  Approximately 20% reduction of hair growth noted 4 – 8 weeks following each procedure.

Tips for a better recovery:

1. Avoid hot water on the treated area
2. If part of the treatment included any part of your face, wash your face with soap-free skin cleansing gel, micellar water, or just water.  Continue to do this for the first 2 to 3 days post treatment.  Do not dry your face by rubbing with a towel as this can cause irritation.
3. Treat the target area with Aloe Vera to help with any discomfort.  You can also apply gentle skin creams that provide some SPF protection such as CeraVe or Alantan.
4. Keep the treated area covered with sunscreen (one that protects against UV rays and is SPF 50).
5. If the target areas include the underarms, avoid using deodorant/antiperspirant for 2 weeks as this may irritate the skin.
6. Avoid sun (as well as ultraviolet light and tanning beds) as much as possible as this may cause spots that will need several months to fade.  If this is not possible, ensure sunscreen is on for 4 weeks following the treatment and do your best to cover the area with light material.
7. Avoid skin care products that may irritate the skin, such as scrubs, exfoliants, and alpha/beta hydroxy acid for at least 2 weeks.
8. Avoid exercise for 24 hours after the treatment.
9. Avoid excessive heat from saunas, steam rooms, or hot showers/baths.
10. Avoid irritating the area with clothing.  Ideally, wear light colored cotton.
11. Do not use hairspray
12. If you think you may have an infection, call your doctor right away.

• Prior to all laser treatments, the nail should be filed down until the nail bed is almost exposed. The thinner the nail, the better the treatment is.
• Remove or cover any jewelry (including toe rings).
• Clean all nails thoroughly.
• Shave the treatment area if there is excessive hair.
• Bring clean shoes and socks to wear home from the treatment.
• Wash sheets, disinfect shower/bath and vacuum carpets day of treatment.

• The skin is cleaned thoroughly prior to treatment. 
• Patient feedback is required in order to determine appropriate treatment procedure.
• Safety considerations are important during the laser procedure. Protective eye wear will be worn by the patient and all personnel in the operative suite during the procedure to reduce the chance of damage to the eye. Your provider will take all necessary precautions to ensure your safety.

• To help prevent re-infection:
  –  Wear clean shoes/socks home after treatment.
  –  Wash sheets, disinfect shower/bath and vacuum carpets day of treatment.
  –  Apply anti-fungal cream 2X per day for approximately 2 weeks to 3+ months depending on the severity of the infection.
  –  Apply anti-fungal powder to all shoes at least 1x per week for at least 1+ month.
  –  Keep nails trimmed and cleaned (disinfecting instruments after each use).
  –  Do not walk barefoot in public places (pool, gym, etc.).
• Nail polish may be applied 24 hours after treatment.
• Number of treatments will depend on severity of the Onychomycosis / Toenail Fungus.
• The average time interval between treatments is 4-6 weeks.
• Due to slow nail growth, results may not be noticeable for 3+ months.
• Toenails may take 9-12+ months to grow out.
• Severely infected nails may take longer.
• If a blister develops, treat as a wound.
• Avoid using products that may irritate the treated skin.  This includes products containing alcohol, retinol, benzoyl peroxide, salicylic/glycolic acid, acids, scrubs, astringents, etc.
• Avoid drinking alcohol for 24 hours after treatment.
• Cold gel packs or cool compresses may be applied post-treatment on hot spots.
• Drink 1.5 litres of water every day to help with healing.  Add freshly squeezed lemon or grapefruit juice.

• Immediate improvement and control over infection.
• Completely clean nail after multiple treatments and full re-growth.