What is onychomycosis?
Yellowing, thickening, flaking, or deformation of the nails? These may be signs of onychomycosis—one of the most common fungal infections affecting the toenails and, less commonly, the fingernails.
Although it may seem like a cosmetic problem at first glance, onychomycosis is a condition that can progress over time, leading to discomfort, pain when walking, and a significant decline in quality of life.
If you notice changes in your nails or have already undergone treatment without the desired results, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist at Medcross.
Why is treating nail fungus sometimes difficult?
Treating fungal nail infections often requires patience and consistency. Depending on the extent of the infection, topical treatments, medication, or a combination of different methods may be prescribed.
However, for some patients, the results are unsatisfactory, or the treatment is lengthy and difficult to follow.
What is Nd:YAG laser treatment?
Modern dermatology offers additional options to aid in the treatment of onychomycosis. One of these is Nd:YAG laser therapy.
The laser energy penetrates the nail plate and reaches the affected tissues, where it creates an environment that is hostile to the growth of fungal pathogens. The procedure is gentle, noninvasive, and requires no recovery time. After treatment, the patient can immediately resume their daily activities.
It is important to note that laser treatment does not always replace medication. In many cases, it is used as part of an individualized treatment plan developed by a dermatologist based on the severity of the condition and the patient’s specific circumstances.
When might laser treatment be appropriate?
Treatment with an Nd laser may be considered for patients who:
- They have not achieved the desired results with over-the-counter products or medications;
- They have recurrent fungal nail infections;
- They are looking for a complementary method to their prescribed treatment;
- They cannot take certain systemic antifungal medications;
- They are calling for a more targeted and gentle approach to the problem.
If onychomycosis is suspected, it is important to first consult a dermatologist to determine the appropriate treatment approach.
How does the procedure work?
Before treatment begins, a dermatologist conducts an examination to assess the condition of the nails and the extent of the damage. If necessary, additional tests may be ordered to confirm the diagnosis.
The procedure itself is brief and is generally well tolerated by patients. You may feel a slight warmth during the laser treatment. The number of sessions required is determined on a case-by-case basis, depending on the severity and duration of the infection.
It is important to keep in mind that the growth of a new, healthy nail is a slow process. Even after successful treatment, it takes months for the nail plate to fully recover.
Why is it important to see a dermatologist early on?
The earlier onychomycosis is diagnosed, the greater the chances of successfully controlling the infection. Untreated fungal infections can gradually spread to a larger portion of the nail and spread to adjacent nails.
A timely consultation with a dermatologist makes it possible to develop an appropriate treatment plan and choose the best approach for the specific case.
About Dr. Jasmine John
Dr. Jasmine John is a clinical dermatologist and a member of the Medcross Medical Center team. Born and raised in Kuwait, she completed her medical training and residency in dermatology in Bulgaria.
In her practice, she treats patients with various skin conditions, including acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis, skin lesions, and fungal nail infections.
Her approach focuses on the individual assessment of each patient and combines proven medical methods with the capabilities of modern laser technologies. When treating onychomycosis, Dr. John develops a personalized treatment plan based on the extent of the infection and the patient’s needs.
