An Effective Fungal Nail Treatment

Following on from last months blog on "Is It Fungal", we now cover a new treatment option for those that have had a positive test result for fungal infection. Please do pop over to this blog before reading on if you've not had a chance to read this initial post. Worth your time to do so.

The Lacuna Method

This is a new option for effective removal of fungal infection from nails. It involves the Podiatrist creating micro holes through the nail plate so we can access the area under the nail where the infection 'lives'. The reason why topical treatments from pharmacist generally do not work is because we are only treating the top of the nail and we need to access the skin under the nail.

HOW ARE THE MICRO-HOLES CREATED?

The micro holes are created using a specially designed drill, and will need to be redrilled at six weekly intervals. During this period you will be advised not to cut your nails to avoid reinfection and your Podiatrist will cover all nailcare during this period.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO CLEAR THE NAIL FULLY?

Depending on the extent of the infection the treatment may require attendance to the Podiatrist over a 3-9 month period (returning every six weeks).

IS IT PAINFUL?

Yes it can be painful, however most patients liken it to a pin prick or having your eyelashes plucked. So not too bad.

DO I NEED TO DO ANYTHING BETWEEN THE SIX WEEKLY APPOINTMENTS?

Yes you will need to spray the nail with a supplied spray (Lamisil 1%). The spray will penetrate through the holes to reach the skin under your nail to access the infected skin. This requires compliance on your behalf and diligence to gain a positive outcome. So your commitment is necessary.

IS IT ALWAYS SUCCESSFUL?

Our Podiatrist has had some great results with this technique however a couple of factors are recognised for a good outcome. If the nail is fully infected then this technique is not considered an initial option. We can advise you on this during an initial consultation. Also your compliance is paramount for a good outcome - ie spraying the nail daily and following advice on treating your shoes and socks for fungal presence.

WHAT ARE THE COSTS?

Test for presence of dermatophytes (fungus) = 48.00 (this is necessary before we embark upon the treatment)

Number of nails infected for example 1-4 nails then the cost will be 50.00 per treatment

5-10 nails infected cost will be 85.00 per treatment

Packages are available so please speak with your Podiatrist to discuss this fully

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

1. This is not a quick fix - daily application of the spray for at least six months is a needed commitment from yourself

2. Making holes in the nail can be painful with most patients likening it to having your eyebrows plucked

3. You will need to have a fungal test performed before you embark upon Lacuna to make sure it is a fungal infection

4. No nail varnish may be worn during the duration of the treatment

5. We need to make you aware that Lamisil spray is a treatment for fungal infection of the skin and not the nail. Using it for the nail is deemed as 'off-licence'. There have been several clinical trials using Lamisil this way with good results and by drilling through the nail, the treatment is actually reaching the skin.

Any questions please do call us on 07549 559056