Nail Fungus Treatment

Toenail fungus is a nail infection known in medical terms as Onychomycosis. The nails become thick, yellow or discoloured. It can spread from pools, public gyms, nail salons, spas or even working in an environment where fungus thrives. Toe fungus can spread from athletes’ foot infection, or the nails can spread to the skin causing athlete’s foot. This infection is difficult to get rid of, even the best over the counter fungal nail treatment has trouble clearing this condition.

How Photodisinfection Works

Photodisinfection treatment involves applying a light sensitive molecule or photosensitizer to the nail,which is then activated by a particular wavelength of light energy, in order to kill abnormal or diseased cells. It has been used to treat certain cancers or skin conditions, but it can also be used to treat onychomycosis on toenails.Light forms a short-lived excited state when in contact with the blue dye,. The excited state molecule rapidly transforms energy to surrounding oxygen to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), which selectively disrupts the fungus cells. The ROS are short-lived, and the reaction stops immediately upon deactivation of the light.

Procedure of Photodisinfection

The nail is debrided by the Podiatrist or Chiropodist, to make it thinner so the serum can penetrate the nail. The nail can be debrided with a scalpel, nail drill, or both, depending on the thickness of the nail. The nail is cleaned of residue with 70% isopropyl alcohol.

• The serum is applied to affected nails until nails are dark blue
• The serum soaks the nail for 15 minutes to allow the serum to penetrate the nail
• The L.E.D light is shined for 15 minutes to activate the photosensitizer on the nail. It is a 660nm red light.

Depending on severity, 6-10 treatments are required. Each treatment is separated by a two-week interval. It is recommended that the patient receive maintenance treatments every 6 weeks for 6 months.We care about your foot health. Photodisinfection is a good option for those seeking treatment for fungal nails. It is also Health Canada Approved, backed by research.

Book an appointment

To book an appointment with Chris or Laura, call us at 416.804.5199.