AESTHETIC TREATMENTS
ClearSteps: Laser nail fungal treatment
Laser treatment of fungal nail infections is a safe and effective alternative to medications.
- Long terms success rate of over 90%
- Kills fungi by heating the nail
- Fewer side effects than medications
Onychomycosis (fungal infection of the nails) is a common and often long-term condition.
The first line of treatment is usually an anti-fungal medication, either a cream or prescription oral medication, which aims to kill the fungi. These treatments have several problems, including:
- A long course of treatment is required.
- Oral medications, while being more effective, may cause side effects, including nausea and upset stomach, skin rashes and liver damage.
- Antifungal medications often interact with other medications, including antidepressants, beta-blockers and some enzyme inhibitors.
In cases where medications have been ineffective or aren’t suitable, laser treatment is a safe and effective alternative.
MBBS, MA (Virtual Comm), Grad Cert Hlth Info, Grad Dip Comp Inf Sci
What is ClearSteps treatment?
The ClearSteps treatment is a series of laser treatment sessions for the nail and surrounding tissues.
The laser settings warm the nail, underlying and surrounding tissues which kill the infecting fungi.
How well does it work?
Laser nail fungal treatment is more effective than topical or oral treatments, without the liver toxicity associated with some oral treaments.1
Clinical trials2, 3 of the ClearSteps method have demonstrated 95% clearance of fungi three months after treatment. 100% clearance was achieved when the laser treatment was repeated and 93% reported clear nails up to 32 months after treatment. The only reported side effect was a slight yellowing of the nails.
References
- Janjic M. Non-aesthetic use of lasers: Onychomycosis. Online presentation, year not stated.
- Kozarev J, Vižintin Z. Novel laser therapy in treatment of onychomycosis. Journal of the Laser and Health Academy, vol. 2010, no.1.
- Kozarev J. ClearSteps – Laser onychomycosis treatment: Assessment of efficacy 12 months after treatment and beyond. Journal of the Laser and Health Academy, Vol. 2011, No.1.
How it’s done
The laser is guided in a spiral motion around each toenail, three times for each nail.
Each time the laser fires, there may be a crackling sound. As treatment continues, the nail feels warmer. The increasing warmth may become painful as the treatment of each nail reaches its conclusion. The pain subsides instantly.
All nails are treated, and the total treatment time is 10-15 minutes.
Conditions treated
How to prepare
Get the most out of your treatment by being properly prepared.
Before each treatment, trim your nails as short as possible and file thickened or raised areas.
Wash and dry the feet, and wear clean socks.
Bring a further pair of clean socks to wear after your treatment.
Immediately after the procedure, put on clean socks and shoes. Keep the toes and nails as clean and dry as possible.
Learn more about laser nail fungal treatment aftercare.
Side effects and problems
The main side effect is pain during the procedure. This settles immediately when the treatment stops. There are no known significant complications.
In some cases, a single course of treatment might not be effective and further treatment may be recommended 3-6 months later.
The number of BBL or laser treatments required to achieve optimal results varies depending on skin type and the condition being treated. Small lesions such as angiomas can be treated with a smaller number of treatments, while long-established skin conditions such as rosacea may require multiple treatments.
More infoAt Spot Check Clinic, you’ll be treated by a doctor or registered nurse. All of our treating staff are registered with AHPRA and comply with professional and ethical codes of practice.
More infoIPL (intense pulsed light) is a treatment for skin conditions which uses multiple light wavelengths at high energy to target and destroy unwanted skin structures. BBL is a relatively new and more advanced form of IPL with several advantages including advanced cooling and an "in motion" option which allows smoother and faster treatment.
More info
Get on top of nail fungal infections
Laser treatment of fungal nail infections is a safe and effective alternative to medications.
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