Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common problem. It affects millions of Americans. Some estimates say that around 10% of us are dealing with it right now. And, the older you get, the more likely you are to be affected. Around 20% of people over 60 and half of those over 70 have toenail fungus.
The Lunula Laser offers a new treatment option. This FDA-cleared treatment for toenail fungus is non-invasive and, for many, a painless and effective alternative to traditional treatments like topical and oral medications.
This article will tell you everything you need to know about the Lunula Laser for toenail fungus, including how it works, what to expect during treatment, and why it stands out from other options.
What is the Lunula Laser?
The Lunula Laser is a “cold laser” system. That means it uses low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and doesn’t produce heat.
The Lunula Laser is the first and only non-thermal laser to be cleared by the FDA to increase the amount of clear nail in people who have onychomycosis (toenail fungus).
The laser is made by Erchonia, a company that specializes in low-level laser tech. They have more than 16 FDA clearances for their products.
How is the Lunula Laser different from other lasers?
Some Class 4 lasers use heat to treat toenail fungus. But the Lunula is a Class 2 laser. It operates at lower wavelengths, so it doesn’t get hot enough to damage your tissues.
Here are some of the benefits of non-thermal treatment:
- It’s pain-free.
- There’s no risk of burns.
- There’s no downtime after the treatment.
How the Lunula Laser Works
The Lunula laser uses a special dual-diode system to attack toenail fungus.
The Dual-Diode System
The Lunula Laser uses two different wavelengths of light: 405nm and 635nm. Each wavelength has a specific job to do.
The 405nm wavelength targets and kills the fungus that’s causing the infection. The 635nm wavelength stimulates your nail bed to grow new, healthy tissue.
The Science Behind It
It may sound like something out of a science fiction movie, but the Lunula laser uses a process called photomodulation. That’s just a fancy way of saying that the laser light stimulates your cells without burning or damaging them.
The Lunula laser’s main job is to produce a substance called peroxynitrite, which is toxic to fungal pathogens.
What are the benefits of Lunula laser treatment?
People like Lunula laser treatment for toenail fungus for many reasons.
Key Advantages
- It’s painless and non-invasive. People report no pain, discomfort, redness, or tenderness from the touchless procedure.
- There’s no downtime. You can go right back to your usual activities.
- It has no side effects.
- There’s no risk of resistance. The fungi don’t become immune to the Lunula laser.
- It avoids oral medications. You don’t have to take antifungal pills, which can have side effects and potentially damage your liver.
What do the studies show?
Clinical trials show that Lunula laser treatment has an 89% success rate.
In one study, 100 patients got two Lunula laser treatments and experienced an average of 74% fungal clearance in about 3 1/2 months.
Those patients also saw an average of 6.1 millimeters (about 1/4 inch) of new, clear nail growth in 6 months, possibly making them good candidates for KeryFlex Nail Restoration to further improve nail appearance.
What to Expect During Lunula Laser Treatment
A Lunula laser treatment is quick and easy. Each session lasts about 12 minutes.
The typical treatment plan involves four sessions, spaced one week apart.
One of the great things about this treatment is that it’s unattended, meaning the doctor doesn’t have to actively administer the laser during the session. This frees them up to focus on other patients and tasks.
You usually don’t need any special preparation before the treatment, and you may not even need to have your nail trimmed. Also, you usually don’t need any special aftercare, so you can resume your normal activities immediately.
Preventing re-infection and maintaining results
Even after successful Lunula laser treatment, toenail fungus can come back. So, it’s important to take steps to prevent re-infection.
Here’s how to keep your toes fungus-free:
- Sterilize your shoes: Gas sterilizers are effective at killing fungus.
- Use antifungal spray: Spray your feet with an antifungal spray after wearing closed-toe shoes.
- Clean your shower: Spray your shower with a cleanser like Tylex.
- Treat your partner: If your partner has nail fungus, they should also get treated, or you’ll just keep passing it back and forth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I cut my toenail off if it has fungus?
No, you shouldn’t attempt to cut off a toenail infected with fungus. This won’t eliminate the infection and can actually increase the risk of complications like secondary infections or ingrown toenails. It’s best to seek professional treatment from a podiatrist or dermatologist.
How much does the Lunula laser cost?
The cost of Lunula laser treatment for toenail fungus can vary depending on the provider and location. Generally, a full treatment course can range from several hundred to over a thousand dollars. It’s best to consult with a clinic offering Lunula laser to get an accurate price quote.
Is Lunula laser covered by insurance?
Unfortunately, Lunula laser treatment for toenail fungus is typically not covered by insurance. Toenail fungus is often considered a cosmetic issue, so insurance companies rarely reimburse for laser treatments. It is best to check with your insurance provider.
How many Lunula laser treatments are needed?
The standard Lunula laser treatment protocol usually involves a series of treatments spaced about a week apart. Typically, around 4-6 treatments are recommended for optimal results. Your provider will assess the severity of your infection and tailor the treatment plan accordingly.
Do home laser nail fungus treatments work?
While there are home laser devices marketed for toenail fungus, their effectiveness compared to professional-grade lasers like Lunula is questionable. Home devices typically have lower power outputs, which may not be sufficient to effectively target and eliminate the fungus. Consulting a professional for treatment is generally recommended.
Final Thoughts
The Lunula Laser is a safe, painless, and effective treatment for toenail fungus that works without heat. Unlike other treatments, there’s no downtime, no known side effects, and no risk of the fungus becoming resistant to the treatment.
If you think you might have toenail fungus, you should talk with a podiatrist. They can diagnose your condition and help you decide whether the Lunula Laser treatment is right for you.