Fungal nail infections, also known as onychomycosis, are stubborn and can really impact a person’s quality of life. You might feel self-conscious about your feet, and over-the-counter treatments often don’t do the trick.
That’s where the Lunula Laser comes in. It’s a low-level laser therapy that’s designed to target and eliminate toenail fungus.
But does it really work? Is it safe? What’s it actually like to get the treatment? This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the Lunula Laser, digging into the available information to give you a clearer picture of its effectiveness, safety, and what patients actually experience. We’ll explore some Lunula Laser reviews so you can decide if this treatment is right for you.
Understanding the Lunula Laser Technology
The Lunula laser is a non-invasive approach to treating toenail fungus. It’s different from other lasers, and here’s why.
How the Lunula Laser Works
The Erchonia Lunula laser is a dual-diode, Class 2 laser that combines 405nm and 635nm wavelengths to treat onychomycosis, or toenail fungus.
Unlike lasers that use heat to destroy tissue, the Lunula laser is a “cold” laser. This means it focuses on photomodulation, using light to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes instead of burning away the fungus. The Lunula laser targets the entire nail complex, including the nail plate, bed, and matrix.
FDA Clearance and Safety
The Lunula laser is the first and only non-thermal laser to receive FDA 510(k) Market Clearance for toenail fungus.
It’s considered a safe and effective treatment option with no known risks or harmful side effects, especially when compared to oral antifungal medications. The treatment itself is painless, making it a comfortable experience for patients.
How does the Lunula laser compare to other treatments?
The Lunula laser offers several advantages over traditional treatments for onychomycosis.
Advantages over traditional treatments
Oral antifungals are one approach to treating nail infections, but other options include treatments like Fungus Exodus. However, these medications come with potential side effects, and their effectiveness can be inconsistent.
Class 4 lasers, and others like the HyperBlue 1530 laser treatment, are another treatment option, but they use heat to target the infection. This heat can damage tissue and pose risks, especially for people with conditions like neuropathy. There is also a risk of burning tissue, which can lead to subungual necrosis, a condition where tissue under the nail dies.
No laser plume concerns
Laser plume is a vaporized byproduct that is created when high-energy lasers are used in medical procedures. Laser plume can contain harmful materials and increase the risk of infection.
The Lunula laser is a cool laser that doesn’t create laser plume, so it reduces potential risks for both patients and medical staff.
Does the Lunula laser work? What the research shows
The Lunula laser is a relatively new approach to treating nail fungus, so the research is still coming in.
Reported clearance rates
One study looked at over 100 people who used the Lunula laser. On average, their nail fungus cleared up 73.89% after about 3.5 months, and they only needed two treatments.
Treatment protocols
For best results, follow the treatment recommendations. Some providers recommend two treatments, but a protocol of four treatments, spaced a week apart, is likely to be more effective for long-term results. The more treatments you have, the more your microcirculation improves, and the healthier your nails become.
Do you need fungal cultures?
Getting a fungal culture isn’t always necessary. Because cold laser therapy is low risk, clinical evaluations can often be enough to decide whether to use the Lunula laser.
What do patients say about the Lunula laser?
It’s always good to hear what real patients say about a treatment. Here’s one example:
Kate had a fungal infection in her toenail that had been lingering for a long time. The Lunula laser treatment eliminated the infection completely, and Kate was very happy with the results and the advice she received.
Of course, every patient’s experience is different, and your results will depend on how severe your infection is.
How can I prevent reinfection?
Once your fungal nail infection has cleared up, you’ll want to take steps to make sure it doesn’t come back; for example, understanding toenail fungus contagiousness and prevention is essential. Here are some tips for preventing reinfection:
- Sanitize your shoes after treatment.
- Spray shoes with an antimicrobial agent.
- Scrub your toes daily.
- Use a sterile nail salon.
- Bring your own nail polish and remover.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you scrape out toenail fungus?
While scraping or filing down the infected nail can help with discomfort and allow topical treatments to penetrate better, it won’t eliminate the fungus entirely. The fungus lives deep within the nail bed, so simply removing the surface layer isn’t a long-term solution. It’s best used as a complementary approach alongside other treatments.
How long does it take for Lunula to heal?
Lunula laser treatment doesn’t require any healing time. It’s a non-thermal laser, meaning it doesn’t generate heat, so there’s no risk of burning or damage to the surrounding tissue. You can resume your normal activities immediately after the treatment.
What are the side effects of Lunula laser?
The Lunula laser is generally considered a very safe treatment with minimal side effects. Because it’s a cold laser, it doesn’t cause pain, burning, or scarring. Most patients experience no adverse reactions whatsoever. This makes it a popular alternative to some of the more invasive or systemic treatments for toenail fungus.
How much does laser treatment for toenail fungus cost?
The cost of laser treatment for toenail fungus, including Lunula, can vary depending on the location, the number of treatments needed, and the provider. Generally, you can expect to pay several hundred dollars per treatment. It’s best to consult with a podiatrist or dermatologist for a personalized cost estimate.
How long does Lunula laser take to work?
Unlike some treatments that require immediate visible changes, Lunula laser works by stimulating your body’s natural healing processes. You won’t see immediate results. It takes time for the healthy nail to grow in and replace the infected nail. Improvement is usually noticeable within a few months, with full results potentially taking 6-12 months, depending on the severity of the infection and the rate of nail growth.
To Conclude
The Lunula Laser is a safe, painless, and effective treatment for toenail fungus. It’s FDA cleared and doesn’t carry the risks of older, heat-based lasers or oral medications.
While the Lunula Laser offers a lot of promise, it’s still important to talk to a podiatrist or foot specialist before starting treatment. A professional can properly diagnose your condition and create a treatment plan that’s right for you. Following their advice and taking care of your feet after treatment will also improve your chances of success.
For people who want to treat toenail fungus without surgery or medication, the Lunula Laser is a revolutionary option.