Lacuna Fungal Nail Treatment

Lacuna treatment involves using a specially designed micro burr and painlessly drilling small holes within the nail plate across the fungal infected area to expose the nail bed. Application of anti fungal spray (Lamisil 1%), is then able to pass through the small drilled holes which can effectively treat the point of infection under the nail.

The patient will continue to use Lamisil 1% spray to the affected area every day and asked to return in 6 weeks for a review. Daily application of the antifungal spray allows the nail to grow out the damaged nail and stops further spreading of the infection.

This treatment is relatively painless and no anaesthetic is required. Treatment takes round 30mins to 1hr depending on the number of affected nails and the number of holes required.

How do I Know I Have A Fungal Nail Infection?

Changes in the texture, quality and colour of the nails is a first indication that a fungal infection is present. Sometimes this change is notices after nail varnish or gels have been removed exposing the nail. Typically the first signs are a yellow or brown discolouration to the nail plate, which may become thick, crumbly or brittle and lose there shine. Nails may become distorted or misshapen and may also lift from the nail bed.

Fungal Nail Infection (Onychomycosis) is the most difficult of the superficial fungal infections to treat, this is because most tropical agents are unable to penetrate through the nail plate to reach the affected area at the nail bed (the skin which lays beneath the nail plate). This is why Lacuna treatment is so successful in combating difficult fungal infections.

Tips to avoid Fungal Nail Infection:

  • Washing feel regularly

  • Wear shoes in communal pools, gyms and showers

  • Thoroughly dry feet and in-between toes

  • Avoid sharing towels

  • Regularly clip your nails

  • Ensure that your nail technician is cleaning instruments between use to avoid cross contamination.

  • Wear well fitting shoes and socks

 

 

What to Expect

Lacuna method treatment is a course of three separate appointments.

First Appointment:

The podiatrist will start by taking a detailed medical history, including information about the symptom(s) presented. This helps to give the podiatrist an understanding of the individual needs.

Once consultation has finished you will be asked to remove footwear so the podiatrist can assess the feet and fungal nail infected area. As all patients are assessed on their individual needs. Therefore treatment may very slightly, this ensures every patient gets the treatment and advice based on their own needs and concerns.

Treatment option will be discussed,and consent must be given before treatment may start. Consent may be withdraw to treatment at any stage of treatment.

Your feet will then be prepared for the Lacuna method and the podiatrist will give you advice on how to prepare your feet prior to the treatment. This includes using the Lamisil 1% spray on the affected areas every day before you next appointment in approximately a weeks time.

Second Appointment:

Your appointment will start by the podiatrist confirming that you understand the treatment you will be receiving, that there is no changes to the information given at the first assessment appointment and to confirm that you give your consent to treatment. You may withdraw your consent to treatment at any stage of your treatment.

As your treatment begins your podiatrist will check on the pressure and your comfort, however if you are feeling uncomfortable at any time please tell your practitioner.

Once treatment is finished you will be asked to continue with spraying the affected area daily with Lamisil 1% spray and to return for a review in approximate 6 weeks.

Third Appointment:

Your podiatrist will start by discussing the outcome of the treatment and determined if your require any further holes drilled to the nail plate. They will review the affective area and start treatment if necessary.

Once the treatment has finished our podiatrist will discuss a treatment plan if further treatment is required, depending on what symptoms are presented and advice is given to keep the feet and nails in a healthy condition. If you have any concerns regarding your treatment we ask you to contact the clinic to speak to your podiatrist.

 

 

We can insure that personal information and medical history provided are kept strictly confidential. The information given will not be disclosed without your written consent. You are safe in the knowledge that at Widnes Lacuna Fungal Nail Infection Treatment Clinic all podiatrists are certified and has undergone specialist Lacuna Method training. Our Podiatrists with The Health & Care Professional Council. 

For more information please contact us.