Paediatric Laser Fungal Nail Treatment: Is it Safe for Kids?
The need for paediatric fungal nail treatment.
Fungal nail infections in children, while less common than in adults does occur occasionally and can be distressing.
These infections occasionally cause discomfort but more often cause a degree of social anxiety. As a parent, you're naturally concerned about finding the safest and effective treatment for your child. Laser therapy has emerged as a promising option, and in this article, we will assess its suitability for paediatric patients, which may be a better option than oral antifungals that require blood tests during treatment or chemist products.
Understanding paediatric fungal nail infections
What are fungal nail infections in children?
Fungal nail infections in children, also known as onychomycosis, are caused by dermatophytes, yeasts, or moulds invading the nail. They can lead to thickened, discoloured, and brittle nails, causing pain and self-esteem issues in children.
Symptoms and causes
These infections typically manifest through symptoms like nail discolouration, brittleness, and discomfort. Causes range from poor hygiene and footwear choices to genetic predisposition and environmental factors.
Common risk factors include exposure damp environments, like swimming pools or having perpetually sweaty feet. Sharing footwear can also increase the risk of nail fungus infections as spores can be passed from one person to another.
Addressing such infections early is important so you can limit and avoid potential complications. Untreated fungal infections can lead to permanent nail damage or spread to other nails.
Laser treatment for fungal nail infections
Laser therapy involves the use of specific light wavelengths to target and destroy fungal infections within the nail.
Laser treatment works by penetrating the infected nail, targeting the fungi while sparing healthy tissue. This procedure promotes nail growth without the adverse effects associated with oral medications. Children may need two or three sessions with about three to four weeks between each one until a healthy nail to grows out.
Is Laser Treatment Safe for Kids?
Yes! Numerous studies suggest that laser therapy for fungal nail infections is safe for children. A gentle, warm sensation occurs during treatment, and there are no reported side effects.
Making an informed decision: tips for parents
Talk to The Perth Podiatrists about paediatric laser treatment
Before proceeding with laser therapy, consult us for essential information about the fungal nails, and the suitability for Fungal Nail Laser Therapy for your child, and answer any specific concerns you may have. We’ll answer all your questions and make sure you're comfortable with how the procedure will go and consider other treatment options if they are more suitable. The Perth Podiatrists have a Perth based pharmacy compound a topical antifungal nail solution which is very effective in mild infections.
Preparing your child for the treatment: Tips and best practices
Some children, particularly very young children, may feel nervous about any medical appointment. Help your child understand the procedure and what to expect during the sessions. They’re welcome to bring a comfort toy with them to hold onto if this will help them feel more comfortable and all podiatrists are very approachable and we are a child friendly practice.
Post-treatment care and preventive measures for healthy feet
Laser treatment doesn’t require any post-treatment care, such as bandaging or topical creams. Simply encourage your child to wear clean, breathable shoes, and clean socks to avoid the issues reoccurring. We’ll also provide information on measures to prevent cross infections at your child’s appointment.
Trust your child’s footcare to The Perth Podiatrists
As a parent, you want the best for your child. Don’t wait for fungal issues to get worse; book a consultation with The Perth Podiatrists and take a proactive step towards optimal paediatric foot health. Small infections can be more easily managed.