But not all of us are happy for our feet to be seen!

Onychomycosis, commonly known as fungal nails, is the most common general foot condition seen by podiatrists across Australia.

The symptoms of a fungal nail include white, yellow or dark nail discolouration, thickening of the nail, raising or complete loss of the nail, brittle nails, odour from the nails and ill-growth of the nail. If not treated, fungal nails may cause complications such as subungal henatoma or ulcers, cellulitis, paronychia and social anxiety.

Warts on the feet such as plantar warts can also be a painful and unsightly condition. Foot warts can be hard to treat because pressure on the soles causes a plantar wart to grow inwards and a layer of hard skin often forms over the wart.

Traditionally the wart was removed with wart paints or chemicals, using liquid nitrogen to freeze the wart or surgical removal, all of which can cause damage to the surrounding normal skin.

The great news is that there is a new treatment available that can be used to eliminate these problems.

Dr Sanjay Parasher, podiatrist at Seaview Clinic in Wollongong said, “Onychomycosis and foot warts can now be treated with our new TGA Genesis Plus laser from Cutera. The laser used is known as a YAG laser which specifically aids in eradicating fungal infections, warts and surgical scars.

“This is the first fungal laser machine in Wollongong and gives patients the opportunity to finally cure their fungal nails.” 

The previous methods for treating fungal nails, which had scientific approval, were topical application of a lacquer style medication each day for a minimum of six months, oral antifungal medication each day for six to 12 months and removing or debriding the nail. 

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“Laser treatments are effective in eliminating nail infections and restoring clear nails,” Dr Parasher said. “An assessment is required before the laser treatment as results may vary from patient to patient. But most patients experience at least some improvement.”

During treatment most patients experience a warm sensation on their toes. The laser is equipped with a live temperature monitor to minimise any chance of complications and burns.

“In a recent study a clearance rate of 92 per cent was established after a cycle of treatments using the Genesis Plus laser from Cutera,” Dr Parasher said. “Laser treatment on warts is also receiving a high result rate with the wart total clearance rate up around the 90 per cent range.”

To find out more go to seaviewclinic.com.au.