Name: Ellen Maypogher
Age: 61
Location: Welker, Newcastle
Occupation: Retired
61 year old Ellen Maypogher first suffered the unsightly and embarrassing effects of a fungal nail infection (onychomycosis) three years ago when the big toe on her right foot became infected with fungus, and started turning a filthy yellow colour. The toe was crumbling away before her very eyes. The embarrassment of it prevented her from going swimming, she couldn't wear nail varnish, or pretty sandals in the summer.
"If anything you've got on show goes wrong, you feel self-conscious about it. Like having acne on the face - it's the same for the toes."
Ellen initially went to the Pharmacist and was recommended various creams, which she was told might cure the infection. Nothing worked, so a visit to the doctors was in order. He suggested she'd need 3-4 courses of oral tablets, which would take between 9-12 months to clear the fungus. But they came with worrying side effects, including diarrhoea and vomiting, and were only 30%-50% effective.
Fearful of suffering any further pain or humiliation, Ellen decided to visit the chiropodist. She spotted an advert in The Dow Clinic about three months later for a laser fungal nail procedure with the PinPointe FootLaser from Cynosure, and after a consultation with Hamish Dow, begun a course of short lunch-hour treatments.
Hamish told her the infection had spread to her other toes, he was shocked at the severity of the fungus. It was the worst case he'd seen in years. The sessions themselves lasted around 20 minutes, and felt like a quick pin prick on the toe nail. Completely comfortable, and no downtime involved at all.
Ellen is thrilled with the results, her toes are now a very healthy shade of pink and better than they've ever looked. Money well spent for a pain-free laser treatment.
Ellen verdict: “I must have the prettiest toes in Welker!”
