Facts About Laser Treatment For Toenail Fungus

By Marissa Velazquez


Toenail fungal infection is also known as onychomycosis. The nails in the toes become thick, hard and with crumbling edges. In the initial stages, the infection appears as small spots with a white color and spread to have an effect on the whole nail. Either one nail or several of them can be affected. Fungal nail infections are hard to cure and have a tendency to recur. This is why laser treatment for toenail fungus is preferred- it completely gets rid of the infection.

The models of lasers used are diverse. There is the Patholase for instance that does not yet have full approval of the FDA. Various studies have shown that it is not completely effective. There are several other models, others very effective and others waiting the approval of FDA. For the techniques that are effective, improvement is realized within 6 months. Lasers are concentrated light beams which vaporize tissues in the areas affected. Lasers of different wavelengths are chosen according to the area being treated.

The fungi are destroyed by being targeted to allow the nail and skin in surrounding areas not to be affected. The fungus is heated and then killed, with the tissues in the surrounding areas remaining unaffected. The various laser brands differ in the way they treat diseases. However, the main basis of their functioning is elimination of the fungi using heat.

During the initial consultation, the nail gets evaluated, the symptoms looked at and then filled down. The lasers are manipulated over affected nails and can get to even unaffected ones. One session goes for about 30 minutes or at times less. Some patients will succeed after a single session while others will need a number of sessions.

The nails will not be cleared at once. Approximately 6 or 12 months will be needed for nails to grow out. That will be the best way to determine if the procedure was a success. The costs of treatment are the downside, with the average cost being around $1000. For the best deals, one should take time to compare the various options available. Despite the fact that traditional techniques do not cost a lot, they are never very effective and will need a number of sessions.

Most of the patients never experience any sort of pain. A warm sensation or a pinprick may be experienced by some people. Due to the ability of the infection to recur, there are care techniques recommended by doctors to minimize the chances of re-infection. The fact that the fungi are present everywhere in the environment makes recurrence a constant challenge.

As to the question of whether having a pedicure or painting nails is prohibited, there would be no problem with that. Patients are allowed to apply polish when they are done with the procedure. Nevertheless, any decorations or polish must be gotten rid of before the procedure. This is a mandatory requirement.

As concerns insurance, laser treatment for toenail fungus may be covered or at times not covered. The procedure is mostly considered aesthetic. This explains health insurance plans do not offer coverage.




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