Details On 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 fungus is targeted and then destroyed by the laser, allowing the nail and skin in surrounding parts to remain undisturbed. The heating and killing of fungi is done without affecting nearby tissues. The various brands of tissues work differently. Nevertheless, the basis is to use heat to eliminate the infections.

During initial infection, there is evaluation of the nails affected, the symptoms, before they are filled down. Lasers get maneuvered over affected nails and are even able to be used over those that do not have the infection. One session goes for approximately 30 minutes or so. Whereas some patients will need just a single session, others will need multiple sessions.

The clearing of the nails after treatments do not occur instantaneously. One will need between 6 and 12 months for the affected nails to grow. This is what will determine if the therapy was successful. The downside of the procedures is the cost that is incurred. The costs could differ from one provider to the next but are at an average of $1000.People looking to undergo the procedure should compare different prices and treatment plans to come up with the best. While the use of traditional techniques would be cheaper, they are not as effective and will require several sessions.

The feeling of pain during the procedure is not experienced by all patients. Some do not feel any pain. On the other hand, there are those who will feel a warm sensation or a pinprick. The infection may recur, which is why doctors recommend care techniques to minimize the chances of this occurring. The fungi are present everywhere, which is why the possibility of re-infection is always there.

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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