Health & Medical Health News & Knowledge

Patients Get Permanent Results With Laser Treatment For Toenail Fungus

Fungal infection of the nails is called "onychomycosis" and it most often affects the toenails. Those who struggle with this unpleasant condition no longer have to be troubled with ineffective ointments and potentially unsafe medications with the recent availability of laser treatment for toenail fungus. This method has many advantages over other approaches and has been proven effective.

When someone is suffering from onychomycosis, one or more nails will typically be discolored and brittle which may worsen to the point where the nail begins to crumble and eventually falls off. While it is uncomfortable, it is also unsightly and can make sufferers insecure about the appearance of their feet. Those who may be predisposed to this disorder include the elderly, diabetics, people with a family history of toenail infections, and anyone who regularly wears poorly ventilated footwear.

A laser light tool is used for this procedure which penetrates the nail's surface and enters the nail plate and bed, the site of fungus growth. The light beam is tuned to a prescribed frequency and wavelength. Heat generated by the laser is absorbed by the pigments in the organism which effectively eradicates it. The FDA has approved several different types of lasers for this procedure.

One notable advantage of this approach is the fact that it does not have any known side effects associated with it. The laser only targets the affected tissue, and does not interfere with surrounding, healthy tissues at all. A painless procedure done on an out-patient basis, it does not carry risks as many of the medications commonly prescribed for this same condition do. If any discomfort is felt during the treatment, this can easily be resolved by adjusting the laser.

Another quality which appeals to many patients is how little time this treatment takes. Most sessions only take about ten minutes on average, but this may be longer if more than one toes are being treated. Some patients will only require one session, while others may need subsequent ones, the doctor will determine the most suitable treatment schedule.

If multiple appointments are needed, the patient will typically receive the next one in about two months time after the previous one. While each case is unique, it is unlikely that a patient will need more than three sessions. Results vary too, but most patients report significant improvement in the condition and appearance of their nails upon completion of laser therapy.

Following the treatment, most patients will experience new nail growth within three months time. These results can be even further improved upon with the use of an anti-fungal cream containing L-arginine and practicing proper foot hygiene. Undergoing this procedure places no limitations on one's abilities whatsoever and patients leave the facility feeling no different than when they arrived.

There is not a fixed price for laser treatment for toenail fungus, and this figure will differ from one facility to the next and it can also depend on the number of areas being treated and how advanced the condition is. Generally, initial consultations are free of charge. This is not a procedure which is covered by most health insurance plans, but there are other agencies which provide medical financing the patient can consider.

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