nail fungus laser is a highly contagious and traumatic problem that can cause great discomfort, especially if you have profusely sweaty feet, wear wrong footwear, a weakened immune system, or have severe health conditions. Fungi called dermatophytes love warm, moist places, like the insides of sweaty socks and shoes, gyms, showers, etc. If they manage to latch on to your toes, they then start to eat the keratin that makes up your nails. At some point, it can be very difficult to eliminate this type of fungus from your nails.
Most Podiatrists can help manage this with suitable medications that one can apply on the affected areas. Sadly, advanced cases of this toenail fungus infection can get very hard to treat with just this kind of medication.
For instance , the fungus could grow above and underneath the nail where the medication may not reach. It is in such situations that laser treatment becomes advisable and necessary.
How does laser treatment work?
Laser therapy is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the process of laser toenail fungus removal. Podiatrists use a concentrated beam of laser light near the patient’s skin to generate heat, which kills the fungi in the infected area. This painless procedure not only instantly destroys the hard-to-reach fungus, it also promotes new and healthy nail growth.
In some cases, laser therapy may not be used to treat the affected areas directly. Instead, it can be used to cut a hole in the affected toenail to make it easy for the patient to apply the prescribed medication on the affected area. While recurrence of infection is highly unlikely, certain pesky fungal infections could possibly return and require additional follow-up treatment.
Are there any patients who should refrain from laser nail fungus removal? Patients not recommended to undergo laser nail fungus removal include diabetics, pregnant women, those who have ingrown toenails, peripheral neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease (PAD), or arterial insufficiency.
Benefits of Laser Toenail Fungus Therapy
Heat completely destroys the fungus: The heat from the laser therapy almost instantly eliminates the fungus, making this an extremely efficient treatment option.
Little to no discomfort: Laser toenail fungus removal causes very little, if any discomfort. Why, the treatment doesn't even require patients to be under the influence of anesthesia.
Simple treatment process: Laser treatments typically take less than 20 minutes to perform, largely depending on the patient’s condition. Some only require one treatment session to see positive results, whereas others maye need a few more.
Quick results: How long does it take for laser toenail fungus treatment to work? Laser therapy for treating toenail fungus is a fairly quick therapy option. Patients usually experience positive signs of recovery, and more importantly, a sense of immediate relief.
Zero negative side effects: Are there side effects to laser toenail fungus removal? Laser treatment and laser toenail fungus therapy are completely safe FDA-approved medical procedures. Patients will experience no negative side effects when choosing to address and treat ongoing and severe toenail fungus problems.
Fast rate of recovery: Toenail fungus removal using a laser drastically reduces swelling and further minimizes any formation of scar tissue. While some patients undergo fast recovery with a single laser treatment, additional follow-up sessions may be prescribed based on the results. Some signs of improvement include, the disappearance of yellow-brown discoloration and flaky debris of the affected toenail(s), recovery of Onycholysis, and new normal nail growth.
Laser treatment compared to other options
Oral antifungal medications, topical antifungal medications, or a combination of both, are some of the common treatment options for toenail fungus. Do note that oral antifungals come with their fair share of side effects and don’t completely cure Onychomycosis. Patients who don't positively respond to antifungal medications may have to undergo laser toenail fungus therapy to effectively treat the toenail fungus. Laser treatments are significantly more effective than other ways of treating Onychomycosis.
If you're currently experiencing a case of toe fungus, making an appointment with a podiatrist to learn more about laser toenail therapy and other options should be your next move. At Orange County Foot & Ankle Group (OCFA), we have expert podiatrists and staff to bring new hope to those affected by Onychomycosis. We use a safe and effective laser, named the Erchonia Lunula Laser, which is the first and only non-thermal cold laser to receive FDA 510(k) market clearance for the treatment of Onychomycosis. The innovative Lunula foot fungus laser poses none of the risks and harmful side effects of oral antifungal medications and is painless, unlike other laser therapies. Call to schedule an appointment or book an appointment with OCFA now!