Fungal infection of toenails is known as onychomycosis. The toenails become not only thick but also hard with crumbling edges. The infection may initially appear as small spots that are white and spread to affect the entire nail. The infection can affect one or more nails. Fungal infections of nails are difficult to treat and normally recur. Laser treatment for toenail fungus is an effective option that eradicates the infection completely.
Lasers come in various models and these can be used. The Patholase laser for instance has not gotten full approval by the FDA and is thus rarely used. It is not usually very effective. There are a couple other methods that are more effective. Patients can look to get improvement within six months. Lasers are concentrated light beams which vaporize tissues in areas to be treated. So as to treat the affected areas selectively, lasers of different wavelengths are used.
The fungi are targeted and destroyed by lasers, which allows the nail and skin in the surrounding areas to remain intact. The fungus is heated and killed without affecting tissues that are in the surrounding. While each brand of laser differs in the way it is used for treatment, the result is utilization of heat for elimination of the infection.
Initial consultation involves evaluation of the nail, the symptoms and filling it down. The lasers get maneuvered over any nails that are affected and could even be used over those that are not infected. A single session would last about 30 minutes or even less. There are patients that will succeed with a single session. Others on the other hand will need multiple treatments.
Treatments do not clear a nail at once. 6 or 12 months may be required for the nails affected to grow out and thus determine if there was success. The costs to be incurred are normally a downside. Whereas the costs will differ from one provider to another, it averages at about $1000. One should take their time to make comparison of prices and plans of treatments. Using traditional techniques would cost less, just that they are not as effective. In addition, they will not require a single session as is the case of using lasers.
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 whether one can have a pedicure or paint their nails, there is no problem with that. Application of polish can be done after treatment. The patient should however be informed to get rid of all polish and decorations on the day preceding their appointment with the doctor. This is mandatory.
Depending on the type of insurance cover that one went for, their laser treatment for toenail fungus may or may not be covered. In most situations however, the procedure is considered as aesthetic. As such, health insurance plans provide no coverage.
Lasers come in various models and these can be used. The Patholase laser for instance has not gotten full approval by the FDA and is thus rarely used. It is not usually very effective. There are a couple other methods that are more effective. Patients can look to get improvement within six months. Lasers are concentrated light beams which vaporize tissues in areas to be treated. So as to treat the affected areas selectively, lasers of different wavelengths are used.
The fungi are targeted and destroyed by lasers, which allows the nail and skin in the surrounding areas to remain intact. The fungus is heated and killed without affecting tissues that are in the surrounding. While each brand of laser differs in the way it is used for treatment, the result is utilization of heat for elimination of the infection.
Initial consultation involves evaluation of the nail, the symptoms and filling it down. The lasers get maneuvered over any nails that are affected and could even be used over those that are not infected. A single session would last about 30 minutes or even less. There are patients that will succeed with a single session. Others on the other hand will need multiple treatments.
Treatments do not clear a nail at once. 6 or 12 months may be required for the nails affected to grow out and thus determine if there was success. The costs to be incurred are normally a downside. Whereas the costs will differ from one provider to another, it averages at about $1000. One should take their time to make comparison of prices and plans of treatments. Using traditional techniques would cost less, just that they are not as effective. In addition, they will not require a single session as is the case of using lasers.
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 whether one can have a pedicure or paint their nails, there is no problem with that. Application of polish can be done after treatment. The patient should however be informed to get rid of all polish and decorations on the day preceding their appointment with the doctor. This is mandatory.
Depending on the type of insurance cover that one went for, their laser treatment for toenail fungus may or may not be covered. In most situations however, the procedure is considered as aesthetic. As such, health insurance plans provide no coverage.
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