Onychomycosis, the medical term for a fungal infection that occurs on the toenails, is a condition that results in a thickened nail. It can also cause the edges of the nail to become brittle and yellowed. The condition usually becomes known when a white spot appears. Eventually, it will spread to the entire nail and possible other nails. This fungal infection can be hard to get rid of and can easily return if it is not treated properly. Laser treatment for toenail fungus is a fairly new method that may get rid of fungal infections of the nail.
A fungal infection of the toenails can cause many problems. Sufferers commonly experience discoloration of the nail and a thickening or texture change. Flaking and a change in nail shape may also occur. If the condition persists without intervention, the nail can detach from the bed.
People who struggle with this fungal infection often find that topical sprays, ointments, and creams may alleviate some of the symptoms, but they do very little in completely getting rid of the fungal invasion. For many sufferers, the oral medications come with the potential of too many side effects or they pose a risk of interacting negatively with other medications. Neither of these risks is considered acceptable for a lot of sufferers.
Treating fungal infections using lasers involves the use of light energy, either pulsing or at different wavelengths. A special device emits the light energy and is used to direct it to the areas needed. Doctors can treat one toe or multiple ones. The area is heated and cells are destroyed as they absorb the heat. Although the area is heated, patients do not feel pain and no other tissue suffers damage.
A laser treatment of toenail fungus is not considered a surgical procedure and is safely performed in your doctor's office. More than one session will be required. Many patients see results within three sessions, but some instances may require more. One session usually lasts about twenty minutes, or it could be as long as thirty minutes.
Before you begin treatments, you should contact your medical insurance company to determine if the procedure is covered. Many insurance companies will not pay for the procedure because it is cosmetic. Those that do may only pay a portion of the total costs.
Currently, there have not been any side effects reported. There are not any restrictions based on age or health. Following the sessions, normal activities can be resumed, including using nail polish and wearing shoes. Due to the lack of side effects, it is a recommended procedure for people who cannot use the oral or topical medications.
Although ongoing research is still needed because of how new the procedure is, laser treatment for toenail fungus shows promise for people who struggle with stubborn and recurring fungal infections. The idea is to provide additional treatment options that do not rely on chemical medications. It is important to discuss all your options with your doctor before you make a decision.
A fungal infection of the toenails can cause many problems. Sufferers commonly experience discoloration of the nail and a thickening or texture change. Flaking and a change in nail shape may also occur. If the condition persists without intervention, the nail can detach from the bed.
People who struggle with this fungal infection often find that topical sprays, ointments, and creams may alleviate some of the symptoms, but they do very little in completely getting rid of the fungal invasion. For many sufferers, the oral medications come with the potential of too many side effects or they pose a risk of interacting negatively with other medications. Neither of these risks is considered acceptable for a lot of sufferers.
Treating fungal infections using lasers involves the use of light energy, either pulsing or at different wavelengths. A special device emits the light energy and is used to direct it to the areas needed. Doctors can treat one toe or multiple ones. The area is heated and cells are destroyed as they absorb the heat. Although the area is heated, patients do not feel pain and no other tissue suffers damage.
A laser treatment of toenail fungus is not considered a surgical procedure and is safely performed in your doctor's office. More than one session will be required. Many patients see results within three sessions, but some instances may require more. One session usually lasts about twenty minutes, or it could be as long as thirty minutes.
Before you begin treatments, you should contact your medical insurance company to determine if the procedure is covered. Many insurance companies will not pay for the procedure because it is cosmetic. Those that do may only pay a portion of the total costs.
Currently, there have not been any side effects reported. There are not any restrictions based on age or health. Following the sessions, normal activities can be resumed, including using nail polish and wearing shoes. Due to the lack of side effects, it is a recommended procedure for people who cannot use the oral or topical medications.
Although ongoing research is still needed because of how new the procedure is, laser treatment for toenail fungus shows promise for people who struggle with stubborn and recurring fungal infections. The idea is to provide additional treatment options that do not rely on chemical medications. It is important to discuss all your options with your doctor before you make a decision.
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