A fungal infection of the toenails, called onychomycosis, occurs when fungal cells invade the nail bed and nail. The infection causes the nail to become thicker, yellow or brown colored, and brittle. It typically begins with a small white spot that spreads to the entire nail and nail bed. This infection is often difficult to eradicate and tends to return if it is not taken care of completely. An alternative that is available is laser treatment for toenail fungus.
Fungal infections pose a wide range of issues and symptoms. They cause the nail to become discolored and thickened. The texture of the nail can also change. It is also common for nails to become flaky and change their shape. Detachment from the bed is likely if the condition continues without proper treatment.
Previously, the only treatments for these fungal infections were topical and oral medications. Unfortunately, topical medications are not generally effective in completely getting rid of the infection totally. Oral medications usually take months to work and have side effects many people do not want, in addition to the potential interactions with other medicines. The lasers that are used are approved by the FDA to aid in the removal of a fungal infection and do not pose the same risks as traditional treatments.
Treatments that use lasers for fungal infections can help eradicate the cells in less time than the oral medications. The lasers that are used will involve the energy from light in either a pulse or varying wavelengths. Light energy is directed to the affected toe or toes, and the fungal cells are killed by the heat they absorb. It is a painless procedure and no damage to the surrounding tissue occurs.
Laser treatment of toenail fungus is generally performed in a podiatrist's office. Multiple sessions are usually required. Each session lasts about twenty to thirty minutes. It is often recommended to undergo at least three sessions, although some infections may need more treatments, particularly if the infection has not shown any results from the first few sessions.
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.
Research so far has not yielded any known side effects. It is believed that it is an effective means of getting rid of fungal infections for people who cannot take oral medications and have not had any luck with the topical medications. The procedure does not have limitations on who it can be used on, even because of their age or current health status. Patients who undergo the procedure are free to continue their activities normally after a session.
Laser treatment for toenail fungus is becoming a popular way to get rid of the problem. It is not an invasive procedure and does not come with a risk of unwanted side effects or dangerous interactions. You should talk with your doctor about all of your options and which one he or she thinks would be the best for your situation.
Fungal infections pose a wide range of issues and symptoms. They cause the nail to become discolored and thickened. The texture of the nail can also change. It is also common for nails to become flaky and change their shape. Detachment from the bed is likely if the condition continues without proper treatment.
Previously, the only treatments for these fungal infections were topical and oral medications. Unfortunately, topical medications are not generally effective in completely getting rid of the infection totally. Oral medications usually take months to work and have side effects many people do not want, in addition to the potential interactions with other medicines. The lasers that are used are approved by the FDA to aid in the removal of a fungal infection and do not pose the same risks as traditional treatments.
Treatments that use lasers for fungal infections can help eradicate the cells in less time than the oral medications. The lasers that are used will involve the energy from light in either a pulse or varying wavelengths. Light energy is directed to the affected toe or toes, and the fungal cells are killed by the heat they absorb. It is a painless procedure and no damage to the surrounding tissue occurs.
Laser treatment of toenail fungus is generally performed in a podiatrist's office. Multiple sessions are usually required. Each session lasts about twenty to thirty minutes. It is often recommended to undergo at least three sessions, although some infections may need more treatments, particularly if the infection has not shown any results from the first few sessions.
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.
Research so far has not yielded any known side effects. It is believed that it is an effective means of getting rid of fungal infections for people who cannot take oral medications and have not had any luck with the topical medications. The procedure does not have limitations on who it can be used on, even because of their age or current health status. Patients who undergo the procedure are free to continue their activities normally after a session.
Laser treatment for toenail fungus is becoming a popular way to get rid of the problem. It is not an invasive procedure and does not come with a risk of unwanted side effects or dangerous interactions. You should talk with your doctor about all of your options and which one he or she thinks would be the best for your situation.
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