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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Contact your insurance company to determine if the procedure is accepted. In some cases, the company may classify it as solely cosmetic, which may not be covered. If the company does cover it, you should also determine if a pre-authorization is needed.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Contact your insurance company to determine if the procedure is accepted. In some cases, the company may classify it as solely cosmetic, which may not be covered. If the company does cover it, you should also determine if a pre-authorization is needed.
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.
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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