Important Information About Laser Treatment For Toenail Fungus

By Gloria Mason


Today, many health facilities offer laser treatment for toenail fungus. The beam zaps away all the fungi responsible for damaging the appearance of nails. This technique is widely used since it helps individuals avoid complications that may occur when oral medications are used. There are various causes of this problem. Heredity plays a significant role in the occurrence of this problem. Other situations that increase the susceptibility of an individual include aging, circulation problems, perspiring heavily, diabetes, psoriasis and minor injuries of the skin and nails.

Mild forms of nail fungus can be treated through cosmetic procedures. If allowed to progress, it causes an abnormal growth of toenails which cause discomfort and pain during motion. Toenail laser treatment is a good alternative to oral medication. These medications have poor efficacy and carry risks such as nail lacquer and liver damage.

There are a number of things that can be done to prevent fungus recurrence. It is important to follow a scrupulous hygiene program. Preventive care involves the regular use of an anti-fungal spray for the feet and shoes, keeping feet clean and dry, avoiding going barefoot and changing socks on a daily basis.

It is important to gather adequate information about the procedure before making the decision to undergo it. This information can be obtained from a dermatologist or a podiatrist. It is good to prepare adequately for the appointment in order to make the most out of the session. Patients are encouraged to prepare questions for the doctor. It is also advisable to list the symptoms experienced, key personal information and medications being used.

Doctors usually carry out a thorough examination during the diagnosis process to establish the real cause of this problem to enhance the effectiveness of any treatment employed. In most cases, a sample of the debris has to be obtained and analyzed under the microscope or through culture. This helps to rule out other possible causes of nail infections such as bacteria, yeast or psoriasis which has similar symptoms.

The procedure is done on an outpatient basis. The surface of the infected nail is filed to enhance the penetration of the beam. During the procedure itself, patients experience mild pinpricks, a warming sensation and no discomfort whatsoever. It produces no known side effects and patients are able to resume with their regular activities immediately. The number of sessions required varies from one patient to another.

The treatment lasts for about 30 to 40 minutes. Depending on the laser used and the severity of the condition, patients need one to four sessions. It takes about one year for the toes to clear entirely. The laser inhibits fungal growth paving the way for the natural mechanism of the body to clear the nail. Many studies have found that a majority of people who undergo the procedure are satisfied with the results.

The emergence of laser treatment for toenail fungus has greatly revolutionized the treatment of fungal infections affecting the toenails. It has been proved to be more effective than a majority of oral medications. It is safe as the beams are targeted on the nails without causing any harm to the surrounding areas of the foot. Patients are able to get long lasting results by using topical anti-fungal creams and follow up care.




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