Onychomycosis, also called a fungal infection of the toenails, results in the latter becoming hardened and thick due to the presence of fungi. It also causes crumbling at the edge of each nail, which can be tender and painful to the underlying skin. Laser treatment for toenail fungus is one of the newest therapies designed to eliminate this embarrassing and uncomfortable condition.
Such infections typically begin with small, white spots that eventually spread across the entire nail. The fungi may infect a single nail or several toenails can be affected. The condition is often difficult to treat, and in many cases it looks as if it has cleared up, but recurs in the future. As previously mentioned, laser therapy is a cutting-edge approach that many patients have participated in to great advantage.
Fungi are microscopic organisms that thrive in dark, warm, moist surroundings. For this reason, many people contract such infections near public swimming pools or showers that they share with other individuals. The fungi responsible for causing the infection is called a dermatophyte. The latter enter the toenail through tiny openings where the nail separates from its bed.
Toenail fungus is more prevalent in men than women, although the reason for this is not yet known. Such infections are also more common among elderly individuals than younger men and women. Again, scientist are not quite sure of the reason for these statistics.
Currently, there are two kinds of laser therapy available for this condition. The first is referred to as patholase; however, this type has not yet received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration. This is due to the fact that the results of various clinical trials have not proven its effectiveness in eliminating fungus.
The other option for those pursuing laser therapy for fungus of the toenail is called Nomir. Although the latter is also awaiting approval from the US Food and Drug Administration, research has concluded that the treatment is beneficial to most patients. Initial trials showed that 85 percent of those who participated in studies experienced an improvement in their condition within a hundred and eighty days of completing their therapy. Additional research is underway regarding this type of laser procedure.
A laser is a concentrated beam of light, and when directed to the infected tissue, it vaporizes the latter after several treatments. Various wavelengths are used in order to treat each area selectively, based on the severity of the fungi growth. The heat from the light beam kills the fungus and does not damage the tissue surrounding the infection. In addition, there are virtually no side effects associated with such treatment.
The procedure takes approximately thirty minutes and can be done in a doctor's office. It typically takes 3 visits to acquire enough wavelengths to kill the infection. Anesthesia is not needed, as the person generally feels nothing during the process.
Laser treatment for toenail fungus can be performed on essentially anyone. No incidences of adverse reactions have yet been reported, and both nail polish and footwear can be worn immediately following the therapy. Anyone who is interested in this procedure should schedule an appointment with his or her primary health care practitioner for an evaluation and advice.
Such infections typically begin with small, white spots that eventually spread across the entire nail. The fungi may infect a single nail or several toenails can be affected. The condition is often difficult to treat, and in many cases it looks as if it has cleared up, but recurs in the future. As previously mentioned, laser therapy is a cutting-edge approach that many patients have participated in to great advantage.
Fungi are microscopic organisms that thrive in dark, warm, moist surroundings. For this reason, many people contract such infections near public swimming pools or showers that they share with other individuals. The fungi responsible for causing the infection is called a dermatophyte. The latter enter the toenail through tiny openings where the nail separates from its bed.
Toenail fungus is more prevalent in men than women, although the reason for this is not yet known. Such infections are also more common among elderly individuals than younger men and women. Again, scientist are not quite sure of the reason for these statistics.
Currently, there are two kinds of laser therapy available for this condition. The first is referred to as patholase; however, this type has not yet received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration. This is due to the fact that the results of various clinical trials have not proven its effectiveness in eliminating fungus.
The other option for those pursuing laser therapy for fungus of the toenail is called Nomir. Although the latter is also awaiting approval from the US Food and Drug Administration, research has concluded that the treatment is beneficial to most patients. Initial trials showed that 85 percent of those who participated in studies experienced an improvement in their condition within a hundred and eighty days of completing their therapy. Additional research is underway regarding this type of laser procedure.
A laser is a concentrated beam of light, and when directed to the infected tissue, it vaporizes the latter after several treatments. Various wavelengths are used in order to treat each area selectively, based on the severity of the fungi growth. The heat from the light beam kills the fungus and does not damage the tissue surrounding the infection. In addition, there are virtually no side effects associated with such treatment.
The procedure takes approximately thirty minutes and can be done in a doctor's office. It typically takes 3 visits to acquire enough wavelengths to kill the infection. Anesthesia is not needed, as the person generally feels nothing during the process.
Laser treatment for toenail fungus can be performed on essentially anyone. No incidences of adverse reactions have yet been reported, and both nail polish and footwear can be worn immediately following the therapy. Anyone who is interested in this procedure should schedule an appointment with his or her primary health care practitioner for an evaluation and advice.
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