Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Details On Laser Treatment For Toenail Fungus

By Marissa Velazquez


Toenail fungal infection is also known as onychomycosis and is a situation in which nails of toes become thick, hard and have crumbling edges. In the initial stages, the infection may appear as spots that are small, white and spread gradually to affect the entire nail. One or more nails can be affected. Just like most other fungal infections, it is difficult to treat and occur over and over again. Laser treatment for toenail fungus is an option that is effective and removes the infection completely.

Lasers come in various models and these can be used. The Patholase laser for instance has not gotten full approval by the FDA and is thus rarely used. It is not usually very effective. There are a couple other methods that are more effective. Patients can look to get improvement within six months. Lasers are concentrated light beams which vaporize tissues in areas to be treated. So as to treat the affected areas selectively, lasers of different wavelengths are used.

The fungus is targeted and then destroyed by the laser, allowing the nail and skin in surrounding parts to remain undisturbed. The heating and killing of fungi is done without affecting nearby tissues. The various brands of tissues work differently. Nevertheless, the basis is to use heat to eliminate the infections.

During initial infection, there is evaluation of the nails affected, the symptoms, before they are filled down. Lasers get maneuvered over affected nails and are even able to be used over those that do not have the infection. One session goes for approximately 30 minutes or so. Whereas some patients will need just a single session, others will need multiple sessions.

The nails will not be cleared at once. Approximately 6 or 12 months will be needed for nails to grow out. That will be the best way to determine if the procedure was a success. The costs of treatment are the downside, with the average cost being around $1000. For the best deals, one should take time to compare the various options available. Despite the fact that traditional techniques do not cost a lot, they are never very effective and will need a number of sessions.

The majority of patients do not feel any pain. There are those that may feel a warming sensation and few people feel a pinprick. There is the possibility of the infection recurring. However, doctors will recommend care techniques that if followed will reduce chances of re-infection. Chances of re-infection are there because the fungus is normally present everywhere in the surroundings.

Having a pedicure or painting nails is not prohibited. Polish can be applied after the procedure is done with. However, patients will be required to eradicate any polish from their nails and any decorations before the appointment day.

Laser treatment for toenail fungus may be covered by insurance covers. However, it is in most cases considered as an aesthetic procedure. As such, the majority of health insurance plans will offer no coverage for it.




About the Author: