Your Guide To Laser Treatment For Toenail Fungus

By Tiffany Gill

The application of laser treatment for toenail fungus is receiving a great deal of attention and has been recommended by medical practitioners due to the penetrating effects that it can deliver. The changes in technology allow the light and heat therapy to penetrate deep into the cuticle in order to remove the fungal infection that is largely associated with symptoms of discoloration and brittleness. Lasers have been recognized as a relatively modern option that should be assessed in terms of its pros and cons.

While recently published data has shown a fair amount of relief with the use of lasers, it is important to discuss the options available with a medical practitioner. A physical exam will be required to determine the extent of the infection and whether laser therapy is a good choice to remove the discolored nailbeds. Such measures will aid in facilitating new growth that is free from fungal agents.

Lasers are often a better choice for people who do not wish to take oral medications and experience the side effects of pills. Exposure to public areas including pools and gyms are more likely to contribute to an infection resulting in a large number of people experiencing symptoms. It is necessary to discuss options and to evaluate the costs involved as these alternatives can become quite pricey.

During the initial infection, most people seek treatment to remove discoloration for cosmetic purposes, but later on it can develop thickening and abnormal growth that requires immediate attention. Medication may be considered as a treatment option, but it can result in ongoing side effects such as liver damage. The use of an ointment is not permitted because it fails to penetrate the cuticle.

The use of lasers is a more costly option, but offers a number of benefits allowing one to achieve favorable results in a relatively shorter time. The practitioner will advise on the number of sessions required to achieve normal appearance and growth. Such methods have been shown to deliver effective elimination of fungal agents when guided by a practitioner.

The technology works by delivering an intense heat or light therapy that aims to destroy the fungus that is present in the nail. It can take between 30 to 40 minutes to treat 10 toes adding to the costs of such methods. For severe infections, the patient may require up to four to five sessions to experience relief from infection and to take the necessary steps to prevent such conditions from developing in the future.

The effectiveness of lasers will depend on the type of technology used and the strength of the application to kill the fungal agent. Such measures serve to eliminate the fungal infection or it will slow growth rates allowing the body to remove the remaining agents. Such methods can be supported with an anti-fungal spray and regular methods of hygiene.

The availability of laser treatment for toenail fungus will aid in achieving the most efficient results. Patients should remain educated in terms of the methods available to facilitate hygiene. A thorough assessment of the options that are available can assist in attending to infections and preventing it from occurring in the future.

About the Author:

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Laser Treatment For Toenail Fungus Is A Promising Therapy

By Gloria Mason

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 growths that thrive in warm, dark, moist environment. This is why many people catch such infections in public swimming pools or showers. The technical term for the fungi that cause such infections is dermatophytes. The tiny openings where the nail bed separates from the nail itself is typically the portal of entry for such infections.

Although scientists do not know the reason, toenail fungus affects more men than women. Infections of this kind are also less common among young individuals than they are among the elderly. Again, researchers are not exactly sure what causes certain people to be at a higher risk for such infections.

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 precise light beam, and when it is directed to the tissue where the infection has manifested, the latter is vaporized. It typically takes several treatments to achieve these results. Different wavelengths are used to selectively treat each area, based on the infection's severity. The fungus is killed through the heat from the light beam, and the surrounding tissue is not harmed. Such therapy is associated with essentially no side effects.

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.

About the Author:

Laser treatment for toenail fungus is now possible thanks to www.footanklesf.com. To learn more about this innovative procedure, visit the recommended site at http://www.footanklesf.com.