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.
There are several models of lasers that can be used. The Patholase lasers do not have approval by FDA. Studies carried out show that it is not an effective technique for treatment of the infection. Other models are still awaiting approval and are known to bring improvement in six months. The lasers are concentrated beams of light that vaporize tissues in the areas to be treated. In order to selectively treat different areas of the body, different wavelengths are chosen.
The fungi are targeted and destroyed by lasers, which allows the nail and skin in the surrounding areas to remain intact. The fungus is heated and killed without affecting tissues that are in the surrounding. While each brand of laser differs in the way it is used for treatment, the result is utilization of heat for elimination of the infection.
Initial consultation involves evaluation of the nail, the symptoms and filling it down. The lasers get maneuvered over any nails that are affected and could even be used over those that are not infected. A single session would last about 30 minutes or even less. There are patients that will succeed with a single session. Others on the other hand will need multiple treatments.
Treatments do not clear a nail at once. 6 or 12 months may be required for the nails affected to grow out and thus determine if there was success. The costs to be incurred are normally a downside. Whereas the costs will differ from one provider to another, it averages at about $1000. One should take their time to make comparison of prices and plans of treatments. Using traditional techniques would cost less, just that they are not as effective. In addition, they will not require a single session as is the case of using lasers.
The feeling of pain during the procedure is not experienced by all patients. Some do not feel any pain. On the other hand, there are those who will feel a warm sensation or a pinprick. The infection may recur, which is why doctors recommend care techniques to minimize the chances of this occurring. The fungi are present everywhere, which is why the possibility of re-infection is always there.
As to whether one can have a pedicure or paint their nails, there is no problem with that. Application of polish can be done after treatment. The patient should however be informed to get rid of all polish and decorations on the day preceding their appointment with the doctor. This is mandatory.
Depending on the type of insurance cover that one went for, their laser treatment for toenail fungus may or may not be covered. In most situations however, the procedure is considered as aesthetic. As such, health insurance plans provide no coverage.
There are several models of lasers that can be used. The Patholase lasers do not have approval by FDA. Studies carried out show that it is not an effective technique for treatment of the infection. Other models are still awaiting approval and are known to bring improvement in six months. The lasers are concentrated beams of light that vaporize tissues in the areas to be treated. In order to selectively treat different areas of the body, different wavelengths are chosen.
The fungi are targeted and destroyed by lasers, which allows the nail and skin in the surrounding areas to remain intact. The fungus is heated and killed without affecting tissues that are in the surrounding. While each brand of laser differs in the way it is used for treatment, the result is utilization of heat for elimination of the infection.
Initial consultation involves evaluation of the nail, the symptoms and filling it down. The lasers get maneuvered over any nails that are affected and could even be used over those that are not infected. A single session would last about 30 minutes or even less. There are patients that will succeed with a single session. Others on the other hand will need multiple treatments.
Treatments do not clear a nail at once. 6 or 12 months may be required for the nails affected to grow out and thus determine if there was success. The costs to be incurred are normally a downside. Whereas the costs will differ from one provider to another, it averages at about $1000. One should take their time to make comparison of prices and plans of treatments. Using traditional techniques would cost less, just that they are not as effective. In addition, they will not require a single session as is the case of using lasers.
The feeling of pain during the procedure is not experienced by all patients. Some do not feel any pain. On the other hand, there are those who will feel a warm sensation or a pinprick. The infection may recur, which is why doctors recommend care techniques to minimize the chances of this occurring. The fungi are present everywhere, which is why the possibility of re-infection is always there.
As to whether one can have a pedicure or paint their nails, there is no problem with that. Application of polish can be done after treatment. The patient should however be informed to get rid of all polish and decorations on the day preceding their appointment with the doctor. This is mandatory.
Depending on the type of insurance cover that one went for, their laser treatment for toenail fungus may or may not be covered. In most situations however, the procedure is considered as aesthetic. As such, health insurance plans provide no coverage.
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