Does Laser Cure Nail Fungus

Are There Any Side Effects Or Issues To Consider With At Home Treatments

At home laser treatments are considered a safe and effective way to help treat onychomycosis. These products are painless and do not harm or affect the surrounding tissues of the treated area. There is also no noticeable side effect or complications with at home laser treatment for fungus.

The biggest problem with at home devices is that they take time to work. While you can do them in the comfort of your own home and each treatment only takes 7 minutes , you will have to do the procedures for 3 to 4 months to determine their effectiveness. Some people may find this to be too much of a time investment.

Can A Fungal Nail Infection Cure Itself

Fungal nail infections typically do not go away on their own without some sort of antifungal treatment. This is because it will usually have everything it needs to grow and thrive, including an endless food source from the keratin that your growing nails are made of.

If you suspect one of your nails has a fungal infection, you should make an appointment with a qualified podiatrist to assess the area and recommend a treatment plan. This is one of our specialities, and we have a range of world-class treatments, including both hot and cold laser, that are proven to have the highest clearance rate of any other anti-fungal treatment currently on the market.

How Does Laser Fungus Treatment Operate

Laser toenail fungus removal operates by creating heat in areas of fungus. This happens through the concentration of light. The heat then works to destroy fungal infections.

There are different types of lasers used for fungus removal. They usually vary by strength. No matter the type of laser treatment you opt into though, all of them utilize the same basic functionality. Leverage heat, kill fungal infections.

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Does Laser Toenail Fungus Removal Work A 2020 Review

There have been a number of lasers on the market varying in type and by wavelength. Over the years there have been many laser companies claiming that they have good results. Still, to date there is no actual single protocol for laser toenail fungus treatments. The treatments vary by the company and by each individual doctor. As a result, there have been no solid studies to prove that the laser can cure toenail fungus. As a matter of fact, the FDA clearance for laser machines states that it is for temporary increase of clear nail in patients with onychomycosis.

With so many types of lasers and so many different treatment protocols, there truly is no way of knowing which types of lasers have better results and which protocols are best. In addition, there are no true studies to confirm the laser treatment effectiveness. When you combine all of that with the cost of laser treatments, it is difficult to recommend laser treatments for toenail fungus at this time. As noted in the studies above, traditional treatments were as good or better than laser therapy alone. There are many other treatments available to help with this condition.

Here at Gentle Foot Care Clinic, we will wait to see if new evidence supports the use of laser. At this time, we have found that it is not in your best interest to seek laser treatment and we will continue to offer traditional treatments for toenail fungus.

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How The Laser Treatment For The Toenail Fungus Works

Lasers are an emission of high frequency lights capable of cutting and destroying tiny atoms coming its way. The laser treatment for the toe-nail fungus also works on this basic characteristic of laser.

To treat the toenail fungus, the toes are put directly under the laser nozzle, and the laser will then hit at the nail bed where there is the fungus. This interaction will destroy the microorganism, killing it, through the heat.

The laser used for the toenail fungus treatment is the CO2 laser usually, but for the treatment of some complex grown lasers doctors prefer the YAG laser, also known as yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser.

The wavelength of this laser light is quite high because this is how it is going to kill and attack each micro-organismic cell of the fungus. The regular laser for the toenail fungus treatment comes with a 900nm to 1300nm.

This is to increase the temperature of the laser and this increased temperature will make the nail-bed hot for the fungus. It will burn the fungus at the nail bed.

Another benefit of this much higher wavelength is the sterilizing effect of heat. This sterilized nailbed is now safe and no more fungal growth can happen for the next few years.

You might wonder why we cannot have the fungus destroyed in a single session.

Well, you can but it will increase the risk of tissue destruction, so, there is no point to get into a hurry. The doctors make sure that your damaged tissues, even if they get slightly damaged during the session.

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Urgent Fungus Destroyer Or Tropical Creams

The laser treatment is an expensive way to cure the toenail fungus, a lot of people still believe that the toenail fungus can revive if we do not take proper care of our health and immune system.

In such a case, the urgent fungus destroyer can be the life saver. These tablets are designed and manufactured to fight the toenail fungus while maintaining your immune system at its best.

The urgent fungus buster is better than the topical creams and other tablets as it contains all the essential probiotics to kill the fungus and strengthen the good bacteria in the gut and blood.

Also, there are other home remedies to help getting rid of toenail fungus. These are not the best and can even be compared to laser technology or Urgent fungus destroyer. It includes using products like, Hydrogen peroxide, Coconut oil, Apple cider vinegar, Bleach etc.

Symptoms Of Nail Fungus

You may be suffering from different types of nail fungi, as a result, the following symptoms can develop:Thickened or distorted nailsBrittle, crumbly or ragged nailsDull, discolored nailsDark nails caused by debris building up under the plateNails with yellow streaks under the plateNails with white spots or streaks on the plate

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For Diabetics Toenail Fungus Is Especially Dangerous

Diabetics typically can have reduced blood circulation and nerve function in their feet. So any relatively minor foot condition, including a nail fungal infestation, may lead to more serious complications for diabetic patients.

Given all the above symptomology, it follows that harm from toenail fungus isnt confined to your anatomy. The displeasing aesthetics and negative aroma can lead to significant self-consciousness, and a determination to hide your feet at all costs. You discard all your sandals and open toed shoes. There goes your summer at the beach.

Pretty dismal, right? But dont give up hope. Effective help is available.

Can I Expect A Total Cure

Fungal infection is expected to improve just one treatment. Clinical reports to date have been encouraging with most patients noticing a significant improvement. As with all medical procedures, 100% guarantee is not possible. In addition since fungus is present everywhere in the environment recurrent infection may occur. Preventive strategies to reduce the chance of reinfection is discussed at the time of the patient visit.

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How Effective Is Laser Therapy For Toenail Fungus

About 10 percent of U.S. adults, or approximately 23 million people, suffer from toenail fungus infection. But unfortunately, the treatments that have been around a while oral medications and topical creams often dont really do the trick. The fungus usually comes back within 12 months. Plus, these treatments can have negative side effects and may have a bad interaction with other medications.

Luckily, laser therapy for toenail fungus is now an option. Since 2010, more than a handful of laser devices have been FDA approved and are used with success by podiatrists as a safe, quick, effective form of treatment.

But what is the process if you use laser therapy for toenail fungus and what can you expect, you ask?

To answer your questions, weve put together some basics on toenail fungus and laser treatment. Keep reading for a quick overview, and then, give it a try to see how it works for you. Our goal and the purpose of laser therapy is to help you clear up those nails so they can grow back healthy and strong.

Choosing A Laser Treatment

Most lasers approved by the FDA are short-pulse lasers. They work using very fast pulses or continuously. Long-pulse lasers use slower pulses.

Q-switched lasers are the newest innovation, delivering ultra-short pulses in just nanoseconds. Meanwhile, cold lasers use two lower wavelengths of laser light to tackle toenail fungus.

Lastly, there are carbon dioxide lasers, which were used in the past but are currently outdated.

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Laser Therapy Is Effective And Fast

The toenail fungus is the most effective treatment for the toenail fungus removal. It would not take much time, and the results are quite promising.

It is not a painful treatment, so you do not have to wait for weeks until the fungus dies.

The average duration to kill the fungus through medications is 4 months, bearing pain for four or more months is quite difficult, so laser treatment is the only fast way to solve this problem.

White Island Nail Fungus

As the name implies this fungus is a unique type of toenail fungus. It does not penetrate deep in the toenail root.

It resides in the plates of the toenail. These toenail fungi are dangerous as it will eat away the entire nail and then enter your nail.

The symptoms for the white-island fungus are the following.

• Brittle nails.
• Nails coming off quite easily.
• Discoloration, in this case the nails become green or yellow.

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Avance Salon And Professional Toe And Finger Nail Fungus Treatment Machine

This advanced system for the treatment of toenail fungus uses a powerful 655nm laser to penetrate the nail and target Onychomycosis fungus to improve nail health, return thick toenails to a normal thinness, and bring back a healthy color and appearance without damaging skin cells.

It also comes supplied with a fungicidal gel to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment, plus two pairs of protective goggles to ensure eyes arent damaged when using the laser.

In 77% of cases this professional level piece of kit gives visible results as quickly as 1 -2 weeks following the start of treatment.

Pros

How Much Is Laser Toenail Fungus Removal

While laser toenail fungus treatment is FDA approved, very effective, and very successful, most insurance companies, unfortunately, do not cover it.

• See us for a no-obligation consultation to see if it is the right choice for you, as there are numerous options for toenail fungus treatment.
• See a toenail specialist like a podiatrist to see if this is the best option for you!

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What Is Toenail Fungus Laser Treatment

Lasers have been used to treat medical conditions since way back in the 1960s, but its only in the last few years that lasers have been used as a treatment for toenail fungus.

Its a pain free, non-invasive treatment without any worrying side effects, and can either be performed by a podiatrist in a clinic or thanks to new technology- in the comfort of your own home.

And it kills toenail fungus within a matter of minutes.

How Much Does Laser Treatment Cost

• The cost varies depending on the number of nails involved and severity of the infection. The national average for laser treatment is between $500 and $1200. However, since our practice offers the most state-of the-art laser equipment, we can provide the most effective treatment in less time and at a reduced cost. Our fees range between $295 and $565. A free consultation can be provided to determine if you are a good candidate for laser treatment. Please refer to our fee schedule for costs. The charges are based on the number of nails with obvious involvement. Follow up visits are provided during the first year at no charge. Payment plans are available through CareCredit.

Schedule an consultation with Advanced Podiatry Services for a complete evaluation.

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Does Medicare Cover Laser Treatment For Toenail Fungus

Seniors who have chronic medical conditions or severe underlying conditions such as diabetes and immunodeficiency problems are commonly prone to get toenail fungus. If a toenail fungus is left untreated, it can cause serious issues such as pain, discomfort, and even inability to walk. One of the ways to treat this condition is through laser treatment.

If this is a treatment you are considering, one common question you may have is Does Medicare cover laser treatment for toenail fungus? In this article, we answer that question in clear, plain English. You will also find the average costs of laser treatment for toenail fungus and other helpful info.

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How Fungi Infect The Nail

Onchomycosis, or toenail fungal infection, is an invasion by a microscopic organism that thrives in warm, damp environments. Fungal spores are in the air, and they will grow if they land on a receptive surface like your toenail. They feed off the nail tissues, burrowing into the skin under the nail. Over time the nail thickens and may lift off the nail bed as fungal debris accumulates. Once your nail is raised off the nail bed, it won’t reattach, and a new nail won’t grow from that part of the nail bed. However, your nail will continue to grow from the root at the base.

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How Soon Will I Be Able To See Improvement To My Toenails Or Fingernails After Treatment

It usually depends on the origin of the fungal infection. If it was at the root of the nail, improvement can be seen as early as 3 weeks. A continuous improvement will be gradual as the nail continue to grow out. Typically, a significant overall improvement will be seen after 3 months. As a rough estimate, toenails may take 9 12 months to grow out completely, and fingernails may take 6 9 months.

Toenail Fungus Treatment Complications

Here are some things to think about when deciding on a nail fungus treatment.

If you have a disease like diabetes, your doctor will make sure you treat nail fungus. This illness often makes you more likely to have other problems from minor foot issues.

You may not be able to take antifungal pills because of side effects or because they donât work well with other drugs you take. If that’s the case, try a product that goes onto your nail. Your doctor will call this a topical treatment.

Be patient. Your nails may not look “normal” after treatment. It can take as long as a year to 18 months for your nail to grow out a fungus.

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Laser Treatment For Toenail Fungus: Cost

There is a huge difference in price between laser treatment by a professional in a clinic and the price to buy a laser device for home use.

The cost varies depending on the number of nails involved and severity of the infection, with the national average cost for laser treatment varying from anywhere between $500 to $1200, which wont be covered by medical insurance as it is considered a cosmetic treatment.

That said, most professional laser toenail fungus treatment is effective after just one session.

Laser devices for toenail fungus treatment at home cost roughly $150 to $300 significantly less than a clinical laser treatment but they are less effective and it may take daily sessions over a period of 3 to 6 months to successfully eradicate all traces of fungus and spores.

Of course, the big positive is that at the end of the home treatment you will be able to reuse the DIY laser at any time should the fungus reappear, and it can also be used by family members or friends.

How To Treat Toenail Fungus

Traditional remedies for toenail fungus include creams and ointments, both over the counter and prescriptive. But the efficacy of these preparations is limited. The dermatophyte fungi burrow between the layers of your nails. Because those nails are nonporous, its difficult for ointments to penetrate enough to take effect. The success rate for topical ointments is therefore quite low.

Systemic medications, taken orally, use a more direct approach to address the fungus. You take the pill, the medication is absorbed into your bloodstream, and the fungus is attacked within the nail formation process.

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