How Does The Laser Treatment For Toenail Fungus Work
Laser treatment for Onychomycosis or toenail fungus works by applying a focused beam of light directly onto infected toenail. The laser targets fungal infection by penetrating the toenail, the area below the toenail and the nail bed. Laser toenail fungus treatment destroys the fungal infection by affecting cells that are responsible for the infection. Treatments usually take 30 to 45 minutes up to 10 toenails. Depending on the severity of the infection, you may need one to four sessions.
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What Are The Signs And Symptoms
Initially, a white dot shows up on the nail, which increases in size with time. When fungus builds up under the nail, it can cause:
- Nail thickening or cracks
How do fungal nail infections spread?
- Fungal nail infections are often contagious from nail to nail
- Direct contact with an infected person
- Through sharing surfaces like floors, showers, socks, and shoes.
- The fungus requires warm and moist environments for growth. Public pools, shower areas, gyms, and changing rooms are the most common places for contracting a fungal nail infection.
What are the Risk Factors?
Factors that can lead to an increased risk of developing nail fungus include:
- Old age: reduced blood circulation, more years of fungus exposure, and slow nail growth
- Walking barefoot in damp areas, like swimming pools, gyms & shower rooms
- History of a skin or nail injury or a skin condition like psoriasis
- Patients with diabetes, circulatory problems, or a weak immune system
How Is The Laser Different From Other Common Treatment Methods For Onychomycosis
Until recently, sufferers of onychomycosis had few options for successfullytreating this embarrassing condition. Often, the treatments could take monthsor even longer with limited success. Unlike Laser treatment for toenail fungus infection, most oral medicines to treat toenail fungus have potential risks and side effects that can eliminate them from usage to treat toenail fungus infection. Topical toenail fungus treatments for toenail fungal infection and fingernail fungal infection also have significant precaution in that one should never use Lamisil cream for toenail fungus infections in children. It should not be used to treat toenail fungus in expectant and lactating women as well. Lamisil cream to treat toenail fungus contains some ingredients that are harmless to most people but can cause serious complications in very young children and unborn babies
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Preventions After Laser Treatment For Toenail
If you wish to stay safe in the future too and want to secure your money, then keep yourself safe from further future fungal infections.
Here is what you can do to keep yourself safe.
- Wet feet can cause toenail fungus, you must dry your feet with towel or tissue papers after a wash. Moisture can invite the fungus present on your skin. You must have noticed that when we stay in bath for a prolonged period, the skin of our nails swells, and this is when the fungus tries to sweep in.
- Change your socks if you experience a lot of sweat on your feet. You must prefer wearing synthetic socks over cotton socks in such cases.
- Do not wear tight shoes, always wear shoes with a breathable material.
- Always use the anti-fungal spray in summer, it would not cost you much.
- Do not try to cover your nail with nail polish once it gets infected. It will worsen it.
- Do not cut your skin around your nails as it is the natural protective barrier.
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How Do You Know If You Have Toenail Fungus
Your best bet is to get your toenails looked at by your trusty podiatrist. If you see any of the signs weve mentioned, just make an appointment for an evaluation. Since the infection will usually spread, youre better safe than sorry.
Detecting it early also improves the chances for the treatment to do its thing and keep it from moving onto other nails or your skin.
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Is Laser Nail Fungus Treatment Effective
Before you schedule an appointment, your first question may be, is laser nail fungus treatment effective? Clinical studies show support for this treatments efficacy, and toenail laser treatments are approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration. Looking at the clinical trial data/facts, laser nail fungus treatment is effective.
- A 2016 study by the FDA found that patients who received laser foot treatment displayed clear nails at three months and six months after treatment.
- A 2019 study published in the journal American Family Physician by the American Association of Family Physicians found that after 180 days of toenail fungus laser treatment, patients had a 30% cure rate and a 91% improvement in symptoms. The AAFP study also concluded that laser treatment is more effective for fungus removal than both over-the-counter and prescription topical and oral antifungal medications.
- In 2018, the journal Lasers in Medical Science published a study about the efficacy of laser treatment for fungus removal. These researchers reported a success rate of 83.7% among the patient population, who had infections that affected at least two-thirds of the nail.
Can The Fungus Return Or Not Go Away
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The fungal infection is expected to improve with just one treatment. Clinical reports to date have been encouraging with most patients noticing significant improvement. As with all medical procedures, a 100% guarantee is not possible. In addition, since fungus is present everywhere in the environment, reinfection may occur. Dr. Penn will recommend preventative strategies to reduce the chance of reinfection. Changing socks and shoes frequently is helpful, as well as controlling perspiration if present.
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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.
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Tippytoe Laser Nail Fungus Remover
Like the other machines in our list, this laser treatment device from TippyToe uses pulse laser radiation and blue light energy to zap away those nuisance fungus spores.
It boasts 905nm infrared cold laser light therapy and 465nm blue light for disinfection.
Once again, the machine requires 7 minutes application per nail per treatment. And you will need to use it every day to see the best results. Patience over time will pay off with the machine having a good record of eliminating fungus in fingernails, toenails, nail beds and cuticles in those who stick out the treatment.
This is a tiny piece of kit that will be suitable for anybody who travels often and needs a laser treatment device that isnt going to take up too much space.
Pros
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Is This Treatment Safe
Yes! In clinical studies there have been NO adverse reactions, injuries, disabilities, or known Side effects associated with laser treatment. Unlike oral medications on the market today for fungal toenails, there are NO risks to the fiver or kidneys. There are no age or health restrictions or limitations.
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Laser Treatment Compared To Other Options
Laser treatments are typically more effective than other ways of treating onychomycosis. This infection can be treated with topical antifungal medications or oral antifungals, and there are over-the-counter, as well as prescription options. Oral antifungals cause systemic side effects and are not totally effective for curing onychomycosis. Topical treatments tend to be safe, but are not very effective.
Research shows there’s an approximately 45% improvement of onychomycosis with topical medicine and approximately 40% to 66% improvement with oral medication.
However, there does seem to be a range in the efficacy with all of these treatments. Using them consistently while avoiding side effects can be tedious. And combining treatments may be more effective than using a single treatment approach.
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What Does 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.
The technology is also improving all the time.
How Much Does Laser Treatment Cost
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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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Cons Of Using Laser Treatment For Nail Fungus
Its Still Considered Experimental Treatment
Because few studies have been done on the efficacy of laser toenail fungus treatment and none have been done on the long-term effects of the method, it is still viewed as experimental treatment with questionable success results.
Some Argue the Treatment is Ineffective
In a recent study done with the Noveon laser, only 1/3 of patients saw results meaning treatment could be hit or miss, depending on each individual case.
Possibility for Tissue Damage in Some Cases
As with any medical treatment, there is a slight risk involved. Though it is rare, some doctors argue that there is a possibility for skin and tissue damage when the laser beam is directed to the deepest levels of the nail.
Its Expensive
Toenail fungus removal lasers two being the PinPointe FootLaser and the Cutera GenesisPlus are quite expensive for medical facilities to purchase, so the fees for patients to use them are quite high. One laser toenail fungus removal session could cost anywhere from $600 to $1500 and its a process generally not covered by health insurance.
Before deciding whether or not to try laser toenail fungus removal, be sure to consult with a podiatrist or a dermatologist about your condition. Toenail fungus comes in many forms and can look like other foot diseases and ailments, so its important to get a positive diagnosis and professional advice before spending money on expensive treatment options.
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What Is A Toe Fungus Treatment
The toe fungus treatment uses the PinPointe FootLaser to kill the fungus that lives under and in the toenail. The light from the laser goes through the toenail and heats up and kills organisms that cause toenail fungus. This treatment is more effective than topical and oral medications used to treat toenail fungus.
Are your toenails thick, discoloured, and crumbling at the edges? Are they distorted in shape and have an odour? If so, toe fungus treatment may be right for you.
Effectiveness Of Laser Toenail Fungal Treatment
Laser treatment has been proven to be more effective than oral medications based on scientific studies. Not only is it more effective, laser treatment is far less invasive as it does not require blood tests or ingesting potentially harmful medications. The toenail does not become instantly clear upon receiving treatment. New, healthy nail growth is usually visible within three months. The nail should completely replace itself within the nine months. Very thick or badly infected nails often require more than one treatment.
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How Many Laser Treatments Does It Take To Cure Toenail Fungus
Getting rid of ALL of the fungus means getting rid of the fungus in 3 sources:1. Toenail fungus:2. Skin infection: 3. Fungus in your shoes and socks:The doctors that recommend multiple treatments are trying to make sure of 3 things:Less laser = less heat = less risk of discomfort. after the procedureMake sure a doctor is performing the procedure.When trying to decide how many laser treatment sessions you will need in order to cure your toenail fungus infection simply have to take a few different variables into account.1. Costper treatment2. Time3. Effort This takes effort.
Over 20 Percent Of Us Adults Or Approximately 23 Million People Suffer From Toenail Fungus Infection
Unfortunately, those treatments that have been around a while toxic oral medications and expensive topical creams or nail polish often dont really work. Topical treatments are less than 5% effective. Yes, that’s correct – only 5% effective and only when the fungus is caught very early and only treats the surface of the nail. Not to mention, oral medications are very toxic to the liver, have significant side effects, require regular blood testing so your liver doesnt fail. As a matter of fact, they can adverse reactaions by interacting with other medications you may already be taking. Furthermore, pills are only 60% or so effective, and then the fungus usually comes back within 12 months. That can be extremely frustrating and discouraging.
Fortunately, there is a newer, better, safer treatment available, and laser therapy works over 90% of the time. Since around 2010, more than a handful of laser devices have been FDA approved and are used with success by podiatrists as a safe, quick, effective, pain-free form of treatment. Good to know there’s a solution and effective treatment available – right?
To help guide you through the murky world of toenail fungus, I have put together some basic information to make things easy for you. Below you will find out more about this unsightly condition, how its treated, and what you can expect if you decide laser therapy is the right choice for you.
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If I Have Only One Infected Nail Can I Treat Only That One And Save Time And Cost
Unfortunately, no. The reason for this is that if one of your nails is infected, the chances are that your other nails are infected as well. To allow the treatment to be successful and prevent future self infections, it is best to treat all the nails at once. An exception to this is for the treatment of an isolated fungal infection related to acrylic nail air pockets. In these incidences, we will treat the one affected finger nail.
Why Is Laser Therapy The Best Option To Treat Toenail Fungus And Why Would I Not Choose Laser Therapy To Begin With
Laser therapy is the better treatment for toenail fungus for many reasons, though I will tell you there is one main reason why it is sometimes not used money. Insurance carriers do not like paying for anything new and/or expensive unless they have to. For whatever reason, insurance companies have so far declined reimbursement for laser treatment, and as a result, you will have to fork out the money to cover the cost. And it can be expensive sometimes I have seen places charge over $1,000 for EACH treatment, or Ive seen places nickel-and-dime you to pay several hundred PER TOE! In my humble opinion, that is ridiculous. I would rather more people get the treatment and tell someone they know how great it works. Remember, 1 out of 5 people you know have toenail fungus just like you, and often they have no idea they can affordably get treated. With this philosophy, I get plenty of people getting the treatment who otherwise could not, or would not, pay for this safe, effective service. Please call our office at 515 FEET or send us a message through our website at www.GWAPodiatry.com so we can fill you in on the latest affordable special offer we have. We run them all the time, and do our best to make sure you can pay for this otherwise expensive treatment, however possible.
Getting back to why this laser treatment is ideal, here are a few of the reasons why you might consider giving it a try:
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