Tuesday, March 26, 2024
HomeFungusIs Laser Treatment Effective For Nail Fungus

Is Laser Treatment Effective For Nail Fungus

How Much Does Laser Therapy For Toenail Fungus Cost In Toronto

Value Based Fungal Nail Laser Treatment by Dr. Michael Horwitz

Laser therapy is one of the best options for treating toenail fungus but how much does it cost? Honestly, thats a tricky question and it can be quite difficult to answer.

Laser therapy is a service and like every service, its hard to affix a fixed price without prior consultation. We can only provide a price range that is also constantly changing due to many factors.

Toenail fungus is extremely annoying and can be embarrassing. This is especially true for people who care about the appearance of their toes.

For some people, its not about aesthetics. Nobody wants to have to deal with fungus forever. Its painful and can cause permanent damage to your toes.

There are multiple treatment options to get rid of fungus infection on your toenail. However, for this blog, well only be discussing laser therapy. Today, it is the most effective solution to toenail fungus.

Since it is highly effective, its easy to wrongly assume the cost of laser therapy for toenails is expensive. This is one of the stereotypes well be addressing in this post. Keep reading for a comprehensive breakdown of the cost of laser therapy for toenail fungus.

Donât Miss: How To Clean Nail Fungus

Laser Therapy For Fungal Nail Infections

Imagine being able to wear sandals and thongs without feeling conscious about your funky toenails. If youve endured years of thick and discoloured toenails that seems to be getting worse no matter what youve tried, this blog is for you.

Fungal nail infections are stubborn to treat and many people go through many over-the-counter creams and tinctures with little to no success.

At The Footcare Clinic we have seen the fungal brigade struggle and have invested in using laser therapy for our many clients who dream of having normal looking nails again.

What Is Toenail Fungus And How Does It Spread

Toenail fungus refers to a fungal infection underneath the nail that causes the nail to thicken and become yellow as a result of the infection. If left untreated, this infection has the potential to spread to other nails.

When compared to most advertising foot fungus remedies, which provide only temporary relief or require lots of applications over several weeks or months to completely eliminate the infection, toenail fungus laser treatment can be completed in as little as one session and has a proven track record of success in treating this unattractive condition.

Don’t Miss: How To Treat Nails After Removing Gel

Keravita Pro Side Effects

Keravita Pro has no side effects. Keravita Pro is free from any negative feedback or pressing concerns that could hinder its effectiveness. Keravita Pro is 100% organic and all-natural, thus safe to take. No traces of concerning chemicals and other synthetics are involved in the making of the product.

Some users may experience allergic reactions to certain ingredients. According to the label, Keravita Pro contains traces of soy and mushrooms, so for those who are allergic to those, its better to consider that before trying the supplement.

Laser Treatment For Nail Fungus Did Not Prove Effective

Toenail Fungus Treatment laser toenail fungus treatment Pittsburgh

Becker and Bershow reviewed the scientific studies of laser therapy for toenail fungus and found no effective results in randomized, controlled, clinical trials. In addition, the therapy was not painless and recurrence of fungal infection was high.

However, the authors of the literature review acknowledged that reinfection is so common with nail fungus that it is possible that reinfection, not recurrence of the original infection, was responsible for the unpersuasive results.

Another study, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, noted that laser treatment did not produce a cure when tested on humans with toenail fungus. The researchers noted that only one kind of laser light was tested. Nevertheless, they stated about their results: In vivo treatment did not result in onychomycosis cure meaning that the testing of laser treatment on human patients did not produce a toenail fungus cure.

Don’t Miss: Why Do I Bite My Nails

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.

How Can I Be Sure I Have Toenail Fungus

Hands down, the best way to determine if you have toenail fungus is to get a nail culture done by a podiatrist. If you see any of the signs Ive mentioned, just make an appointment for an evaluation. Because the infection eventually spreads to every toe, it is better to get cracking and treat it early before bigger problems come around. With toenail fungus, its either treat it and fight it away, or dont treat it and let it get worse. Sounds simple, right? Well, the choice is up to you

Early detection also improves the chances for the treatment to work more effectively and quickly before the infection spreads. Also, this early nail culture will set a baseline so that, after treatment with the laser I often take another nail culture to determine the effectiveness of the laser. There are different components to the fungal culture, and your podiatrist is the best person to discuss the results with you. Most importantly, the laser is over 90% effective for just about every type of fungus out there.

Recommended Reading: What Can I Take For Brittle Nails

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.

Which Laser Therapy Device Is Best

Toenail Fungus Laser Treatment

We swear by our non-thermal cold laser device in treating toenail fungus in our practice. Its called Lunula Laser and its made by Erchonia. Its the first of its kind and the only non-thermal cold laser device to get FDA market clearance to treat onychomycosis.

This is likely thanks to its three successful clinical trials that ensure safety and effectiveness.

Whats so special about this laser? Besides the fact that its safe and effective, we love that it uses a low-level laser wavelength. Thanks to this type of cold laser, theres no discomfort or searing heat pain during treatment like with some of the other laser devices. The treatment also encompasses your entire foot. It requires no operator, so man-made errors are eliminated unlike with other lasers on the market.

The laser doesnt emit smoke fumes and 89% of patients have a positive response to the treatment.

Also, we love that this device is made in the United States.

Recommended Reading: Can Nail Fungus Spread To Skin

Keravita Pro: How Do You Take It

Adults should take Keravita Pro 2 times daily, after each breakfast and dinner. A 60-capsule capsule provides 30 days of full-body immunity. Keravita Pro should be taken for at least 3 to 6 months to ensure optimal protection. It is strongly discouraged that you exceed the recommended daily dose. If you take three capsules per day, it might cause more harm than good. Laser Treatment For Toenail Fungus Reviews

Cosmetics And Laser Center Appointments: 259

Cosmetic dermatologists have madegreat strides using laser treatment technology to treat nail fungus. Due to therisks associated with oral medications and the disappointing results fromprescription creams and polishes to treat nail fungus, these therapies arequickly becoming treatments of the past.

Clinical research trials show lasertreatment success being as high as 90% with multiple treatments, whereascurrent prescription therapies are about 50% effective. Laser treatment worksby heating up the nail layers specific to the fungus and attempting to destroythe genetic material responsible for fungus growth and survival.

What are the benefits of laser nail fungus treatment?

  • Safe and effective
  • Treatments are quick
  • Minimal to no discomfort
  • Excellent alternative to potentially harmful oral medication

What can I expect during and after the laser nail fungus treatment?

  • Minimum of 2 treatments is recommended
  • Treatments performed 5 to 6 weeks apart
  • All nails in the area of the fungus are treated
  • Laser treatment is used in conjunction with topical creams
  • Fingernails require 3 to 6 months to regrow completely and toenails 12 to 18 months
  • Results will not be seen until at least 2 months from the initial laser treatment

Don’t Miss: Who Sells Dazzle Dry Nail Polish

What Are The Benefits Of Laser Toenail Fungus Therapy

Toenail fungus is a fungal infection that impacts the toenails. Fungal toenail infections are fairly common, with those who have it experiencing mild to severe symptoms. Once a patient is diagnosed with a case of toenail fungus theyll need to undergo treatment as this hard-to-treat infection wont heal on its own. If left untreated, any symptoms experienced will only continue to worsen.Laser toenail fungus therapy is a top treatment option.

Can My Fungal Nail Infection Come Back

Toenail Fungus Treatment Laser

It can. Just like how you can stub your toe multiple times on different occasions, you may contract fungal nail infections on different occasions and from different places, too. As part of your care, we will discuss with you the best ways to keep your home environment free from fungus to limit your risk of reinfection from places like your shoes, socks and shower at home.

Recommended Reading: What Nail Colors Are In

Benefits Of Laser Toenail Fungus Treatment

Even though a lot of people fear the toe-nail fungus laser treatment, but still it is the most effective one.

Here are a few benefits, these can vary as per the patients condition.

  • This treatment in quick, you only need to visit the doctors three to five times in a few months only.
  • In the laser treatment, the doctors make sure that the natural look of your toenail is not damaged, and you can retain the shiny toenail.
  • It is the last resort, when no other medical treatment such as creams and medicines are working.
  • It is a painless treatment, unlike the topical creams, or surgeries that may cause pain. So, it is the most recommended one for the older people and kids.
  • You do not need to go through the liver-enzyme tests, which is a pre-requisite for other fungal removing treatments.

How Laser Therapy Can Eradicate Toenail Fungus

Here in Texas, were never too far away from sandal and open-toe shoe season. If toenail fungus and the yellow, thick, crusty nails it brings has you too embarrassed to show off your tootsies, now is the right time to start treatment.

At the Arlington/Mansfield Foot & Ankle Centers offices in Arlington and Mansfield, Texas, our board-certified podiatrists use different types of treatments to combat the fungus, yeast, or mold that causes these fungal infections including the innovative HyperBlue PLUS® laser system.

With the HyperBlue PLUS, our team eradicates nail fungus without harming the toenail or surrounding skin. Heres a closer look at how this revolutionary laser system works and whether its right for you.

You May Like: Does Fungi Nail Pen Work

Laser Nail Fungus Treatment

This procedure makes use of a powerful and targeted laser beam that destroys the fungus in the nail beds. It results in relief from toenail fungus.

Does It Work?

According to some of the clinical trials that have been conducted about it, YES, it does work. Many of the people who have gone for the procedure have reported healthy nail growth after the procedure.

After treatment, patients can go back to work or go home. There is practically no downtime for the procedure. Healthy nail growth may start to be observed after the procedure has been completed.

Is It Painful?

There will be some degree of pain, but it is often minimal that patients report it as more of an annoying sensation than of actual pain. A patient who is afraid of the possible pain can ask their doctor to use topical anesthesia that will numb the affected area.

Before Going In For a Procedure

  • Patients have to assess if this indeed the best option because there are other alternatives. For example, oral medication has been shown to have the same effects as laser therapy.
  • Read laser fungus removal reviews patients should get a good idea how the procedure went for other patients. This is especially necessary because this is still a new procedure.
  • Proper Screening Some patients are going to be better candidates for the procedure than others.

Also Check: What To Look For In Hair Skin And Nails Vitamins

How And Why Do You Get This Fungal Infection In The First Place

Laser Toenail Fungus Treatment Dr Loren Colon

Were all exposed to plenty of fungi and often nothing happens. Thats thanks to our immune systems. But if something weakens our immune systems or gives them an extra run for their money, the fungi may win.

So, a compromised or weakened immune system of any kind is often the culprit and increases your risk of getting a fungal toenail infection. A diabetic or someone whose blood flow to the feet is compromised, for example, weakens your bodys ability to do its thing in your toenails. An injury to the toenail can also make it tougher for your body to fight off fungi.

Men tend to get toenail fungus more than women. Its also seen more in older people if their immune system weakens. If you smoke, youre at a higher risk.

If someone in your family has it or someone you come into contact with a lot does, youre usually at a higher risk too.

Read Also: What Can You Use To Remove Nail Polish

Laser Therapy For Nail Fungus Is Expensive Elective And Cosmetic

Another detriment of nail fungus laser therapy is cost. The expense is usually not covered by insurance because toenail fungus is deemed a cosmetic issue, not a serious health matter. Treatment is elective and based more on the appearance of the feet than an actual health threat. The cosmetic side of nail fungus is perturbing to those who have it. Symptoms of nail fungus include distortion of the nail surface, including a brittle or ridged appearance, discoloration of the nail surface and brittle-looking or crumbling nails. But it is rarely a dangerous condition.

Until laser therapy passes more randomized, controlled, clinical tests elderly patients may wish to forego the expense. Although laser therapy for nail fungus may be the wave of the future, at this time it has not proven effective. Scientists recommend traditional treatments as they have proven to be more effective.

Becker, C., Bershow, A. . Lasers and photodynamic therapy in the treatment of onychomycosis-a review of the literature. Dermatology Online Journal, 19: 19611. Available online at http://escholarship.org/uc/item/0js6z1kw. Accessed March 10, 2017.

Carney, C., Cantrell, W., Warner, J., Elewski, B. . Treatment of onychomycosis using a submillisecond 1064-nm neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 69: 578-582. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2013.04.054.

  • JI

Cherrish Rechargeable Nail Fungus Laser Treatment Device For Onychomycosis Cure Highly Effective

This is another fantastic fungal toenail treatment device. It can be used at home with the help of a trained professional hence saving you money used as a clinic fee. It gives fast and effective results within a short period. It is straightforward to use, and all one is required to do is place the affected nail on the device and then switch on the device.

After the required seven minutes are over, the device automatically switches itself off. It has a compact design therefore, it can be carried around, enabling you to treat the affected nail anywhere at any time.

It offers extreme flexibility due to its rechargeable batteries that last long.

  • It is straightforward to use.
  • It is portable.

Also Check: How To Grow Healthy Nails

Laser Removal For Fungal Nail Infections

Fungal nail infections if mild can be treated with topical paint on nail lacquers. Success rates are variable and the treatment takes many months. Tablet treatments can take up to six month, but is more successful, and also suitable for more severe infection. Success rates are between 40-80% in clinical trials.

Some types of fungus such as moulds, however, do not respond to tablet treatment. The tablets commonly cause side-effects and for some people require blood test monitoring in case of drug-induced liver inflammation.

A growing number of clinical trials have confirmed that laser treatment is as equally effective at treating nail fungus infection with success rates of 53-82%. Moulds can also respond to laser treatment. Dermatologist assessment and mycology may be required for laser or drug resistant cases to establish the specific fungus strain or consider diagnoses other than fungal infection.

Laser treatment of fungal nail infection is quick, painless and just as successful as topical or tablet treatment without any side-effects. It even works for some types of fungus that are resistant to tablet treatment. One treatment every week for four weeks is required. Multiple nails can be treated at each laser session.

Initial assessment is by our laser practitioner. Onward private referral to a dermatologist or back to your GP may be required if the diagnosis is not nail fungal infection.

RELATED ARTICLES

Popular Articles