Onychomycosis, or a fungal infection of the toenails, is treated medically with laser therapy. Multiple laser surgeries for toenail fungus are usually required before the toenail fungal infection improves. Laser treatment for toenail fungus may require 6 to 18 months of ongoing treatment.
Laser treatment for nail fungus is considered safe, although side effects such as discomfort or bleeding around the nail are rare.of F.D.A. The United States has approved laser therapy as a treatment for nail fungus.
Everything you need to know about using laser treatment to treat toenail fungus is explained in this article.
How is toenail fungus treated using laser treatment?
Laser treatment and nail fungus It can be treated using a variety of laser treatments. Some of them use light and others use carbon dioxide (CO2). Laser devices emit pulses of thermal energy. The laser is intended to treat onychomycosis by transmitting heat through the toenail to the nail bed where the fungus is present.
CO2 laser or yttrium aluminum garnet This treatment uses a (YAG) laser with a wavelength of 870 nm, 930 nm, or 1320 nm. Heat-induced gasification and destruction of the diseased tissue destroys the fungus and the surrounding skin and nails. Additionally, the heat from the laser sterilizes the area and inhibits new fungal growth.
When laser therapy is applied properly, it does not release enough energy to destroy all parts of the tissue or infection. As a result, additional care is usually required.It is doubtful that you will recover, or Remove nail fungus with laser Even if the growth of the fungal organism is prevented and some are destroyed, the infection can partially survive the treatment, so a single laser treatment can be effective.
How effective is laser treatment for nail fungal infections?
Laser treatment for nail fungal infections is often effective. This is a non-invasive option that directly targets the fungus, and some people see significant improvements in the appearance and health of their nails after a few treatment sessions.
However, the success of laser treatment depends on the type and severity of the fungal infection.of F.D.A. has approved several laser devices to treat toenail fungus, including the PinPointe Footlaser, GenesisPlus, and Noveon. According to FDA approval criteria, these devices can cause “a temporary increase in clear nails in patients with onychomycosis.”
Cure rates are high, and most patients experience significant improvement with laser treatment. One researcher found a 61% cure rate at 16 weeks. After 180 days, another study A cure rate of 30% and clinical improvement of 91% was demonstrated. After laser treatment, most tests will not find any signs of infection.
What is the difference between laser treatment and other treatments?
For nail fungus, laser treatment is usually more effective than traditional methods.
Oral antifungals or topical (skin) antifungals may be used to treat various types of fungal or nail fungal infections. Prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) solutions are also available. Oral antifungal medications can cause systemic or systemic side effects and are not always effective in treating toenail fungus. Topical treatments are generally considered safe but may not be effective.
Studies have shown that topical treatments can reduce nail fungus by about 45%, and oral medications can reduce symptoms by about 40% to 66%.
However, the effectiveness of these various treatments appears to be variable. It can be difficult to use them consistently without experiencing adverse effects. A combination of treatments is more effective than applying a single treatment.
Will nail fungus come back after laser treatment?
Nail fungus may return after laser treatment. Toenail fungus frequently returns even after receiving oral antifungal therapy. research has shown 10% to 53% of patients experience progressive recurrence even after eradication of the organism. According to the researchers, further research is needed to confirm the long-term effectiveness of laser treatment for nail fungus and to identify the best tools for treating fungal infections.
The FDA has approved several laser systems for short-term cosmetic treatment of toenail fungus. Currently, all antibacterial treatments are not yet approved, as more data is needed to support permanent treatments for infections.
What can I expect from laser treatment?
Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms during your first appointment for laser nail fungus treatment. Toenail fungus is usually diagnosed by looking at the nail, but sometimes a sample needs to be examined under a microscope.
Treatment is provided by medical professionals such as podiatrists, family physicians, and dermatologists. On the day or days before your laser treatment, you may also have dead skin removed (debridement) and your toenails trimmed.
Immediately before surgery, the foot is cleaned with a sterile solution and placed in an accessible location for the medical professional to aim the laser at. The laser is applied to the damaged nail and may also be applied to the unaffected nail if there is a possibility that fungus is growing there.
The risk of adverse effects is reduced by minimizing skin heating with specific wavelengths or laser pulses. Laser treatment typically takes less than 30 minutes each session.
Also read: How can I get rid of a fungal infection on my hands?
How do I know if my laser treatment is working?
Some patients feel that their infection is gone after one treatment, but other sessions may be needed depending on the results.
Even if treatment is successful, infected nails may not heal quickly. You may need to wait up to 12 months for the nail to grow to determine if the treatment was successful.
Symptoms of toenail fungus reduction after laser treatment include:
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Discoloration of the affected toenail to yellow, white, or brown.
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Remove flakes under or on the nails.
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Onycholysis Recovery from nail detachment from the underlying nail bed.
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The newly growing nail has a normal texture and shape, with no thickness, lumps, or deformity.
What are the benefits of laser nail fungus treatment?
Some benefits of laser nail fungus treatment are:
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Safe and efficient.
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Treatment takes approximately 30 minutes.
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There is little discomfort (although the laser may produce heat).
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An excellent alternative to potentially dangerous oral medications.
What are the risks of laser treatment?
Typically, Laser treatment for nail fungus It’s safe. A small number of patients experience some degree of heat sensitivity during treatment. Nevertheless, the low risks associated with laser treatment is one of its advantages. Risks associated with oral medications include gastrointestinal, kidney, and liver damage.
Therefore, young people, pregnant women, and people with some specific medical problems may find laser treatment safer.
Also read: 10 Instant Home Remedies for Stomach Problems
conclusion
There are several things to consider when considering treatment options for toenail fungal infections. At the same time, topical treatments require careful attention and may not be very effective. Having tablets in your mouth can cause unexpected problems.
Repeated laser nail fungus treatments may be more effective, but scheduling several visits in advance can be time-consuming. The fact that some health insurance plans do not cover the full cost of this treatment means that its cost can also be an issue. Weigh the pros and cons of each option during your discussion with your health care professional.
