Laser treatment for toenail fungus is one of the many methods to treat fungal infection of the nails on the toes. Toenail fungus is the infection of the toenails by fungi that starts as yellow or whitish spots under the tips of the nails. As the fungus spreads, it goes deeper and deeper into the nail causing discoloration, thickening, and crumbling around the nails’ edges. The toenail fungus pictures below will give you a clear idea of how the fungus grows on the toes.
Fungal infection of the toenails is typically caused by molds and yeasts. Fungi are organisms that can survive even without sunlight. Some fungus can be beneficial while some can cause infection and diseases. Nail fungus appears more often on toenails than on fingernails because toenails are more confined in dark and moist environments like inside your shoes. Blood circulation around toenails are likewise lessened which is why infections are harder to detect and to eliminate.
Risk Factors for toenail fungus
Those who are at higher risk of developing toenail fungus are:
• Persons with injured toenail
• Diabetics
• Individuals with poor foot hygienic practices
• Males
• Persons with weak immune system
• Those who perspire heavily
Laser Treatment for Toenail Fungus
Laser treatment for toenail fungus is the newest way of treating this type of fungal infection. The laser energy is directed right onto the infected area, killing the fungi only and leaving no trace of damage. But take note, laser treatment is not cheap, and up to now studies on its effectiveness is still ongoing.
Laser treatments have been around since the 1980’s. However, the approach of this treatment in the beginning is a lot different than how we employ laser treatment now. The original laser treatment as practiced before was to create hole around the channels of the nail to get a better access to the fungi underneath and applying medicine directly onto the infected site to kill the fungi. But this approach had not been successful and didn’t seem to show any improvements at all. Nowadays, as the laser technology has improved, a better approach has also been adopted by using specific wavelengths of the light energy to target the fungi and kill it leaving the toenail intact and pain free.
As of now, this treatment approach has not yet been proven effective and has not been cleared by the Food and Drug Administration. Other laser treatments for other types of disorders are cleared but with specific label not to be used with toenail fungus. Up to now only one clinic is cleared to use this type of treatment.
Laser treatment for toenail fungus usually take 30 to 45 minutes including all ten toes. Treatment would require between 1 to 4 sessions depending on the severity of infection. Laser treatment costs around $1,000 to $2,500 and is not covered by the health insurance. Though expensive, many patients still prefer laser treatment over oral medications mainly because it is safer, it has lesser side effects, and treatment procedures are faster. Once treated, keep toenails short and clean, apply antifungal spray on feet, don’t go barefoot in public places, and be careful in choosing your pedicure salon to avoid getting re-infected. Remember, fungal infection is quite tough to solve, so keep proper hygienic practices and keep your feet dry and clean all the time.
Toenail fungus Pictures
Check out the pictures of toenail fungus to know how the fungus can harm the toenail and skin of the toes.
