Toenail fungal infection is also known as onychomycosis and is a situation in which nails of toes become thick, hard and have crumbling edges. In the initial stages, the infection may appear as spots that are small, white and spread gradually to affect the entire nail. One or more nails can be affected. Just like most other fungal infections, it is difficult to treat and occur over and over again. Laser treatment for toenail fungus is an option that is effective and removes the infection completely.
There are several models of lasers that can be used. The Patholase lasers do not have approval by FDA. Studies carried out show that it is not an effective technique for treatment of the infection. Other models are still awaiting approval and are known to bring improvement in six months. The lasers are concentrated beams of light that vaporize tissues in the areas to be treated. In order to selectively treat different areas of the body, different wavelengths are chosen.
The fungus is targeted and then destroyed by the laser, allowing the nail and skin in surrounding parts to remain undisturbed. The heating and killing of fungi is done without affecting nearby tissues. The various brands of tissues work differently. Nevertheless, the basis is to use heat to eliminate the infections.
Initial consultation involves evaluation of the nail, the symptoms and filling it down. The lasers get maneuvered over any nails that are affected and could even be used over those that are not infected. A single session would last about 30 minutes or even less. There are patients that will succeed with a single session. Others on the other hand will need multiple treatments.
The nails will not be cleared at once. Approximately 6 or 12 months will be needed for nails to grow out. That will be the best way to determine if the procedure was a success. The costs of treatment are the downside, with the average cost being around $1000. For the best deals, one should take time to compare the various options available. Despite the fact that traditional techniques do not cost a lot, they are never very effective and will need a number of sessions.
The majority of patients do not feel any pain. There are those that may feel a warming sensation and few people feel a pinprick. There is the possibility of the infection recurring. However, doctors will recommend care techniques that if followed will reduce chances of re-infection. Chances of re-infection are there because the fungus is normally present everywhere in the surroundings.
As to whether one can have a pedicure or paint their nails, there is no problem with that. Application of polish can be done after treatment. The patient should however be informed to get rid of all polish and decorations on the day preceding their appointment with the doctor. This is mandatory.
Laser treatment for toenail fungus may be covered by insurance covers. However, it is in most cases considered as an aesthetic procedure. As such, the majority of health insurance plans will offer no coverage for it.
There are several models of lasers that can be used. The Patholase lasers do not have approval by FDA. Studies carried out show that it is not an effective technique for treatment of the infection. Other models are still awaiting approval and are known to bring improvement in six months. The lasers are concentrated beams of light that vaporize tissues in the areas to be treated. In order to selectively treat different areas of the body, different wavelengths are chosen.
The fungus is targeted and then destroyed by the laser, allowing the nail and skin in surrounding parts to remain undisturbed. The heating and killing of fungi is done without affecting nearby tissues. The various brands of tissues work differently. Nevertheless, the basis is to use heat to eliminate the infections.
Initial consultation involves evaluation of the nail, the symptoms and filling it down. The lasers get maneuvered over any nails that are affected and could even be used over those that are not infected. A single session would last about 30 minutes or even less. There are patients that will succeed with a single session. Others on the other hand will need multiple treatments.
The nails will not be cleared at once. Approximately 6 or 12 months will be needed for nails to grow out. That will be the best way to determine if the procedure was a success. The costs of treatment are the downside, with the average cost being around $1000. For the best deals, one should take time to compare the various options available. Despite the fact that traditional techniques do not cost a lot, they are never very effective and will need a number of sessions.
The majority of patients do not feel any pain. There are those that may feel a warming sensation and few people feel a pinprick. There is the possibility of the infection recurring. However, doctors will recommend care techniques that if followed will reduce chances of re-infection. Chances of re-infection are there because the fungus is normally present everywhere in the surroundings.
As to whether one can have a pedicure or paint their nails, there is no problem with that. Application of polish can be done after treatment. The patient should however be informed to get rid of all polish and decorations on the day preceding their appointment with the doctor. This is mandatory.
Laser treatment for toenail fungus may be covered by insurance covers. However, it is in most cases considered as an aesthetic procedure. As such, the majority of health insurance plans will offer no coverage for it.
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