Certain Patients Benefit From Laser Treatment For Toenail Fungus

By Gloria Mason


Onychomycosis, also called a fungal infection of the toenails, results in the latter becoming hardened and thick due to the presence of fungi. It also causes crumbling at the edge of each nail, which can be tender and painful to the underlying skin. Laser treatment for toenail fungus is one of the newest therapies designed to eliminate this embarrassing and uncomfortable condition.

The aforementioned infection may first manifest as tiny white spots that gradually begin to spread. Eventually, the entire nail is affected. The fungus may be present in only one nail, or multiple toenails can be infected. Such infections are often challenging to treat, and in many cases it appears that they have cleared up, but they recur in the future. As mentioned above, laser therapy is a new approach to such infections, and many patients have enjoyed success when such therapy was pursued.

Fungi are microscopic organisms that prefer a moist, warm, dark environment. This is why numerous individuals contract such infections in public showers or swimming pools they share with others. The fungi that result in this condition are referred to as dermatophytes. They enter the toenail through small openings where the bed separates from the nail.

Toenail fungus affects more males than females, although it is not yet known why this is the case. Infections of this type are also more common among older people than younger individuals. Again, researchers are not quite certain of the reason for this phenomenon.

Currently, there are 2 types of laser treatment available for fungus of the toenails. One is called patholase, but this kind has not yet been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration. This is because preliminary studies do not support the fact that it is effective in treating the aforementioned infection.

The other option for those pursuing laser therapy for fungus of the toenail is called Nomir. Although the latter is also awaiting approval from the US Food and Drug Administration, research has concluded that the treatment is beneficial to most patients. Initial trials showed that 85 percent of those who participated in studies experienced an improvement in their condition within a hundred and eighty days of completing their therapy. Additional research is underway regarding this type of laser procedure.

A laser is a concentrated beam of light, and when directed to the infected tissue, it vaporizes the latter after several treatments. Various wavelengths are used in order to treat each area selectively, based on the severity of the fungi growth. The heat from the light beam kills the fungus and does not damage the tissue surrounding the infection. In addition, there are virtually no side effects associated with such treatment.

The process takes approximately 30 minutes and can be performed in a physician's office. It usually takes three visits in order to administer enough wavelengths to destroy the infection. Anesthesia is not necessary, as the patient typically feels nothing when the procedure is being performed.

Essentially anyone can participate in laser treatment for toenail fungus. No one has reported major adverse reactions so far, and both footwear and nail polish can be worn immediately after each session. Those who are interested in this type of therapy should speak to a medical professional and be evaluated before an appointment for the procedure is scheduled.




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