Useful Information About Laser Treatment For Toenail Fungus

By Gloria Mason


Today, many health facilities offer laser treatment for toenail fungus. The beam zaps away all the fungi responsible for damaging the appearance of nails. This technique is widely used since it helps individuals avoid complications that may occur when oral medications are used. There are various causes of this problem. Heredity plays a significant role in the occurrence of this problem. Other situations that increase the susceptibility of an individual include aging, circulation problems, perspiring heavily, diabetes, psoriasis and minor injuries of the skin and nails.

Mild forms of this condition are treated as simple cosmetic problems but if allowed to persist the fungus may cause several challenges. The nails usually grow abnormally making it difficult to walk comfortably. This treatment is better than oral medications which are often associated with certain risks such as liver damage, nail lacquer and poor efficacy.

There are several measures that are very helpful to avoid cases where the condition may emerge again after treatment. In most cases, doctors recommend a scrupulous hygiene program. This may involve avoiding going barefoot in public areas, washing and drying feet on a daily basis, regularly using anti-fungal sprays for the feet and shoes and changing socks on a daily basis.

It is important to gather adequate information about the procedure before making the decision to undergo it. This information can be obtained from a dermatologist or a podiatrist. It is good to prepare adequately for the appointment in order to make the most out of the session. Patients are encouraged to prepare questions for the doctor. It is also advisable to list the symptoms experienced, key personal information and medications being used.

The diagnosis involves an examination of the nails. In most cases, the doctor scrapes debris from the nails for analysis and to test for fungi. The debris is examined under a microscope and cultured to identify the exact cause of the infection. This is necessary to determine the best course of treatment. Microorganisms such as bacteria and yeast can infect the nails. Conditions such as psoriasis may also mimic a fungal infection.

The procedure is an outpatient case. The first step is to file the surface of the nails to make it easy for the lasers to penetrate. There is no discomfort experienced during and after the procedure. Most patients report a warming sensation accompanied by mild pinpricks which are not painful. It is a non-invasive procedure and therefore patients resume their activities in no time.

The treatment lasts for about 30 to 40 minutes. Depending on the laser used and the severity of the condition, patients need one to four sessions. It takes about one year for the toes to clear entirely. The laser inhibits fungal growth paving the way for the natural mechanism of the body to clear the nail. Many studies have found that a majority of people who undergo the procedure are satisfied with the results.

Laser treatment for toenail fungus has proved to be a major success in the field of podiatry and dermatology. It offers greater efficiency than conventional oral and topical medications. It is safe and helps medical experts to eliminate the problem permanently without causing any complications in the surrounding areas of the skin. The results obtained can be maintained through follow up care, good hygiene and the use of topical anti-fungal creams.




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