Toenail fungus is a particularly challenging infection to treat hence many people who have toenail fungus look to laser treatment for toenail fungus after having no success with other methods. The type of fungus that usually causes a toenail infection is called a dermatophyte. It is typically confined to the outer layers of the skin which is dead and horny, from where it then develops to the nail bed.
This explains why it is more common among older folks. Many of the existing treatment options for toenail fungus only treat the appearance of the nail without destroying the fungus itself, resulting in a very high rate of reoccurrence. This is mainly because it is difficult to get medication into the dead tissue. One of the effective ways of treating toenail fungus involves the use of laser light.
What is Toenail Fungus Laser Treatment?
Laser is a modern way of treating various diseases. It is a technologically advanced process that involves the use of coherent light energy of a particular wavelength and strength to destroy unwanted or harmful tissues in the body. When it is focused on the tissues, the coherent light energy is absorbed by the tissue thereby producing a heat level powerful enough to destroy the tissue. This does not affect other components of the tissue.
Two approaches of laser treatment for toenail fungus are said to be effective. One of the two methods of laser treatment for toenail fungus involves raising the heat level of the nail to a level that discourages fungal infections and the other involves making holes in the nail plate with the use of a fractional CO2 creating an avenue for topical antifungal solutions to properly the nail bed for effective treatment of the fungus. This second option is particularly good because it allows the powerful antifungal properties of topical treatment options to get to the root of the fungus resulting in faster and permanent treatment of toenail fungus.
Advantages Of Using Laser Treatment For Toenail Fungus
- Safe and painless: laser treatment for toenail fungus is very safe; it does not involve the multiple side effects that come with the use of medication. The wavelength and strength of the light energy are set at a level entirely safe for the body. With the way it sounds, one might think it is going to be a painful process but it is absolutely painless. However, it is important to note that some people are reporting a warming sensation lately.
- No need for tests: before medications are given for the laser treatment of toenail fungus, experts advise that tests be conducted to consider the safety of the drugs especially to the internal organs. Laser treatment does not require any of these tests.
- Fast: the entire laser treatment for toenail fungus process takes just about 15 minutes for the ten toes. Though a clear toenail will not be seen immediately, it grows in a short time.
- No recovery time: partial or total removal of the infected nail(s) via surgery requires a recovery period during which you will be required to visit the doctor a few times for proper management. Laser treatment does not require any of this.
- FDA-Approved: laser treatment is cleared by the FDA for the treatment of toenail fungus.
Why Would Anyone Need Laser Treatment For Toenail Fungus?
There are several factors to consider when choosing a treatment option for the toenail fungus. One of such is underlying health issues such as diabetes. Someone with diabetes will have to treat toenail fungus because it could cause other problems. Medications are not the best option because they could cause damage to internal organs or may not work well with other drugs used in treating the underlying health issue. Therefore, topical treatment will be better suited. It is a painless, safe, and fast treatment option.
What Is The Cost Of Laser Treatment For Toenail Fungus?
Laser treatments are quite expensive treatment options for the toenail fungus. It costs in the region of a thousand dollars and is not covered by any health insurance.
Other treatment options for toenail fungus include the use of home remedies such as the use of essential oils (tea tree oil, clove oil, and thymo oil), apple cider vinegar, garlic, etc. In acute cases, partial or total removal of the infected nail may be necessary.
Conclusion
The treatment of toenail fungus is typically a challenging path. It does not just take quite a while but also reoccurs more often than not. Laser treatment is a safe and painless treatment for toenail fungus and must be combined with proper nail hygiene and other measures such as disinfecting your environment, keeping your feet clean and dry, wearing shoes and socks made of breathable materials, keeping your nails sort, and not walking barefoot in public places.
