Friday, March 22, 2024
HomeFactsCan Laser Kill Toenail Fungus

Can Laser Kill Toenail Fungus

How Much Does Toenail Laser Fungus Removal Cost

Laser for Toenail Fungus: Does it really work? By Seattle Podiatrist Larry Huppin

At our clinic, we include laser fungal therapy and treatment as a covered benefit.

  • While it is true that laser therapy is needed, it may require an in-person evaluation, as there are other options if it is decided that it is not worth it.
  • In most cases, laser toenail fungus therapy treatments can be in the range of what a standard co-pay would be anyway.
  • Visit us for a no-obligation consultation to see if laser toenail fungus therapy is beneficial for you.

Nail Fungus Treatment Challenges

Depending on the type of fungal infection, your doctor may have prescribed a topical cream applied to the nail that must be applied once or twice a day a topical medicated nail polish oral antifungal medicines or laser treatment, which removes damaged parts of the nail and/or skin. Light therapy for fungal infection can be used alongside physicianâs prescribed cream or medicine for an effective recovery.

As you may have learned first-hand, though, fungal infections are easily hidden and notoriously hard to treat. There are several reasons for this:

  • Feet naturally provide a moist, warm, and dark environment that fungi thrive in. Unless great care is taken to keep feet dry and aired out , theres always a chance that a well-hidden fungus can multiply and thrive.
  • As you age, toenails can become drier and develop cracks where the fungus can hide.
  • Toenail fungus can get into the layers of keratin that make up the toenail, which offers an even more secure hiding place than toenail cracks.
  • The fungus can even grow underneath the toenail, where topical antifungal agents cant reach.

Nail fungus is more prevalent in toes than fingers for two important reasons that are not addressed by traditional treatments:

Conventional treatment options typically take a long time to yield results. Depending on the type of fungus, you could be looking at a 3- to 12-month treatment before seeing any evidence of a healthy new nail growing in.

Kerasal Fungal Nail Renewal Treatment

Are you worried about trusting on a laser treatment machine that would cause some sort of damage or fail to serve you with positive results?

Well then, this Kerasal Fungal Nail Renewal Treatment is doctors no#1 reliable and trusted toenail fungus removal treatments.

So, if youre having any doubts, go with the doctors choice.

Don’t Miss: Does Blue Light Kill Toenail Fungus

What Are The Signs And Symptoms

Initially, a white dot shows up on the nail, which increases in size with time. When fungus builds up under the nail, it can cause:

  • Nail thickening or cracks

How do fungal nail infections spread?

  • Fungal nail infections are often contagious from nail to nail
  • Direct contact with an infected person
  • Through sharing surfaces like floors, showers, socks, and shoes.
  • The fungus requires warm and moist environments for growth. Public pools, shower areas, gyms, and changing rooms are the most common places for contracting a fungal nail infection.

What are the Risk Factors?

Factors that can lead to an increased risk of developing nail fungus include:

  • Old age: reduced blood circulation, more years of fungus exposure, and slow nail growth
  • Heavy sweats
  • History of athletes foot
  • Walking barefoot in damp areas, like swimming pools, gyms & shower rooms
  • History of a skin or nail injury or a skin condition like psoriasis
  • Patients with diabetes, circulatory problems, or a weak immune system

Cons Of Using Laser Treatment For Nail Fungus

Can Laser Truly Kill Toenail Fungus

Its Still Considered Experimental Treatment

Because few studies have been done on the efficacy of laser toenail fungus treatment and none have been done on the long-term effects of the method, it is still viewed as experimental treatment with questionable success results.

Some Argue the Treatment is Ineffective

In a recent study done with the Noveon laser, only 1/3 of patients saw results meaning treatment could be hit or miss, depending on each individual case.

Possibility for Tissue Damage in Some Cases

As with any medical treatment, there is a slight risk involved. Though it is rare, some doctors argue that there is a possibility for skin and tissue damage when the laser beam is directed to the deepest levels of the nail.

Its Expensive

Toenail fungus removal lasers two being the PinPointe FootLaser and the Cutera GenesisPlus are quite expensive for medical facilities to purchase, so the fees for patients to use them are quite high. One laser toenail fungus removal session could cost anywhere from $600 to $1500 and its a process generally not covered by health insurance.

Before deciding whether or not to try laser toenail fungus removal, be sure to consult with a podiatrist or a dermatologist about your condition. Toenail fungus comes in many forms and can look like other foot diseases and ailments, so its important to get a positive diagnosis and professional advice before spending money on expensive treatment options.

Don’t Miss: How To Cure White Toenail Fungus

Side Effects Of Laser Fungus Treatment

Many laser providers contend that there are no side effects to the treatment. While that may be true in their experience, their views may not hold up over time.

Given how new laser fungus treatment is, trials that have examined its use and patients long-term reactions to this type of treatment have not been conducted thoroughly. This makes it hard to determine the long-term health effects of laser treatment.

The unknown nature of laser fungal treatments should be taken into consideration before deciding to pursue it.

Read Also: How To Get Rid Of Toenail Fungus Under Nail

How Do Podiatrists Treat Toenail Fungus

There are traditional ways of treating toenail fungus. You can also try oral and topical medications to alleviate your condition.

The most common oral medication for toenail fungus is the terbinafine. Most of the doctors prescribe this medicine to patients with this disease.

If you want the cutting-edge and reliable treatment for toenail fungus, try the laser treatment. Make sure that you are eligible to take this advanced medical procedure.

Recommended Reading: How Effective Is Laser Treatment For Nail Fungus

Biotechnique Avance Nail Treatment System

Cant afford the highly expensive and smart-looking laser treatment devices?

No problem!

This nail treatment system serves you with just the perfect professional-grade results and high-quality performance.

Also, the affordable quality of this device is certainly something you can be satisfied with every session.

What Are The Possible Side Effects Of Laser Nail Fungus Therapy

Nail Fungus? Zap It with New Laser Treatment!

Most clients experience no side effects other than a feeling of warmth during treatment and a mild warming sensation after treatment. However, possible side effects may include a feeling of warmth and/or slight pain during treatment, redness of the treated skin around the nail lasting 24 72 hours, slight swelling of the treated skin around the nail lasting 24 72 hours, discolouration or burn marks may occur on the nail. In very rare cases, blistering of the treated skin around the nail and scarring of the treated skin around the nail may occur.

Don’t Miss: What Is A Home Remedy For Toenail Fungus

Podiatrists Explain About The Dangers Of Nail Fungus

Nail fungus infection results in thick and yellow toenails, but may also cause other more serious complications. Toenail fungus can cause foot pain. The foot pain usually gets worse when the infection spreads from one infected nail to the other. Another embarrassing symptom of toenail fungus is bad foot odor resulting from fungi debris under the nail. In addition, fungus sheds from the nail and spreads all over your house. This fungus shedding can cause toenail infections to other members of your household. Therefore, the biggest danger is hurting the people you love.

For these reasons our podiatrists recommend starting toenail fungus treatment as soon as possible. Our podiatrists diagnose and cure thousands of nail fungus patients every year. Contact us to learn about our toenail fungus treatment and how our foot doctors can help you get healthy, clear, fungus-free nails.

Toenail Fungus Treatment Results

Toenail Fungus infections are unsightly and embarrassing the infected nail becomes yellow, thick and hard to cut. Although toenail fungus infections are also very common, they can be very difficult to treat. Until recently, the most common treatment for toenail fungus was taking pills that might cause liver toxicity. But several years of research gave birth to a much safer solution: The PinPointe Foot Laser. This safe, quick and painless laser treatment has proven to be a very effective cure for toenail fungus and fingernail fungus infection.

Laser Treatment For Toenail Fungus

Laser therapy is a treatment for toenail fungus infection , a hard-to-treat infection that changes the appearance and texture of the nail. There are several types of laser treatment options, including those that use light and those that use carbon dioxide . Laser therapy is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for this use.

Fungal infections of the nails usually require several laser treatment sessions before they completely resolve. It may take between six and 18 months of consistent treatments for laser therapy to be effective. While these treatments may cause side effects such as pain and/or bleeding of the surrounding area, they are considered safe.

Don’t Miss: Does Hydrogen Peroxide Help Toe Fungus

Ways To Safely Treat Toenail Fungus At Home

  • EMAILSHARE

Stocksy/Design by Cristina Cianci

Toenail fungus sounds funky, but believe it or not, its much more common than you think. Thats because the pesky foot issuewhich most often presents as yellowing, cracking, and thickening of the nailscan be caused by everything from slower-growing nails and excessive sweating to athletes foot and walking barefoot in communal areas such as pools, shower rooms, gyms, and the like.

Most infections are caused by tinea species, but can involve harder-to-treat species called dermatophytes, says Francisco Oliva, DPM. He adds that infections usually occur when theres a combination of issues affecting the toenail. Sometimes there is an injury to the nail at some point, he explains. The effects can be delayed for months and years. Once the fungus invades the nail, the keratin layer of the nail becomes a difficult barrier to penetrate.

Dont Miss: Will Vinegar Kill Toe Fungus

How Does Laser Treatment Work For Fungal Nails

Causes and Treatments of Toenail Fungus

Clinical studies show that the laser kills toenail fungus and promotes healthy nail growth with a single treatment in better than 80% of cases. Laser treatment is safe, effective, and pain-free. Laser works by selectively targeting the fungal cells, heating them up and destroying them in the process. The surrounding healthy skin and tissues are not affected therefore you will not experience any pain. For this reason, laser treatment does not require any local anaesthesia, and there is no recovery period. Its a simple walk-in, walk-out procedure with no side effects and no visible harm to the nail or skin.

Also Check: What Are The Symptoms Of Toenail Fungus

Over 20 Percent Of Us Adults Or Approximately 23 Million People Suffer From Toenail Fungus Infection

Unfortunately, those treatments that have been around a while toxic oral medications and expensive topical creams or nail polish often dont really work. Topical treatments are less than 5% effective. Yes, that’s correct – only 5% effective and only when the fungus is caught very early and only treats the surface of the nail. Not to mention, oral medications are very toxic to the liver, have significant side effects, require regular blood testing so your liver doesnt fail. As a matter of fact, they can adverse reactaions by interacting with other medications you may already be taking. Furthermore, pills are only 60% or so effective, and then the fungus usually comes back within 12 months. That can be extremely frustrating and discouraging.

Fortunately, there is a newer, better, safer treatment available, and laser therapy works over 90% of the time. Since around 2010, more than a handful of laser devices have been FDA approved and are used with success by podiatrists as a safe, quick, effective, pain-free form of treatment. Good to know there’s a solution and effective treatment available – right?

To help guide you through the murky world of toenail fungus, I have put together some basic information to make things easy for you. Below you will find out more about this unsightly condition, how its treated, and what you can expect if you decide laser therapy is the right choice for you.

Laser Treatment For Fungal Toenails

Do you have discolored thick toenails?

The most powerful Nd:YAG laser for toenail fungus and skin rejuvenation. GenesisPlus is the culmination of more than a decade of experience and one of Cuteras most advanced Nd:YAG laser systems.

A specially designed laser beams through the toenail and safely kills the organisms embedded in the nail bed that cause Onychomycosis more commonly known as toenail fungus.

The procedure requires one or a small number of safe, quick treatments with little or no discomfort and is performed as an outpatient service with no anesthesia. The gentle laser light beam has no effect on healthy tissue and treats only the infected area of the toe. No drugs or topical ointments are used, eliminating the total-body side effects of traditional oral medications.

Clinical studies show that the laser kills toenail fungus and promotes clear nail growth with a single treatment in better than 80% of cases. The laser treatment is safe, effective, and most patients improve usually after their first treatment.

What is GenesisPlus?GenesisPlus is a Nd:YAG 1064nm laser that has been cleared by the FDA to be both a safe and effective solution for the treatment of nail infection , more commonly known as toenail fungus. This laser is also a safe and effective treatment for scar reduction and warts.

Recommended Reading: How To Cure Fungus On Big Toe

Eucalyptus Oil Toe Fungus Swimming Pools Nail Fungus

Infinite Aloe Toenail Fungus Icd 10 Abdominal Skin Fungus Dermatitis How Much Does Lazer Toenail Fungus Removal Cost. Laser Toe Nail Fungus Treatment Jackson Nj Protein Shakes Nail Fungus. Toe Nail Fungus Little Toe Little Hole Foot Fungus. Gout Toenail Fungus Nail Fungus Doctor Los Angeles.

Does Cleartouch Work For Nail Fungus Vinegar Epsom Salts Fungus Foot Soak. Nizoral For Fungus On Skin Miconazole Nitrate For Nail Fungus White Vinegar Vs Apple Cider Vinegar For Nail Fungus. Toe Nail Fungus Abd Tea Tree Oil Can I Still Get A Pedicure If I Have Toenail Fungus.

What Training Do Electra Laser Technicians Have

Toenail Fungus Cure | How To Cure Toenail Fungus At Home Without Expensive Laser Treatment

In addition to having full manufacturer training and certification on the Fox Laser, our technicians are certified Medical Estheticians who have years of experience working on our variety of other laser equipment we use for laser hair removal, laser tattoo removal and IPL skin treatments. Laser treatments are our specialty and expertise! Who better to trust your laser treatments to than an experienced technician who operates a variety of lasers every day?

You May Like: How Does Tea Tree Oil Work On Toenail Fungus

When To See A Doctor About Toenail Fungus

If you are experiencing persistent toenail fungus or pain is present, you may need to see a specialist. A dermatologist or podiatrist may be able to assess your symptoms and send a small sample of the affected toenail or flesh to a laboratory to be analyzed as there are various types of fungi and yeasts that cause onychomycosis. Knowing the specific cause of your foot fungus can help identify what route to take to treat your condition.

Nail changes can also be caused by underlying conditions, like psoriasis and diabetes, so its important to seek professional medical advice if your condition persists or worsens. Bacterial and fungal infection of skin in diabetes patients often result in hospital admissions, and in severe cases, can result in amputations. If you are at a higher risk for infection, you should skip home remedies and seek professional medical treatment.

Is Using A Laser To Treat Nail Fungus A New Procedure

Lasers have been used extensively for the past 7-10 years for the treatment of nail fungus, resulting in numerous clinical studies. Laser manufacturers have used these results over the years to learn how to better design their equipment, enabling them to maximize therapeutic effects. The Fox Diode Laser, designed and manufactured in Germany, is the latest generation of laser designed specifically for nail fungus therapy. The Fox Diode laser has been used successfully in Germany and Europe for over two years and received Health Canada approval for therapeutic treatment of nail fungus in November 2012. We considered it the most advanced laser for the treatment of nail fungus.

You May Like: How To Quickly Kill Toenail Fungus

What Is Onychomycosis

Fungal foot infections. They can create major discomfort and even embarrassment. They are also EXTREMELY COMMON affecting millions of people each year.

Additionally, fungus is easily spread. Individuals with fungus may have contracted it through shared bathroom space, public locker rooms, showers, and pools, shared clothing or shoes, even carpeting.

For some, fungus is simply genetic. When this is the case, treatment can become even more difficult given the likelihood of reoccurrence.

One of the most prevalent types of fungal foot infections directly affects your toenails. This type of condition is known as onychomycosis.

You may have onychomycosis if you notice any of the following symptoms:

  • yellow or other discoloration of your toenails
  • thickened or brittle toenails
  • an unpleasant odor coming from the nail area
  • pain

Its not uncommon to feel discomfort and embarrassment due to the unsightly appearance and these symptoms of onychomycosis.

Fungal nail affects nearly 10% of the US population.

While many find the condition to be, simply, an eye sore, fungal nail can also lead to a larger problems incuding:

  • infection of other toenails
  • ingrown toenails

Individuals with diabetes are also more susceptible to fungal nail given their compromised immune systems.

Laser therapy offers an effective, safe option for treating fungal toenail without the side effects of many oral medications.

Laser Therapy For You

How To Treat Toenail Fungus With Home Remedies

Now that you know the basics on toenail fungus and how laser therapy can help you get rid of it, youre ready to give it a go. Does that sound like a good plan? We hope so. Your toes will look and feel better and thank you for it.

Go ahead and give us a call to give it a go. And to ask questions. Located in Clifton, NJ and Wayne, NJ, we really are here to help you get relief after these issues with your toenails.

Recommended Reading: Can Vinegar Kill Toe Nail Fungus

RELATED ARTICLES

Most Popular