What Else Should You Do To Ensure Successful Treatment
Since nail fungus is pretty hard to get rid of and to stop reinfection, there are a few simple things to do to help ensure that your laser treatments are as effective as possible.
- Keep your feet as dry as possible and expose them to light and fresh air often.
- Change your socks and shoes if they get wet. Keep a dry pair of socks available if there is any chance of your feet getting wet.
- If you are in public places like a pool or locker pool always wear flip flop or sandals.
- Trim your nails frequently.
- Use foot baths and soaks with tea tree oil
- If you get manicures or pedicures, bring your own tools so you can ensure that they are sterile.
- Consider using an Ultraviolet Shoe Sanitizer to help kill any bacteria that may linger in your shoes.
Which Laser Therapy Device Is Best
We swear by our non-thermal cold laser device in treating toenail fungus in our practice. Its called Lunula Laser and its made by Erchonia. Its the first of its kind and the only non-thermal cold laser device to get FDA market clearance to treat onychomycosis.
This is likely thanks to its three successful clinical trials that ensure safety and effectiveness.
Whats so special about this laser? Besides the fact that its safe and effective, we love that it uses a low-level laser wavelength. Thanks to this type of cold laser, theres no discomfort or searing heat pain during treatment like with some of the other laser devices. The treatment also encompasses your entire foot. It requires no operator, so man-made errors are eliminated unlike with other lasers on the market.
The laser doesnt emit smoke fumes and 89% of patients have a positive response to the treatment.
Also, we love that this device is made in the United States.
What Are The Signs Of Improvement When Using The Nail Laser
Some users may experience a quick resolution of the fungal infection with a single treatment however, some additional uses of the nail laser may be required even if the fungus has disappeared.
Some infections may require several sessions before the nail laser treatment clears the infected nail, and dont be concerned it takes a little longer. Some treatments can take up to 12 months until the nail grows out to tell whether the treatment has been a full success.
Some signs of improvements may include the following:
Normal texture and shape of new nail growth with no more thickness or strange nail bumps.
Resolution of flaky debris on the nail or under the nail
Disappearance of yellow, brown or white discoloration of the affected area
How Do I Know if I Have Toenail Fungus?
A Toenail fungus infection has an eroding and slow effect on your toenail health, but usually it can take a while to develop and spread, so there is a chance you may not notice it at first.
Some typical toenail fungus symptoms you may encounter:
Toenails become flaky and break off.
Toenail shape becomes curved, ingrown on the sides or twisted.
Nails become incredibly thick at times may become too thick to cut with clippers.
Change in colour of the nail sometimes turning brown, white or yellow.
Bad smell coming from your toenails.
You begin to get pain around the toenail as the hard and curved nails dig down.
Toenails may loosen and separate off the nail bed.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Onychomycosis In The Order That They Usually Appear
- A slowly growing white dot on the toenail.
- Discoloration of the nail. Parts of the nail turn yellow, brown, and/or white.
- The nail thickens and becomes warped or twisted.
- The nail becomes so brittle that it breaks easily, or even crumbles.
- The seal between the nail and its bed is broken. The nail loosens and begin to separate.
- The nail bed becomes painful.
- An odd and/or unpleasant smell emanates from the nail.
- The same process begins in another toenail.
How Much Do At
Another option that can be more cost effective is to use an at-home laser device. These are a true advancement in technology, and many people swear by their effectiveness.
Ncure Nail Fungus Remover
One of the most popular at-home laser devices is the Ncure Nail Fungus Remover. For about $150, you can purchase this toenail fungus remover. It can be used for about seven minutes a day, for several weeks, until the fungus is gone. It is rechargeable, runs no risk of electric shock, and is compatible and portable enough to take with you wherever you go.
Cure Ex Nail Fungus Treatment Laser Device
Another popular at-home laser treatment is the Cure Ex Nail Fungus Treatment Laser Device. Working in a similar way to the Ncare system, this device uses a battery-operated laser that doesnt cut, slice, or scrape any part of the toe. Its slightly more expensive, up to almost $300, but offers the same benefits.
More Affordable & Available for Repeat Usage
Plus, because they are either rechargeable or battery-powered, you can use these devices again. Should you ever get another fungus, you wont have to spend any additional money. It can be a cost-effective solution if youre willing to spend time on the treatment.
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Laser For Fungal Nail Infections
Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the toenails, which affects a large percentage of the population. The main cause of this infection are dermatophytes, a type of fungus that distorts the color, the shape and thickness of the nail, coming to destroy it completely, unless measures are taken to combat them. Until recently, treatment options were limited to topical creams and lacquers as well as oral mediation these suffer from slow results and liver toxicity. Today, advances in medical technology allow us to have a new and effective method: S30 PODYLAS laser, which treats the nail fungus quickly, safely and without side effects. S30 PODYLAS is a 1064nm laser 40W power used to treat onychomycosis, plantar warts and papillomas, neurovascular helomas, intractable plantar keratosis, postoperative recovery, analgesic and anti-inflammatory therapy and other dermatological conditions of the feet.
Hnc Nail Cleaning Fungus Treatment Laser Device
The machine has been designed to be easy to use, and wed say its the most intuitive of the treatment devices on this list. Simply place the laser on the affected nail, push the button and off it goes.
The 905nm laser therapy device works on its own accord and will switch off automatically once the treatment is complete. A standard treatment lasts 7 minutes per nail.
Pros
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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.
What You Should Do
- Do not use laser-based medical devices to treat fungal nail infections.
- Be cautious of clinics, spas or vendors advertising laser-based medical devices to treat fungal nail infections.
- Patients who have only used laser-based medical devices to treat fungal nail infections should contact their health care professional immediately.
- Check Health Canadas Recalls and Safety Alerts database for advisories on illegal health products that have been found on the Canadian market.
- Report complaints involving medical devices, including the advertising and sale of unauthorized devices, to Health Canada.
- Stay connected with Health Canada and receive the latest advisories and product recalls.
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What Types Of Treatments Are Available For Toenail Fungus
Until recently, toenail fungus treatment had been limited to topical anti-fungal creams/nail lacquer and oral medication. With limited success and many downsides, these treatments have become secondary to the more effective laser treatments.
The antifungal cream/lacquer has the lowest success rate, ranging from 5-12% . Unless you have extremely mild toenail fungus, topical treatments are very unlikely to effectively penetrate into, underneath, and around the affected toenail.
Prescribed oral medications work somewhat better . Howeverand this is big, however oral antifungal medications have significant medical risks and often interreact with other prescription drugs. Oral medications should not be prescribed without consulting a primary care physician, in order to ensure safety and protection during the months you would be taking these pills.
Side effects might include liver failure, rash, loss of taste, or change of taste , headaches, stomach discomfort, and lupus-like symptoms.
Topical medications require daily applications for at least a year, and often longer. Even then, a lifetime of application on some level is required to prevent a recurrence. Oral medications, similarly, require several months of pills and are usually associated with recurrence at some point afterward.
Studies show the success in clearing fungal infection through laser treatment was good enough for laser treatment to be FDA cleared and is now considered the ideal method to treat onychomycosis.
What Is Toenail Fungus Laser Treatment
Lasers have been used to treat medical conditions since way back in the 1960s, but its only in the last few years that lasers have been used as a treatment for toenail fungus.
Its a pain free, non-invasive treatment without any worrying side effects, and can either be performed by a podiatrist in a clinic or thanks to new technology- in the comfort of your own home.
And it kills toenail fungus within a matter of minutes.
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How Laser Treatment Works To Kill Toenail Fungus
Fungal nail infections can be caused by many different types of fungi that live in the environment. Small cracks in your nail or the surrounding skin can allow these germs to enter and cause an infection. Because nails get brittle with age, older adults are more prone to developing a fungal nail infection, as are those with a weakened immune system, circulation problems, diabetes, athletes foot, or who have recently experienced a nail injury or nail surgery. Laser therapy can often be effective in the treatment of this resilient fungal infection by targeting a laser light beam through the nail to kill the fungi without affecting the healthy parts of the nail and surrounding skin. If you have toenail fungus, contact a podiatrist to see if laser therapy treatment is right for you.
MLS Laser Therapy is a successful alternative for treating any pain you may be experiencing related to certain podiatric conditions. If you are interested in MLS Laser Therapy, consult with one of our podiatrists from Podiatry Care Specialists. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality foot and ankle treatment.
MLS Laser Therapy
Multiwave Locked System Laser Therapy is a patented, FDA-cleared technology that helps relieve pain and inflammation from a number of podiatric conditions, including:
- Heel Pain
Laser Treatment And Toenail Fungus
posted: May 21, 2021.
Is laser treatment what you need to get rid of toenail fungus for good? The idea of flip-flop season might have you excited unless, of course, youre dealing with toenail fungus. Its incredible how stubborn toenail fungus can be, and it can wreak havoc on your nails, causing them to turn yellow and brittle. If you want an effective way to kill the fungus for good and to get clear toenails again, our Crestview, and Fort Walton Beach, FL, foot doctors, Dr. Cosimo Ricciardi and Dr. Neil Patel, offer laser fungal treatment.
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Avance Salon And Professional Nail Fungus Treatment Machine
This advanced system for the treatment of toenail fungus uses a powerful 655nm laser to penetrate the nail and target Onychomycosis fungus to improve nail health, return thick toenails to a normal thinness, and bring back a healthy color and appearance without damaging skin cells.
It also comes supplied with a fungicidal gel to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment, plus two pairs of protective goggles to ensure eyes arent damaged when using the laser.
The company claims that in 77% of cases this professional level piece of kit gives visible results as quickly as 1 -2 weeks following the start of treatment.
Pros
- Supplied with a good range of accessories
Cons
Hot Or Cold Laser Treatment For Fungal Nail Infections
Thermal laser treatment easily and effectively penetrates the nail and generates heat at the site of infection beneath the nail plate. The fungal cells are destroyed , meaning laser therapy is pain-free. All you will feel is a warm sensation at your nail.
Cold laser fungal nail treatment uses two low-level beams simultaneously on the nail to both damage the living fungus and help your body clear the infection. The frequency of the beams doesnt generate any heat, hence they are called cold lasers. This also means that the treatment is safe, pain-free and has no side effects.
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.
Its important to note that nails have no living cells even healthy-looking nails. This is an important point as a dead cell has no potential to fight off an infection and heal. This means that once the laser treatment is complete and the fungal cells have been destroyed, the damage from the fungus will not be reversed. As the healthy nail grows out, the damage will slowly disappear, though this will take several months.
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I Suspect I Have Toenail Fungus What Now
Well, now that you know the basics on toenail fungus and how Lunula laser therapy can help you get rid of it, maybe youre ready to give it a try. Please call our office at 515 FEET or submit a form online so we can go through options to make this process safe, easy, affordable, and worthwhile for you on your journey to happy, healthy toenails!
How And Why Do You Get This Fungal Infection In The First Place
Were all exposed to plenty of fungi and often nothing happens. Thats thanks to our immune systems. But if something weakens our immune systems or gives them an extra run for their money, the fungi may win.
So, a compromised or weakened immune system of any kind is often the culprit and increases your risk of getting a fungal toenail infection. A diabetic or someone whose blood flow to the feet is compromised, for example, weakens your bodys ability to do its thing in your toenails. An injury to the toenail can also make it tougher for your body to fight off fungi.
Men tend to get toenail fungus more than women. Its also seen more in older people if their immune system weakens. If you smoke, youre at a higher risk.
If someone in your family has it or someone you come into contact with a lot does, youre usually at a higher risk too.
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Is Laser Toenail Fungus Treatment Effective
The simple answer to this question is yes. Laser therapy for toenail fungus has been proven to be effective in getting rid of the infection that goes along with fungus. It uses light waves to kill the infection and lessens the invasive nature of the fungus itself. While there isnt much conclusive research, there are many anecdotal instances that are hard to ignore when it comes to assessing its overall effectiveness.
According to Dr. John Mozena of Podiatry Today, Over time, we may find that laser treatment for onychomycosis may become the standard of care for this pandemic we are facing. Its important to keep that technology in mind that Dr. Mozena is referring to, stating that we are quick to utilize new forms of technology for just about every health issue, and nail fungus should be no different.
This type of fungus used to be considered to be nothing more than a cosmetic issue. However, its now being treated as an actual medical issue, due to the way it can spread, and the problems it can cause.
The problem with testing laser treatments effectiveness is that its still a relatively new procedure. Doctors started using lasers in 2009 to treat toenail fungus, and because the infection can be caused by a variety of factors, some results are more inconclusive than most podiatrists would like.
What Is The Treatment Like For Laser Therapy Does It Hurt
When you come to Greater Washington Advanced Podiatry for Lunula laser treatment we like to make things easy. First, we have a NO CONTACT laser visit option, where you stay 6 feet away from anyone the whole time. We also have a full-service option, while stills adhering to social distancing and CDC guidelines. With this approach, you get a nail fungus evaluation including nail culture. A consultation with one of our podiatry specialists will allow you to decide which approach is best for you and have all your questions answered. Your doctor can even smooth down those ugly thick toenails to make you more comfortable and happy with your toes.
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