Am I A Candidate For The Laser Nail Fungus Cure
If your toenails appear yellow, brittle or thickened, you may be suffering from a medical condition called Onychomycosis, or nail fungus. This is an extremely common problem, shared by up to 10% of the US population. If you are over 40, the number rises to 25% in that age group and if you are over 60, sufferers from toe nail fungus can be as high as an estimated 50%! Up until very recently, treating nail fungus has been challenging due to the hardy nature of the fungus that resides under your nail. Topical medications, or lacquers, are largely ineffective and designed to mostly prevent the spread or worsening of the condition. Oral medications are estimated to be about 50% successful, but those drugs are not tolerated well by many patients and risk of liver damage is an overriding concern. The latest and most effective treatment for the removal of toe nail fungus is laser therapy. Within this category, the Q-Clear laser has produced the most promising and successful results and is the only device specifically FDA-approved for the treatment of toe nail fungus.
Your first step is to seek out a practitioner to verify if you do, in fact, have toe nail fungus. You can seek out a diagnosis from a Family Doctor, Dermatologist, Podiatrist or even a Plastic Surgeon.
How Much Does Laser Treatment For Toenail Fungus Cost
The cost for laser toenail fungus removal varies based on the severity and how many toes are being treated. Our fees are priced very competitively and will be discussed once a diagnosis has been made. However, although it is not always the case, it is normal for the price of one infected nail to cost the same amount as five. The reason for this is that we must treat each nail to properly ensure that the other toenails have not been infected, as well.
The Nail Avulsion Procedure: What To Expect
Your toenail removal operation will most likely not take very long. To begin, the surgeon will have you lie on your back, either with your knee flexed and your foot flat on the table, or with the knee extended so that the foot hangs off the edge of the table.
Partial nail avulsion: This is usually indicated for ingrown toenails. A local anesthetic is injected into the toe, and the surgeon cuts away the ingrown portion of the nail with surgical scissors, being careful not to injure the nail bed .
It may take three to four months for the excised portion of the nail to grow back, unless a permanent removal or cauterization of the nail matrix was performed.
Complete nail avulsion: This procedure involves complete removal the entire nail with as little trauma as possible. Again, while this may be unsettling for the reader to contemplate, it is almost painless.
Matrixectomy: If your doctor believes the destruction of the nail matrix is necessary after removing the toenail, he or she will perform a partial or full matrixectomy , which is permanent toenail removal by applying a chemical agent to the matrix.
In some cases the nail matrix is destroyed with electrocautery ablation, using electricity to burn it away. Laser procedures can also be used for this purpose, but the necessary equipment is prohibitively expensive for most practices, and in the majority of cases unnecessary.
Read Also: How To Get Rid Of Tomato Fungus
How Do You Know If You Have Toenail Fungus
Your best bet is to get your toenails looked at by your trusty podiatrist. If you see any of the signs weve mentioned, just make an appointment for an evaluation. Since the infection will usually spread, youre better safe than sorry.
Detecting it early also improves the chances for the treatment to do its thing and keep it from moving onto other nails or your skin.
Does The Nail Fungus Laser Hurt
Besides its effectiveness, the Q-Clear distinguishes itself from other lasers primarily in the degree of patient comfort its treatments provide. Other lasers use the principle of heat in an attempt to destroy the nail fungus, which in turn can translate into significant patient intolerance of those treatments. Conversely, the shorter burst of Q-Switched Laser Energy employed by the Q-Clear Laser imparts only minimal heat detected by the patient. In short, treatments are highly tolerable and do not hurt.
Read Also: Does Acetone Kill Toenail Fungus
How Can I Save Money
Consult with your family doctor before you start this procedure. There are many prescriptions out there that may get rid of the problem.
Many various creams out there may help you and only can cost $10+
Consider looking for a study in your area. There may be a clinic that will be more than happy to perform the test on you and pay you for it. These tests can commonly be found on various websites online.
Groupon will offer daily deals for local doctors/clinics who offer this procedure from time to time. This is a great way to save up to 70%.
If you feel youre going to need more than one procedure, see if the clinic offers a package deal to help save you money.
Some clinics may offer payment plans to spread out your payments.
Advertising Disclosure: This content may include referral links. Please read our disclosure policy for more info.
Can The Fungus Return Or Not Go Away
-
The fungal infection is expected to improve with just one treatment. Clinical reports to date have been encouraging with most patients noticing significant improvement. As with all medical procedures, a 100% guarantee is not possible. In addition, since fungus is present everywhere in the environment, reinfection may occur. Dr. Penn will recommend preventative strategies to reduce the chance of reinfection. Changing socks and shoes frequently is helpful, as well as controlling perspiration if present.
Recommended Reading: How Much Does Laser Surgery For Toenail Fungus Cost
Compromises The Immune System
Immunocompromised people must treat toenail fungus infection seriously. This is because their body cannot fight the intrusion of toenail fungus. The immune system is the bodys first line of defense. But since people with other illnesses have a weaker immune system, they are easily targeted by toenail fungus which can lead to severe complications.
Types Of Laser Treatments For Toenail Fungus
Some wavelengths of light used in laser treatment of toenail fungus include:
- 660nm red visible light
- 940nm near infrared light and
- 1064nm Nd:YAG laser
The last one, NdYAG lasers are optically pumped lasers that use laser diodes of flash lamps to generate laser energy in the 1064nm spectrum. This is the infrared light produced by passing photons through a crystal of yttrium aluminum garnet doped with triply ionized neodymium which replaces the yttrium in the garnet. Photo source: 866866feet.com
Don’t Miss: Does Alcohol Kill Fingernail 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
What Is The Most Effective Treatment For Toenail Fungus
These drugs are often the first choice because they clear the infection more quickly than do topical drugs. Options include terbinafine and itraconazole . These drugs help a new nail grow free of infection, slowly replacing the infected part. You typically take this type of drug for six to 12 weeks.
Read Also: Will Vinegar Kill Toe Fungus
Preparing For Laser Toenail Fungal Treatment
Preparing for the appointment is very easy. You are required to remove all of the nail polish and décor from your nails the day before the scheduled treatment. A typical treatment lasts approximately 30 minutes. The majority of people feel no pain. Some individuals experience slight warmth, while very few report a slight prickly feeling. Laser treatment requires no recovery period – patients are able to walk out normally right after treatment has been completed. Most individuals are able to resume their normal activities immediately, including applying polish or getting a pedicure.
How Many Laser Treatments Does It Take To Cure Toenail Fungus
Getting rid of ALL of the fungus means getting rid of the fungus in 3 sources:1. Toenail fungus:2. Skin infection: 3. Fungus in your shoes and socks:The doctors that recommend multiple treatments are trying to make sure of 3 things:Less laser = less heat = less risk of discomfort. after the procedureMake sure a doctor is performing the procedure.When trying to decide how many laser treatment sessions you will need in order to cure your toenail fungus infection simply have to take a few different variables into account.1. Costper treatment2. Time3. Effort This takes effort.
Read Also: How To Get Rid Of Nail Fungus Under Acrylics
What Is Laser Toenail Fungus Removal
Laser procedures are an FDA-cleared treatment for toenail fungus, a nail disorder that, according to the Cleveland Clinic, affects nearly 20% of the U.S. population. Also known as onychomycosis, toenail fungus can make nails turn thick, change their color and shape, and make them crumbly and even painful. Not surprisingly, people also complain that toenail fungus is ugly and embarrassing.
Laser toenail fungus removal uses specific wavelengths of light to kill the fungus. The light passes through the toenail, without causing damage to the nail or harming surrounding skin.
It can take 1218 months for an entirely new toenail to grow out and replace the infected nail, but as it does, the nail will look more normal.
Several different types of lasers can treat toenail fungus. Some options include:
- The Genesis Plus and the Pin-Point are Nd:YAG lasers with a wavelength of 1064 nanometers.
- Lunula is a nonthermal laser that employs two wavelengths of low-level light.
Laser therapy is safe and painless, though you might feel a warming sensation or a pinprick. Its a walk-in, walk-out type of treatment that takes less than 30 minutes, with no downtime or side effects.
Nail fungus can be stubborn and very difficult to cure. Its possible to clear a severe infection, but a healthy-looking nail may be unrealistic, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Still, you can expect the nail to look better and feel more comfortable.
Interested in laser toenail fungus removal?
Fungus Medication For Foot Prescription
How Much Is Laser Toenail Fungus Removal Toe Fungus Natural Remedies With Tea Tree Oil Should I Wipe Away The Yellow Stuff That Comes Out Of A Skin Fungus, Toenail Fungus Treatment 77018 Toddlers Feet And Toe Fungus Lamisil Foot Fungus.
Toenailfunguscurei.com
White Vinegar To Treat Skin Fungus How To Identify Toe Fungus. How To Cure Toenail Fungus Under The Nail Bubble Fungus On Toenail Little Piggies Foot And Toenail Fungus Salve. Any Natural Way To Combat Toenail Fungus Is Foot Fungus Contagious Yahoo.
You May Like: How To Naturally Treat Foot Fungus
What Is The Treatment Like For Laser Therapy
If you come to our Premier Podiatry and get our non-thermal cold laser therapy, youll start with a nail fungus evaluation to determine if you have onychomycosis and what the best course of treatment is.
The treatments are done in our office, which makes it easy for you. The treatment lasts about 12 minutes and is pain-free.
And theres no downtime. Well laser your fungus and youll get up and leave as nothing happened. Typically, youll come in for four treatments. But it depends on you and what your podiatrist recommends.
The laser destroys the fungus but the effects it had on your nail dont go away until the new nail grows in and pushes it off the nail bed so it can be cut off like you would when you trim your nails. It usually takes six to 12 months for a full new nail to grow in.
In addition to treatment, you can get basic care techniques from your podiatrist to keep fungus at bay going forward.
Reasons For Toenail Removal
In addition to being useful for the treatment of conditions such as ingrown toenails, warts, nail tumors, or fungal infections like onychomycosis or paronychia , nail avulsion is sometimes useful for diagnostic purposesa doctor may want to explore the nail bed, the matrix, and the nail folds before deciding whether to conduct a biopsy on the nail bed.
Recommended Reading: How To Get Rid Of Toe Fungus Forever
Toes Are Often Ignored Until They Are The Cause Of Discomfort Or Pain
However, there are a number of foot problems that need to be treated prior to the pain becoming prevalent, including toenail fungus. Infected toenails can be ignored and lived with, but there is a chance of further disease or infection if a treatment is not pursued.
Knowing that toenail fungus affects nearly 25 million people around the United States alone, our team of professional foot doctors, at A Step Ahead Foot & Ankle Center, set out to find the best toenail fungus treatment available. During our search, we found the Q-Clear Laser, which is a noninvasive treatment that has proven to be efficient and effective. Contact one of our A Step Ahead Foot & Ankle Center locations today to learn more!
Also Check: How To Heal Fungus Nails
How Does The Laser Treatment For Toenail Fungus Work
Laser treatment for Onychomycosis or toenail fungus works by applying a focused beam of light directly onto infected toenail. The laser targets fungal infection by penetrating the toenail, the area below the toenail and the nail bed. Laser toenail fungus treatment destroys the fungal infection by affecting cells that are responsible for the infection. Treatments usually take 30 to 45 minutes up to 10 toenails. Depending on the severity of the infection, you may need one to four sessions.
Also Check: Can You Get Rid Of Nail Fungus
Will The Nail Infection Come Back
Dr. Sibel provides you with a home-care treatment plan to prevent future nail infections. While your existing nail infection will clear, there’s always a chance of infection due to the constant presence of infection-causing bacteria in the environment, or if you have a predisposition to developing nail infections.
To find out if laser treatments for nail fungus are right for you, schedule an appointment online or by calling the office today.
The Cost Of Laser Nail Fungus Removal
Are you interested in getting a laser treatment for toenail fungus but are not sure if you can afford it? Does it work and is the cost worth it? These are all perfectly good questions and ones that you might be wondering about if you have only heard recently about the treatment.
In this post, we will take a look at the average cost of getting toenail fungus laser treatment near you. Moreover, we will take a look at how it works and what you can expect out of it. Only then can you decide whether it is the right nail fungus treatment for you.
Also Check: How To Get Rid Of Hair Fungus
Is The Cost Of Laser Therapy For Toenail Fungus Worth It
For starters, there are several types of laser devices for administering laser therapy. All these devices show varying degrees of efficacy according to reports and reviews from users.
Furthermore, these devices have due approval from the proper departments in the Canadian Ministry of Health. But, that does not imply they all work with the same level of efficacy.
Laser therapy devices work by temporarily reducing the discolouration in the infected nails.
Immediately after the therapy, patients will start to notice some temporary clarity on their toenails. After a while, itll return to the colour before the procedure. This will then start to clear off gradually.
The long-lasting curing is more gradual and may take weeks or even months. Studies indicate that patients notice a 61% cure rate within 16 weeks of the therapy. The study also shows a 91% cure rate within 180 days after the procedure. So, after laser therapy, its only a matter of time before the fungus infection disappears.
To answer the question is the cost of laser therapy for toenail fungus worth it? Well say yes, it is very well worth it. It shows a higher cure rate than all the other treatment options.
It does better than the 44% cure rate of topical medication and the 40% cure rate of oral medication. And, it has a lesser risk of side effects in comparison with other available treatment options.
Related Article: How to Treat Nail Fungus Effectively
How Quickly Will I See Results From The Nail Fungus Treatment
Upon a treatment with the Q-Clear Laser System, all of the nail fungus should be destroyed. Visual improvement, however, is not immediate, but rather requires your nail to grow out. Depending on how quickly your nails grow, you could see new clear nails appear, starting at the bottom of your nail, in a matter of only a few weeks. It could take, however, six months or longer for your old, diseased nail to completely grow out and be replaced by the new, clear nail.
Read Also: How Do I Kill Fungus In My Lawn