Anyone who has ever had a fungal infection of one of their toenails knows how bothersome it can be. These infections can be very difficult to get rid of. Oral and topical medications previously were the only options, but the topical medications are not usually effective and oral medications take quite awhile to start working and come with the risk of unwanted side effects. To combat the problem and provide another option, the FDA has approved laser treatment for toenail fungus.
Fungal infections pose a wide range of issues and symptoms. They cause the nail to become discolored and thickened. The texture of the nail can also change. It is also common for nails to become flaky and change their shape. Detachment from the bed is likely if the condition continues without proper treatment.
People who struggle with this fungal infection often find that topical sprays, ointments, and creams may alleviate some of the symptoms, but they do very little in completely getting rid of the fungal invasion. For many sufferers, the oral medications come with the potential of too many side effects or they pose a risk of interacting negatively with other medications. Neither of these risks is considered acceptable for a lot of sufferers.
This method uses pulses of light energy. The device is used to target the affected nail and heat the area. Fungal cells absorb this heat, resulting in death. It also targets the nail bed, killing any cells hiding under the nail. The procedure is usually painless, and surrounding tissue is not damaged.
Laser treatment for toenail fungus is considered an outpatient procedure that is usually performed in the office of your podiatrist. Typically, at least three sessions of twenty minutes or longer will be necessary, but more severe cases may require additional sessions. It may also be necessary to repeat the treatments if the infection shows signs of returning.
If you are concerned about the cost, it is important to contact your insurance provider before you decide to start this procedure. Some insurance companies consider the procedure as cosmetic and will not cover the costs, leaving you to pay for the whole thing. Other insurance companies may cover the procedure, but only a partial amount.
Currently, there have not been any side effects reported. There are not any restrictions based on age or health. Following the sessions, normal activities can be resumed, including using nail polish and wearing shoes. Due to the lack of side effects, it is a recommended procedure for people who cannot use the oral or topical medications.
Considering the negative aspects of topical and oral treatments, laser treatment for toenail fungus is growing in popularity. It provides sufferers with another option for getting rid of this uncomfortable problem. Discuss all of your options with your physician or podiatrist to determine if it is right for you.
Fungal infections pose a wide range of issues and symptoms. They cause the nail to become discolored and thickened. The texture of the nail can also change. It is also common for nails to become flaky and change their shape. Detachment from the bed is likely if the condition continues without proper treatment.
People who struggle with this fungal infection often find that topical sprays, ointments, and creams may alleviate some of the symptoms, but they do very little in completely getting rid of the fungal invasion. For many sufferers, the oral medications come with the potential of too many side effects or they pose a risk of interacting negatively with other medications. Neither of these risks is considered acceptable for a lot of sufferers.
This method uses pulses of light energy. The device is used to target the affected nail and heat the area. Fungal cells absorb this heat, resulting in death. It also targets the nail bed, killing any cells hiding under the nail. The procedure is usually painless, and surrounding tissue is not damaged.
Laser treatment for toenail fungus is considered an outpatient procedure that is usually performed in the office of your podiatrist. Typically, at least three sessions of twenty minutes or longer will be necessary, but more severe cases may require additional sessions. It may also be necessary to repeat the treatments if the infection shows signs of returning.
If you are concerned about the cost, it is important to contact your insurance provider before you decide to start this procedure. Some insurance companies consider the procedure as cosmetic and will not cover the costs, leaving you to pay for the whole thing. Other insurance companies may cover the procedure, but only a partial amount.
Currently, there have not been any side effects reported. There are not any restrictions based on age or health. Following the sessions, normal activities can be resumed, including using nail polish and wearing shoes. Due to the lack of side effects, it is a recommended procedure for people who cannot use the oral or topical medications.
Considering the negative aspects of topical and oral treatments, laser treatment for toenail fungus is growing in popularity. It provides sufferers with another option for getting rid of this uncomfortable problem. Discuss all of your options with your physician or podiatrist to determine if it is right for you.
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