It is a very common problem. You probably know at least one person who suffers with this condition. There have been some very promising results with laser treatment for toenail fungus. Although it is a relatively new procedure, it seems to be quite successful so far.
Advanced stages of this nail fungus are not very attractive. The nails often become thick, hard, and discolored. They often will have a yellow color to them. The nails also tend to be very soft, and can start to crumble or peel. If left untreated, the whole toenail can be lost. This condition is seen most often in the elderly. It seems to be seen more often in men than in women.
Dermatophytes is the name for the fungi that cause this particular condition. This type of fungi thrive in moist, dark places like showers or gyms. One or more nails may be affected. The first signs are usually small, white spots on the nail. It gets in by a cut or under the nail. In some people, it seems to spread rather easily.
In the past both topical and oral medication have been used to treat this nail condition. However, neither approach has been really successful. The oral medications tend to work only about 50 percent of the time. The topical application is even less effective working an average of only 10 percent of the time. The condition also has a tendency to reoccur in many patients.
Fortunately, there have been some very positive preliminary results using lasers. A special type of laser is used for a short period of time. It acts by heating the fungi to vaporize and kill it. Different wavelengths can be used depending on the patient, and the severity of the problem.
The good news is that no adverse side effects seem to occur when this technique is used. In contrast, the oral medications did have some negative effects on some patients. This procedure can be done in the doctor's office. It usually takes approximately 20 minutes. Another positive is that neither the nail nor the toe is damaged when this technique is used. Shoes can be worn immediately after the procedure is done. Some more severe cases may take more than one treatment. The doctor should discuss this with you in advance.
Unfortunately, most medical insurances do not cover the cost for this procedure. They usually consider it to be a cosmetic condition rather than a medical one. You will need to discuss the cost with the doctor before the process begins.
Laser treatment for toenail fungus has shown some very promising results. It seems to have cleared up the nails for at least 90 percent of the patients. Even though the unhealthy nails clear up rather quickly, be prepared for the new nails to take a while to grow back. Also, since this is a relatively new technique, it is unknown if the results will be permanent. Studies are still underway, however, at the present time, it appears to be very effective. Discuss any questions you may have with your own doctor.
Advanced stages of this nail fungus are not very attractive. The nails often become thick, hard, and discolored. They often will have a yellow color to them. The nails also tend to be very soft, and can start to crumble or peel. If left untreated, the whole toenail can be lost. This condition is seen most often in the elderly. It seems to be seen more often in men than in women.
Dermatophytes is the name for the fungi that cause this particular condition. This type of fungi thrive in moist, dark places like showers or gyms. One or more nails may be affected. The first signs are usually small, white spots on the nail. It gets in by a cut or under the nail. In some people, it seems to spread rather easily.
In the past both topical and oral medication have been used to treat this nail condition. However, neither approach has been really successful. The oral medications tend to work only about 50 percent of the time. The topical application is even less effective working an average of only 10 percent of the time. The condition also has a tendency to reoccur in many patients.
Fortunately, there have been some very positive preliminary results using lasers. A special type of laser is used for a short period of time. It acts by heating the fungi to vaporize and kill it. Different wavelengths can be used depending on the patient, and the severity of the problem.
The good news is that no adverse side effects seem to occur when this technique is used. In contrast, the oral medications did have some negative effects on some patients. This procedure can be done in the doctor's office. It usually takes approximately 20 minutes. Another positive is that neither the nail nor the toe is damaged when this technique is used. Shoes can be worn immediately after the procedure is done. Some more severe cases may take more than one treatment. The doctor should discuss this with you in advance.
Unfortunately, most medical insurances do not cover the cost for this procedure. They usually consider it to be a cosmetic condition rather than a medical one. You will need to discuss the cost with the doctor before the process begins.
Laser treatment for toenail fungus has shown some very promising results. It seems to have cleared up the nails for at least 90 percent of the patients. Even though the unhealthy nails clear up rather quickly, be prepared for the new nails to take a while to grow back. Also, since this is a relatively new technique, it is unknown if the results will be permanent. Studies are still underway, however, at the present time, it appears to be very effective. Discuss any questions you may have with your own doctor.
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