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Saturday, August 31, 2013

General Information About Laser Treatment For Toenail Fungus

By Gloria Mason


Laser treatment for toenail fungus is offered in several medical centers. It zaps away the fungus that causes ugly and discolored nails. There is little published information about this procedure but early results indicate that it is a reasonable option for individuals who want to escape the side effects caused by oral medications. There are several causes of this condition. Some people are genetically prone to it. Other risk factors include aging, perspiring heavily, psoriasis, minor nail or skin injury, diabetes, circulation problems among other infections.

A mild case of this infection is a cosmetic problem which can be treated easily. However, if left unattended to it is likely to progress to painful conditions. Pain is experienced when walking which may interfere with the mobility of an individual.

There are a number of things that can be done to prevent fungus recurrence. It is important to follow a scrupulous hygiene program. Preventive care involves the regular use of an anti-fungal spray for the feet and shoes, keeping feet clean and dry, avoiding going barefoot and changing socks on a daily basis.

Individuals are highly encouraged to gather information about this procedure before signing up for it. Adequate information can be obtained by consulting a dermatologist or a podiatrist. It is advisable to prepare well for the consultation so as to get the most out of the session with the specialist. This can be done by preparing questions, a list of medications under use, important personal information and symptoms experienced.

Doctors usually carry out a thorough examination during the diagnosis process to establish the real cause of this problem to enhance the effectiveness of any treatment employed. In most cases, a sample of the debris has to be obtained and analyzed under the microscope or through culture. This helps to rule out other possible causes of nail infections such as bacteria, yeast or psoriasis which has similar symptoms.

The procedure is done on an outpatient basis. The surface of the infected nail is filed to enhance the penetration of the beam. During the procedure itself, patients experience mild pinpricks, a warming sensation and no discomfort whatsoever. It produces no known side effects and patients are able to resume with their regular activities immediately. The number of sessions required varies from one patient to another.

The treatment lasts for about 30 to 40 minutes. Depending on the laser used and the severity of the condition, patients need one to four sessions. It takes about one year for the toes to clear entirely. The laser inhibits fungal growth paving the way for the natural mechanism of the body to clear the nail. Many studies have found that a majority of people who undergo the procedure are satisfied with the results.

The emergence of laser treatment for toenail fungus has greatly revolutionized the treatment of fungal infections affecting the toenails. It has been proved to be more effective than a majority of oral medications. It is safe as the beams are targeted on the nails without causing any harm to the surrounding areas of the foot. Patients are able to get long lasting results by using topical anti-fungal creams and follow up care.




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