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Monday, January 27, 2014

Essential Details About Laser Treatment For Toenail Fungus

By Marissa Velazquez


Toenail fungal infection is also known as onychomycosis and is a situation in which nails of toes become thick, hard and have crumbling edges. In the initial stages, the infection may appear as spots that are small, white and spread gradually to affect the entire nail. One or more nails can be affected. Just like most other fungal infections, it is difficult to treat and occur over and over again. Laser treatment for toenail fungus is an option that is effective and removes the infection completely.

The models of lasers used are diverse. There is the Patholase for instance that does not yet have full approval of the FDA. Various studies have shown that it is not completely effective. There are several other models, others very effective and others waiting the approval of FDA. For the techniques that are effective, improvement is realized within 6 months. Lasers are concentrated light beams which vaporize tissues in the areas affected. Lasers of different wavelengths are chosen according to the area being treated.

The fungi are targeted and destroyed by lasers, which allows the nail and skin in the surrounding areas to remain intact. The fungus is heated and killed without affecting tissues that are in the surrounding. While each brand of laser differs in the way it is used for treatment, the result is utilization of heat for elimination of the infection.

During the initial consultation, the nail gets evaluated, the symptoms looked at and then filled down. The lasers are manipulated over affected nails and can get to even unaffected ones. One session goes for about 30 minutes or at times less. Some patients will succeed after a single session while others will need a number of sessions.

Treatments do not clear a nail at once. 6 or 12 months may be required for the nails affected to grow out and thus determine if there was success. The costs to be incurred are normally a downside. Whereas the costs will differ from one provider to another, it averages at about $1000. One should take their time to make comparison of prices and plans of treatments. Using traditional techniques would cost less, just that they are not as effective. In addition, they will not require a single session as is the case of using lasers.

Most of the patients never experience any sort of pain. A warm sensation or a pinprick may be experienced by some people. Due to the ability of the infection to recur, there are care techniques recommended by doctors to minimize the chances of re-infection. The fact that the fungi are present everywhere in the environment makes recurrence a constant challenge.

As to the question of whether having a pedicure or painting nails is prohibited, there would be no problem with that. Patients are allowed to apply polish when they are done with the procedure. Nevertheless, any decorations or polish must be gotten rid of before the procedure. This is a mandatory requirement.

As concerns insurance, laser treatment for toenail fungus may be covered or at times not covered. The procedure is mostly considered aesthetic. This explains health insurance plans do not offer coverage.




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