Fungal infection of toenails is known as onychomycosis. The toenails become not only thick but also hard with crumbling edges. The infection may initially appear as small spots that are white and spread to affect the entire nail. The infection can affect one or more nails. Fungal infections of nails are difficult to treat and normally recur. Laser treatment for toenail fungus is an effective option that eradicates the infection completely.
There are several models of lasers that can be used. The Patholase lasers do not have approval by FDA. Studies carried out show that it is not an effective technique for treatment of the infection. Other models are still awaiting approval and are known to bring improvement in six months. The lasers are concentrated beams of light that vaporize tissues in the areas to be treated. In order to selectively treat different areas of the body, different wavelengths are chosen.
The fungus is targeted and then destroyed by the laser, allowing the nail and skin in surrounding parts to remain undisturbed. The heating and killing of fungi is done without affecting nearby tissues. The various brands of tissues work differently. Nevertheless, the basis is to use heat to eliminate the infections.
Initial consultation involves evaluation of the nail, the symptoms and filling it down. The lasers get maneuvered over any nails that are affected and could even be used over those that are not infected. A single session would last about 30 minutes or even less. There are patients that will succeed with a single session. Others on the other hand will need multiple treatments.
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.
The majority of patients do not feel any pain. There are those that may feel a warming sensation and few people feel a pinprick. There is the possibility of the infection recurring. However, doctors will recommend care techniques that if followed will reduce chances of re-infection. Chances of re-infection are there because the fungus is normally present everywhere in the surroundings.
As to whether one can have a pedicure or paint their nails, there is no problem with that. Application of polish can be done after treatment. The patient should however be informed to get rid of all polish and decorations on the day preceding their appointment with the doctor. This is mandatory.
Depending on the type of insurance cover that one went for, their laser treatment for toenail fungus may or may not be covered. In most situations however, the procedure is considered as aesthetic. As such, health insurance plans provide no coverage.
There are several models of lasers that can be used. The Patholase lasers do not have approval by FDA. Studies carried out show that it is not an effective technique for treatment of the infection. Other models are still awaiting approval and are known to bring improvement in six months. The lasers are concentrated beams of light that vaporize tissues in the areas to be treated. In order to selectively treat different areas of the body, different wavelengths are chosen.
The fungus is targeted and then destroyed by the laser, allowing the nail and skin in surrounding parts to remain undisturbed. The heating and killing of fungi is done without affecting nearby tissues. The various brands of tissues work differently. Nevertheless, the basis is to use heat to eliminate the infections.
Initial consultation involves evaluation of the nail, the symptoms and filling it down. The lasers get maneuvered over any nails that are affected and could even be used over those that are not infected. A single session would last about 30 minutes or even less. There are patients that will succeed with a single session. Others on the other hand will need multiple treatments.
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.
The majority of patients do not feel any pain. There are those that may feel a warming sensation and few people feel a pinprick. There is the possibility of the infection recurring. However, doctors will recommend care techniques that if followed will reduce chances of re-infection. Chances of re-infection are there because the fungus is normally present everywhere in the surroundings.
As to whether one can have a pedicure or paint their nails, there is no problem with that. Application of polish can be done after treatment. The patient should however be informed to get rid of all polish and decorations on the day preceding their appointment with the doctor. This is mandatory.
Depending on the type of insurance cover that one went for, their laser treatment for toenail fungus may or may not be covered. In most situations however, the procedure is considered as aesthetic. As such, health insurance plans provide no coverage.
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