Laser Treatment For Toenail Fungus Is A Promising Therapy

By Gloria Mason


Fungal infections of the toenails, for which the technical name is onychomycosis, occur when fungi infect the nails and they become thick and hard. Such infections also cause the edges of each nail to crumble, resulting in painful, tender skin. Laser treatment for toenail fungus is a new therapy developed to eradicate this uncomfortable and embarrassing condition.

Such infections typically begin with small, white spots that eventually spread across the entire nail. The fungi may infect a single nail or several toenails can be affected. The condition is often difficult to treat, and in many cases it looks as if it has cleared up, but recurs in the future. As previously mentioned, laser therapy is a cutting-edge approach that many patients have participated in to great advantage.

Fungi are microscopic growths that thrive in warm, dark, moist environment. This is why many people catch such infections in public swimming pools or showers. The technical term for the fungi that cause such infections is dermatophytes. The tiny openings where the nail bed separates from the nail itself is typically the portal of entry for such infections.

Although scientists do not know the reason, toenail fungus affects more men than women. Infections of this kind are also less common among young individuals than they are among the elderly. Again, researchers are not exactly sure what causes certain people to be at a higher risk for such infections.

Currently, there are 2 types of laser treatment available for fungus of the toenails. One is called patholase, but this kind has not yet been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration. This is because preliminary studies do not support the fact that it is effective in treating the aforementioned infection.

The other option for those pursuing laser therapy for fungus of the toenail is called Nomir. Although the latter is also awaiting approval from the US Food and Drug Administration, research has concluded that the treatment is beneficial to most patients. Initial trials showed that 85 percent of those who participated in studies experienced an improvement in their condition within a hundred and eighty days of completing their therapy. Additional research is underway regarding this type of laser procedure.

A laser is a precise light beam, and when it is directed to the tissue where the infection has manifested, the latter is vaporized. It typically takes several treatments to achieve these results. Different wavelengths are used to selectively treat each area, based on the infection's severity. The fungus is killed through the heat from the light beam, and the surrounding tissue is not harmed. Such therapy is associated with essentially no side effects.

The procedure takes about half an hour and can be performed in the office of a general doctor. It typically takes 3 sessions to administer enough wavelengths to eradicate fungi. It is not necessary to place the patient under anesthesia, as he or she will typically feel nothing during the process.

Essentially anyone can participate in laser treatment for toenail fungus. No one has reported major adverse reactions so far, and both footwear and nail polish can be worn immediately after each session. Those who are interested in this type of therapy should speak to a medical professional and be evaluated before an appointment for the procedure is scheduled.




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