Laser Treatment for Nail Fungus
Nail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, affects a large section of the American population. At least that is what the American Academy for Dermatology says. Did you know you are more likely get fungal infection on your toenails than your fingernails? Also, men are more susceptible to nail fungus infections compared to women. Before finding out more about laser treatment for nail fungus, let’s see the causes of this fungal infection
Causes of Nail Fungus
There are several reasons nail fungus, but the most common reason is wearing shoes made from material that cannot breathe. As a result, perspiration stays within your shoes and creates an environment that is ideal for fungal spores to proliferate. Also, there is a higher chance of getting nail fungus if you suffer from psoriasis or diabetes. These two health conditions can damage the nail, allowing the fungal spores easy access to the nail bed.
Initially, the infection just causes the nail to discolor slightly and you may find this to be just a cosmetic problem. However, if the nail fungus is not treated, it will progress, causing the nail to discolor further, thicken and become extremely weak. You will notice the edges just crumbling away; and your nail may turn green, yellow, white or black in color. In severe cases, the nail can simply break away from the toe.
Nail fungus is a painful condition. The infection causes inflammation of the nail bed and surrounding tissue. You may find it difficult to walk if the infection is really severe.
Laser Treatment Toenail Fungus Effectiveness
There are many ways to treat nail fungus, but are there nail fungus treatments that work? The first line of defense is anti-fungal medication. Usually, oral medication is prescribed. If your finger nail is infected, you would have to take the medication anywhere from six weeks to three months, depending on the severity of the infection. On the other hand, toenail fungal infection requires oral medication for three to six months. Typically, oral medication does not show results before three months and there is a risk of liver damage.
You also can use medicated nail lacquer, but it may not be as effective. The lacquer cannot reach all the infected areas. In addition, there are anti-fungal creams and ointments that you can buy through prescription or over-the-counter. However, most of these are not as effective as oral medication.
With all the aforementioned treatment protocols, there is no guarantee the fungal infection will be destroyed. The only treatment that truly can kill the fungus is laser treatment. It also has been approved by the U.S. FDA as an effective treatment for nail fungus.
Laser treatment for nail fungus concentrates intense light beam on the affected nail. It is the best treatment for toenail fungus removal. This beam penetrates the nail and targets the fungal infection in the nail bed and surrounding tissue. As this is cold laser, the treatment is not painful. Above all, it is quick, so you don’t have to spend your entire day in the clinic. Also, unlike anti-fungal oral medications, there are no side effects whatsoever with laser treatment for nail fungus. It is the most effective toenail fungus treatment.
Preparing for Your Laser Treatment for Nail Fungus
If you have decided to get rid of your nail fungus, you will want to prepare for the laser treatment for nail fungus. Here are a few tips that you can follow:
- Clip your nail as short as possible.
- Remove all traces of nail polish from the nails, as the laser beam will not be able to penetrate the nail otherwise.
- Scrub your toes to get rid of dead skin cells that could be harboring the infection.
- Carry a pair of clean, new socks, so that you don’t wear the old pair and re-infect your toenails.
Don’t let nail fungus be a source of embarrassment. Instead seek laser treatment for nail fungus and live a happy and fulfilling life.