Toenail fungal infection is also known as onychomycosis. The nails in the toes become thick, hard and with crumbling edges. In the initial stages, the infection appears as small spots with a white color and spread to have an effect on the whole nail. Either one nail or several of them can be affected. Fungal nail infections are hard to cure and have a tendency to recur. This is why laser treatment for toenail fungus is preferred- it completely gets rid of the infection.
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 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.
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.
The clearing of the nails after treatments do not occur instantaneously. One will need between 6 and 12 months for the affected nails to grow. This is what will determine if the therapy was successful. The downside of the procedures is the cost that is incurred. The costs could differ from one provider to the next but are at an average of $1000.People looking to undergo the procedure should compare different prices and treatment plans to come up with the best. While the use of traditional techniques would be cheaper, they are not as effective and will require several sessions.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
The clearing of the nails after treatments do not occur instantaneously. One will need between 6 and 12 months for the affected nails to grow. This is what will determine if the therapy was successful. The downside of the procedures is the cost that is incurred. The costs could differ from one provider to the next but are at an average of $1000.People looking to undergo the procedure should compare different prices and treatment plans to come up with the best. While the use of traditional techniques would be cheaper, they are not as effective and will require several sessions.
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.
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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