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Important Information About Laser Treatment For Toenail Fungus

By Gloria Mason


Laser treatment for toenail fungus is offered in several medical centers. It zaps away the fungus that causes ugly and discolored nails. There is little published information about this procedure but early results indicate that it is a reasonable option for individuals who want to escape the side effects caused by oral medications. There are several causes of this condition. Some people are genetically prone to it. Other risk factors include aging, perspiring heavily, psoriasis, minor nail or skin injury, diabetes, circulation problems among other infections.

A mild case of this infection is a cosmetic problem which can be treated easily. However, if left unattended to it is likely to progress to painful conditions. Pain is experienced when walking which may interfere with the mobility of an individual.

There are several measures that are very helpful to avoid cases where the condition may emerge again after treatment. In most cases, doctors recommend a scrupulous hygiene program. This may involve avoiding going barefoot in public areas, washing and drying feet on a daily basis, regularly using anti-fungal sprays for the feet and shoes and changing socks on a daily basis.

It is important to gather adequate information about the procedure before making the decision to undergo it. This information can be obtained from a dermatologist or a podiatrist. It is good to prepare adequately for the appointment in order to make the most out of the session. Patients are encouraged to prepare questions for the doctor. It is also advisable to list the symptoms experienced, key personal information and medications being used.

A thorough diagnosis is necessary to examine the condition of nails. This is performed by scraping debris from the nails which is then analyzed by performing a number of tests. It may be examined under a microscope or cultured to establish the underlying cause of this problem. This is because nail infections may also occur due to infections by bacteria or yeast. Psoriasis has similar symptoms as fungal infections.

The procedure is an outpatient case. The first step is to file the surface of the nails to make it easy for the lasers to penetrate. There is no discomfort experienced during and after the procedure. Most patients report a warming sensation accompanied by mild pinpricks which are not painful. It is a non-invasive procedure and therefore patients resume their activities in no time.

The treatment lasts for about 30 to 40 minutes. Depending on the laser used and the severity of the condition, patients need one to four sessions. It takes about one year for the toes to clear entirely. The laser inhibits fungal growth paving the way for the natural mechanism of the body to clear the nail. Many studies have found that a majority of people who undergo the procedure are satisfied with the results.

The emergence of laser treatment for toenail fungus has greatly revolutionized the treatment of fungal infections affecting the toenails. It has been proved to be more effective than a majority of oral medications. It is safe as the beams are targeted on the nails without causing any harm to the surrounding areas of the foot. Patients are able to get long lasting results by using topical anti-fungal creams and follow up care.




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