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Laser Treatment For Toenail Fungus Is A Promising Therapy

By Gloria Mason


Onychomycosis, more commonly known as a fungal infection of the nails on the toes, causes the latter to become hard and thick as the fungi continue to grow. The edges of each nail may also crumble, which can cause pain and soreness in the underlying nail bed. Laser treatment for toenail fungus is a new therapy on the horizon that was developed to eliminate this uncomfortable and embarrassing infection.

Such infections may manifest first as small white spots that eventually start to spread. Gradually, the affected area encompasses the entire nail. The fungus may grow on just one nail, or infection can involve multiple toenails. This fungus is often difficult to eliminate, and in numerous instances it appears to have disappeared, but reoccurs in the future. As previously mentioned, laser therapy is a new approach to treating an infection of this type, and numerous individuals have realized success with this procedure.

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.

Toenail fungus is more prevalent in men than women, although the reason for this is not yet known. Such infections are also more common among elderly individuals than younger men and women. Again, scientist are not quite sure of the reason for these statistics.

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.

Nomir laser therapy is another option for those suffering from the aforementioned condition. Although this treatment is also awaiting FDA approval, studies are overwhelmingly positive with regard to its success rate. In preliminary clinical trials, 85 percent of participants had an improvement in their condition within six months of completing the treatment. Additional studies are underway concerning this type of therapy.

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.

Laser treatment for toenail fungus is available to virtually any person suffering from the condition. No adverse reactions have been reported to date, and both shoes and nail polish can be worn immediately after each session. Those who feel they may benefit from this procedure should schedule a consultation and evaluation with a medical professional.




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