Laser fungus treatment is effective with no risk of toxicity to the liver or side effects due to medication interaction. There has been clinical evidence that laser treatment improves the condition of severe fungus toenail infections and clears the infection. Toenail fungus infections lie under the nail; this poses a challenge to get rid of the fungus using topical medications. Oral medications and antifungal nail polish are associated with harmful drug interactions and side effects because of persistent fungus infections. Home remedies also improve the condition for some time, then it reoccurs. The laser fungus treatment is known to penetrate through the nail to destroy the fungus without damaging the tissue around the nail.
Several studies conducted over the use of the laser to treat nail fungus have led manufacturers to improve their laser design to better their equipment and maximize the therapeutic effects.
Advantages of laser treatment for toenail fungus
- The laser treatment cures different fungal infections
- No anesthesia
- The procedure is safe and painless, but some people feel a warm sensation
- No side effects and no drugs are needed
- No recovery time needed – you will walk out after the treatment
- It takes about 20 minutes for a podiatrist to administer the treatment
- The treatment does not harm the nail or the surrounding skin
How is the laser toenail treatment administered?
Studies have shown that laser toenail treatment has over a ninety percent success rate. These depend on the use of the latest generation laser equipment and how long the treatment is administered. To eradicate the fungus, it is a requirement that a patient attends repeat visits for over 3 months. The treatment takes 10-15 minutes to be administered, over a 30day interval for three months. This administration has proven to be very effective in healing even severe cases of fungal toenail infection.
Most cases have proven to improve with a single treatment. Even with laser treatment, it is essential to maintain proper post-treatment care to avoid the fungus attacking again.
How long after treatment does one notice the improvement of the toenails?
It depends on the origin of the infection, but as early as three weeks, one can notice the improvement of the nails. From then on, the improvement is gradual until the nail grows out. It takes 9-12 months for the toenails to grow out.
Is it safe to apply nail polish?
The day before the treatment, remove all nail decorations and nail polish. After the treatment, you can apply nail polish without fear of any side effects.
Laser fungal toenail treatment has several advantages over other treatments that have limited success rates. If you have questions about fungus in your toenails, you should reach out to a foot and ankle specialist. Feel free to contact our office to make an appointment with our podiatrist. Our Houston foot specialist, Dr. Ejodamen Shobowale, can provide you with the care you need to keep you pain-free on your feet.
