Fungal infection of toenails is known as onychomycosis. The toenails become not only thick but also hard with crumbling edges. The infection may initially appear as small spots that are white and spread to affect the entire nail. The infection can affect one or more nails. Fungal infections of nails are difficult to treat and normally recur. Laser treatment for toenail fungus is an effective option that eradicates the infection completely.
Lasers come in various models and these can be used. The Patholase laser for instance has not gotten full approval by the FDA and is thus rarely used. It is not usually very effective. There are a couple other methods that are more effective. Patients can look to get improvement within six months. Lasers are concentrated light beams which vaporize tissues in areas to be treated. So as to treat the affected areas selectively, lasers of different wavelengths are used.
The fungi are destroyed by being targeted to allow the nail and skin in surrounding areas not to be affected. The fungus is heated and then killed, with the tissues in the surrounding areas remaining unaffected. The various laser brands differ in the way they treat diseases. However, the main basis of their functioning is elimination of the fungi using heat.
During the initial consultation, the nail gets evaluated, the symptoms looked at and then filled down. The lasers are manipulated over affected nails and can get to even unaffected ones. One session goes for about 30 minutes or at times less. Some patients will succeed after a single session while others will need a number of sessions.
The nails will not be cleared at once. Approximately 6 or 12 months will be needed for nails to grow out. That will be the best way to determine if the procedure was a success. The costs of treatment are the downside, with the average cost being around $1000. For the best deals, one should take time to compare the various options available. Despite the fact that traditional techniques do not cost a lot, they are never very effective and will need a number of sessions.
The feeling of pain during the procedure is not experienced by all patients. Some do not feel any pain. On the other hand, there are those who will feel a warm sensation or a pinprick. The infection may recur, which is why doctors recommend care techniques to minimize the chances of this occurring. The fungi are present everywhere, which is why the possibility of re-infection is always there.
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.
Depending on the type of insurance cover that one went for, their laser treatment for toenail fungus may or may not be covered. In most situations however, the procedure is considered as aesthetic. As such, health insurance plans provide no coverage.
Lasers come in various models and these can be used. The Patholase laser for instance has not gotten full approval by the FDA and is thus rarely used. It is not usually very effective. There are a couple other methods that are more effective. Patients can look to get improvement within six months. Lasers are concentrated light beams which vaporize tissues in areas to be treated. So as to treat the affected areas selectively, lasers of different wavelengths are used.
The fungi are destroyed by being targeted to allow the nail and skin in surrounding areas not to be affected. The fungus is heated and then killed, with the tissues in the surrounding areas remaining unaffected. The various laser brands differ in the way they treat diseases. However, the main basis of their functioning is elimination of the fungi using heat.
During the initial consultation, the nail gets evaluated, the symptoms looked at and then filled down. The lasers are manipulated over affected nails and can get to even unaffected ones. One session goes for about 30 minutes or at times less. Some patients will succeed after a single session while others will need a number of sessions.
The nails will not be cleared at once. Approximately 6 or 12 months will be needed for nails to grow out. That will be the best way to determine if the procedure was a success. The costs of treatment are the downside, with the average cost being around $1000. For the best deals, one should take time to compare the various options available. Despite the fact that traditional techniques do not cost a lot, they are never very effective and will need a number of sessions.
The feeling of pain during the procedure is not experienced by all patients. Some do not feel any pain. On the other hand, there are those who will feel a warm sensation or a pinprick. The infection may recur, which is why doctors recommend care techniques to minimize the chances of this occurring. The fungi are present everywhere, which is why the possibility of re-infection is always there.
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.
Depending on the type of insurance cover that one went for, their laser treatment for toenail fungus may or may not be covered. In most situations however, the procedure is considered as aesthetic. As such, health insurance plans provide no coverage.
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