Anyone who has ever had a fungal infection of one of their toenails knows how bothersome it can be. These infections can be very difficult to get rid of. Oral and topical medications previously were the only options, but the topical medications are not usually effective and oral medications take quite awhile to start working and come with the risk of unwanted side effects. To combat the problem and provide another option, the FDA has approved laser treatment for toenail fungus.
A fungal infection can come with many undesirable and unsightly symptoms. The nails can become brown or yellow, brittle, and thicker. It is common for the texture to change as well. Nails can gradually change shape, to a more pronounced curve, and become flaky on the edges. If the condition persists and worsens, the nail can separate from the bed as the nail continues to become more curved.
People who struggle with this fungal infection often find that topical sprays, ointments, and creams may alleviate some of the symptoms, but they do very little in completely getting rid of the fungal invasion. For many sufferers, the oral medications come with the potential of too many side effects or they pose a risk of interacting negatively with other medications. Neither of these risks is considered acceptable for a lot of sufferers.
Treatments that use lasers for fungal infections can help eradicate the cells in less time than the oral medications. The lasers that are used will involve the energy from light in either a pulse or varying wavelengths. Light energy is directed to the affected toe or toes, and the fungal cells are killed by the heat they absorb. It is a painless procedure and no damage to the surrounding tissue occurs.
Laser treatment for toenail fungus is considered an outpatient procedure that is usually performed in the office of your podiatrist. Typically, at least three sessions of twenty minutes or longer will be necessary, but more severe cases may require additional sessions. It may also be necessary to repeat the treatments if the infection shows signs of returning.
Contact your insurance company to determine if the procedure is accepted. In some cases, the company may classify it as solely cosmetic, which may not be covered. If the company does cover it, you should also determine if a pre-authorization is needed.
So far, there are not any known side effects. This makes it an ideal choice for sufferers of various ages. People who have other medical conditions may not be able to take oral medications, but this procedure is considered safe for them. Normal activity can be resumed immediately following a session. There is not a waiting period to wear shoes normally or get a pedicure.
Considering the negative aspects of topical and oral treatments, laser treatment for toenail fungus is growing in popularity. It provides sufferers with another option for getting rid of this uncomfortable problem. Discuss all of your options with your physician or podiatrist to determine if it is right for you.
A fungal infection can come with many undesirable and unsightly symptoms. The nails can become brown or yellow, brittle, and thicker. It is common for the texture to change as well. Nails can gradually change shape, to a more pronounced curve, and become flaky on the edges. If the condition persists and worsens, the nail can separate from the bed as the nail continues to become more curved.
People who struggle with this fungal infection often find that topical sprays, ointments, and creams may alleviate some of the symptoms, but they do very little in completely getting rid of the fungal invasion. For many sufferers, the oral medications come with the potential of too many side effects or they pose a risk of interacting negatively with other medications. Neither of these risks is considered acceptable for a lot of sufferers.
Treatments that use lasers for fungal infections can help eradicate the cells in less time than the oral medications. The lasers that are used will involve the energy from light in either a pulse or varying wavelengths. Light energy is directed to the affected toe or toes, and the fungal cells are killed by the heat they absorb. It is a painless procedure and no damage to the surrounding tissue occurs.
Laser treatment for toenail fungus is considered an outpatient procedure that is usually performed in the office of your podiatrist. Typically, at least three sessions of twenty minutes or longer will be necessary, but more severe cases may require additional sessions. It may also be necessary to repeat the treatments if the infection shows signs of returning.
Contact your insurance company to determine if the procedure is accepted. In some cases, the company may classify it as solely cosmetic, which may not be covered. If the company does cover it, you should also determine if a pre-authorization is needed.
So far, there are not any known side effects. This makes it an ideal choice for sufferers of various ages. People who have other medical conditions may not be able to take oral medications, but this procedure is considered safe for them. Normal activity can be resumed immediately following a session. There is not a waiting period to wear shoes normally or get a pedicure.
Considering the negative aspects of topical and oral treatments, laser treatment for toenail fungus is growing in popularity. It provides sufferers with another option for getting rid of this uncomfortable problem. Discuss all of your options with your physician or podiatrist to determine if it is right for you.
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