This particular fungus problem is relatively common. Most people know someone with the condition. Laser treatment for toenail fungus seems to be an excellent way to deal with this problem. Although relatively new, the early results seem to be quite positive.
This toe fungus can make the whole foot look quite ugly. The nails often are discolored, hard, and thick. Sometimes, they even get very soft and will peel or crumble. Some people end up losing the entire toenail. The condition seems to occur most often in the elderly. Men seem to have it more often than women.
The particular fungi that cause this condition are called dermatophytes. They tend to thrive in moist environments like the bath or the gym. It can affect one or several nails at the same time. It usually first appears as a small white spot. It can then quickly spread.
Before this technology became available, the typical treatments were either topical and/or oral medication. Neither of these solutions seem to work that effectively. The topical worked for around ten percent of the patients. The oral medication worked a little better, helping around fifty percent. The condition often reoccurs when either of these are used.
Using lasers to treat this condition seems to have much better results. The doctor uses a specific type of laser for only a short time period. It heats the fungi, and then vaporizes and kills it. Varying wavelengths are available depending on the needs of each individual patient. The most severe cases may need repeat treatments.
The good news is that no adverse side effects seem to occur when this technique is used. In contrast, the oral medications did have some negative effects on some patients. This procedure can be done in the doctor's office. It usually takes approximately 20 minutes. Another positive is that neither the nail nor the toe is damaged when this technique is used. Shoes can be worn immediately after the procedure is done. Some more severe cases may take more than one treatment. The doctor should discuss this with you in advance.
Most medical insurance companies see this as a cosmetic procedure as opposed to a medical one. Therefore, most insurance will not cover the cost. You will need to fully discuss the cost with your doctor before he begins the procedure.
There is good news when choosing laser treatment for toenail fungus. The statistics so for are very good. Approximately ninety percent of patients using this technique have had positive results. Even when the fungi goes away, however, it may still take a while for the new healthy nail to grow back. Some patients using the oral and/or topical medications saw the condition reoccur. Since this is such a new technique, it is still unclear whether or not this regrowth will appear with these patients. It may or may not be a long term solution. The results, so far, are quite promising. Be sure to discuss any questions you have with your doctor.
This toe fungus can make the whole foot look quite ugly. The nails often are discolored, hard, and thick. Sometimes, they even get very soft and will peel or crumble. Some people end up losing the entire toenail. The condition seems to occur most often in the elderly. Men seem to have it more often than women.
The particular fungi that cause this condition are called dermatophytes. They tend to thrive in moist environments like the bath or the gym. It can affect one or several nails at the same time. It usually first appears as a small white spot. It can then quickly spread.
Before this technology became available, the typical treatments were either topical and/or oral medication. Neither of these solutions seem to work that effectively. The topical worked for around ten percent of the patients. The oral medication worked a little better, helping around fifty percent. The condition often reoccurs when either of these are used.
Using lasers to treat this condition seems to have much better results. The doctor uses a specific type of laser for only a short time period. It heats the fungi, and then vaporizes and kills it. Varying wavelengths are available depending on the needs of each individual patient. The most severe cases may need repeat treatments.
The good news is that no adverse side effects seem to occur when this technique is used. In contrast, the oral medications did have some negative effects on some patients. This procedure can be done in the doctor's office. It usually takes approximately 20 minutes. Another positive is that neither the nail nor the toe is damaged when this technique is used. Shoes can be worn immediately after the procedure is done. Some more severe cases may take more than one treatment. The doctor should discuss this with you in advance.
Most medical insurance companies see this as a cosmetic procedure as opposed to a medical one. Therefore, most insurance will not cover the cost. You will need to fully discuss the cost with your doctor before he begins the procedure.
There is good news when choosing laser treatment for toenail fungus. The statistics so for are very good. Approximately ninety percent of patients using this technique have had positive results. Even when the fungi goes away, however, it may still take a while for the new healthy nail to grow back. Some patients using the oral and/or topical medications saw the condition reoccur. Since this is such a new technique, it is still unclear whether or not this regrowth will appear with these patients. It may or may not be a long term solution. The results, so far, are quite promising. Be sure to discuss any questions you have with your doctor.
About the Author:
Read more about Good Results With Laser Treatment For Toenail Fungus visiting our website.
No comments:
Post a Comment