Nail fungus, or onychomycosis, is a common disease of toenails and fingernails that causes aesthetic and health defects. Traditional methods of treatment and topical antifungal drugs take months before any positive results can be noticed and may not always work. Recently, laser therapy has been advanced as an innovative, alternative mode of treatment for nail fungus. This article reviews the effectiveness, procedure, and benefits of laser treatment for nail fungus.
What is Laser Treatment for Nail Fungus?
The idea behind nail laser treatment involves concentrated light energy penetrating through and heating up fungal cells in the infected part beneath the nail plate. There the laser reaches with ease, just hardly damaging your nail plate skin and surrounding tissues. It’s very fast and secure; for all those people tired of regular treatments, that’s really popular among them.
How Does It Work?
Laser therapy works by emitting certain wavelengths of light that generate heat. The generated heat, when absorbed by the fungal cells, destroys them in turn. Healthy tissue is not affected by it, hence very precise and targeted. Some patients may need to go through multiple sessions for complete healing, depending upon the intensity of the infection.
Benefits of Laser Therapy
- High Success Rates: Studies show that laser treatment can achieve success rates of up to 90% when performed over multiple sessions.
- Non-Invasive: The procedure does not involve any incisions or injections.
- Minimal Side Effects: Unlike oral antifungal medications, laser therapy does not pose risks of systemic side effects, such as liver damage.
- Quick Recovery: No downtime is required, and patients can resume their daily activities immediately.
- Effective for Resistant Cases: Laser therapy can treat infections that have not responded to traditional treatments.
Types of Laser Treatments
Cold Laser (Lunula Laser)
Cold laser therapy uses low-level laser light to treat fungal infections. This method is painless and promotes healthy nail growth while targeting the fungus.
Nd:YAG Laser
This type of laser penetrates deeper into the nail bed and is effective for more severe infections. It uses higher wavelengths to ensure thorough treatment of fungal cells.
The Procedure
Laser treatment is typically performed in a podiatrist’s office. Here’s what to expect:
- Consultation: The doctor will assess the severity of the infection and determine if laser therapy is suitable.
- Preparation: The affected nails may be filed down to allow better laser penetration.
- Treatment: A handheld laser device is applied to the nail. The session lasts about 30 minutes.
- Follow-Up: Multiple sessions, spaced several weeks apart, may be necessary for complete eradication of the fungus.
Effectiveness of Laser Treatment
Research has proved that laser treatment does an excellent job in eliminating fungal infections and enhancing the appearance of the nail. In fact, a study published by Medical News Today shows that remarkable improvement is evident after three to four sessions. However, prevention from recurrence depends on good hygiene of the feet and proper breathable footwear.
Considerations Before Treatment
Laser therapy for nail fungus has been relatively harmless; thus, it can be used by almost anyone. However, patients with different nail and other diseases or extensive damage to their nails should see their podiatrists for alternative treatment options. Still, laser therapies are usually handled as cosmetic in nature and rarely covered by insurance.
Why Choose Dr. Kris A. DiNucci in Scottsdale?
Dr. Kris A. DiNucci, D.P.M, F.A.C.F.A.S is Scottsdale’s leading podiatric foot and ankle surgeon. For years, Dr. DiNucci has provided expert advanced foot care with the latest laser treatments for nail fungus. His patient-centered approach means individualized attention and the best possible results.
Conclusion
Laser nail treatment for fungus is a revolutionary option for patients seeking an effective and safe alternative to traditional therapies. With high success rates and few side effects, it is an excellent choice for patients looking to restore the health and appearance of their nails. For expert care, consult Dr. Kris A. DiNucci, a trusted name in podiatric medicine in Scottsdale.
