Onychomycosis, the medical term for a fungal infection that occurs on the toenails, is a condition that results in a thickened nail. It can also cause the edges of the nail to become brittle and yellowed. The condition usually becomes known when a white spot appears. Eventually, it will spread to the entire nail and possible other nails. This fungal infection can be hard to get rid of and can easily return if it is not treated properly. Laser treatment for toenail fungus is a fairly new method that may get rid of fungal infections of the nail.
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.
Currently, there have not been any side effects reported. There are not any restrictions based on age or health. Following the sessions, normal activities can be resumed, including using nail polish and wearing shoes. Due to the lack of side effects, it is a recommended procedure for people who cannot use the oral or topical medications.
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.
Currently, there have not been any side effects reported. There are not any restrictions based on age or health. Following the sessions, normal activities can be resumed, including using nail polish and wearing shoes. Due to the lack of side effects, it is a recommended procedure for people who cannot use the oral or topical medications.
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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