Laser Nail Fungus Treatment

If you are experiencing symptoms of nail fungus, contact our office today for laser nail fungus treatment. This is a state-of-the-art treatment option that eliminates nail fungus quickly and efficiently with no downtime.
Nail fungus, which is medically known as onychomycosis, affects millions of people of all ages. It tends to worsen gradually over time, leading to nails that are yellow, brittle, flaky, and misshapen. In the worst cases, they can even fall off. This chronic problem often causes embarrassment for its victims, many of whom have tried everything possible to get rid of it, ranging from herbal remedies and over-the-counter products to bleach and other household cleaners. Unfortunately, if these treatments work at all, they fail to completely eliminate the nail fungus. Choosing laser nail fungus treatment is the best option for patients looking for a fast and effective solution.

What Causes Nail Fungus?

Nail fungus is caused when Tinea unguium infects the nail, and it is believed to be responsible for roughly half of all nail deformities. This contagious fungal infection is often triggered by prolonged exposure to warm, moist environments, particularly those that are unsanitary, such as dirty socks or public showers. The fungus is more likely to affect men, people with poor blood circulation, and those with impaired immunity. Nail injuries, advanced age, ill-fitting shoes, and a family history of nail fungus may also increase the risk of contracting the infection.

What Are the Signs of Nail Fungus?

Nail fungus can be difficult to detect until it becomes advanced. Generally, signs of the infection include:

• Skin and nail flakes accumulating beneath the nail
• Streaks of yellow discoloration on or around the nail
• Thickening of the nail
• Separation from the nail bed
• Cracked, flaky or brittle nails
• Nails feel powdery and soft when cut
• White Spots
• Discoloration that may be brown, yellow, black, green or grey
• Foul odor

Treating infected nails can be difficult since the fungus is living inside of and underneath the nail and not just on the surface. For this reason, at-home treatments are unable to kill the fungus at its source. Oral medication does exist for the systemic treatment of nail fungus, but it must be taken for several months. It also comes with numerous side effects and has been known to cause damage to the skin, liver, kidneys, nervous system and digestive system. For these reasons, more people are turning to laser nail fungus treatment, which is safe, simple and highly effective.

How Does Laser Nail Fungus Treatment Work?

The light from the specialized laser penetrates the nail, killing the fungus that lives inside. It can even be used to treat fungal infections of the fingernails, although infections of the toenails are most common. The laser is gentle and does not damage healthy tissue. Treatment is not painful, but you may notice sensations of warmth throughout the process. Unlike with systemic medications, only the nails that are infected will be treated.

Is it Effective?

According to clinical studies, the laser used in the treatment of nail fungus showed 81 percent success at clearing up nail fungus within 12 months of just one session. During this time, new, fungus-free nail material will grow out if your nail bed is healthy.

Is it Safe?

Laser nail fungus treatment is completely safe, and there are no restrictions on who can receive it. Clinical studies have revealed no injuries or complications caused by the treatment.

How Long Will the Session Last?

The length of time your treatment session takes will depend on how many of your nails require treatment, the thickness of your nails and how extensive the infection has become. In most cases, the session will last between 15 and 35 minutes. If your nails have thickened excessively, they will be filed down to a more normal thickness using a special tool. This makes it easier for the laser to penetrate the nail and ensures maximum effectiveness. The laser will be applied to each affected nail for only a few minutes.

What Should I Expect After Treatment? Is There Any Recovery?

Because laser nail fungus treatment does not cause injury to tissues and is free of side effects, there is no need for a recovery period. You can wear socks and shoes immediately and go about your normal routine. You will not see the results of the treatment right away. It will generally take some time to notice a significant improvement in the condition. Be aware that while this treatment has a very high rate of success, it is not 100 percent. A few individuals will not experience significant or any benefits. Furthermore, it is possible to contract nail fungus again after treatment.

Your podiatrist will give you more information about what you can expect to see after the treatment and if there are any steps you need to take afterward to care for your feet and to prevent further recurrence of nail fungus.

Can I Use Nail Polish Afterward?

You can, but you should avoid doing so for at least 24 hours after your treatment in case any visible problems should arise from the procedure. While no issues have ever been documented during this time frame, it’s always best to be cautious. That said, some patients may want to reconsider polishing their nails at all, especially if they are already prone to nail fungus. The plastic-like coating seals the nail against sufficient air circulation, providing an ideal environment for fungus to grow. Talk to your podiatrist to learn more tips for preventing nail fungus.

For more information about laser nail fungus treatment and to determine if the treatment would be a good option for you, contact our office today to schedule a consultation. We can explain to you the treatment process and answer any questions that you might have. If for any reason you are not a candidate for laser fungus treatment, we can work with you to determine the best treatment approach for the issue and for any other foot problems that you are experiencing.