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.
Fungal infections pose a wide range of issues and symptoms. They cause the nail to become discolored and thickened. The texture of the nail can also change. It is also common for nails to become flaky and change their shape. Detachment from the bed is likely if the condition continues without proper treatment.
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.
This method uses pulses of light energy. The device is used to target the affected nail and heat the area. Fungal cells absorb this heat, resulting in death. It also targets the nail bed, killing any cells hiding under the nail. The procedure is usually painless, and surrounding tissue is not damaged.
Laser treatment of toenail fungus is generally performed in a podiatrist's office. Multiple sessions are usually required. Each session lasts about twenty to thirty minutes. It is often recommended to undergo at least three sessions, although some infections may need more treatments, particularly if the infection has not shown any results from the first few sessions.
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.
Laser treatment for toenail fungus is becoming a popular way to get rid of the problem. It is not an invasive procedure and does not come with a risk of unwanted side effects or dangerous interactions. You should talk with your doctor about all of your options and which one he or she thinks would be the best for your situation.
Fungal infections pose a wide range of issues and symptoms. They cause the nail to become discolored and thickened. The texture of the nail can also change. It is also common for nails to become flaky and change their shape. Detachment from the bed is likely if the condition continues without proper treatment.
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.
This method uses pulses of light energy. The device is used to target the affected nail and heat the area. Fungal cells absorb this heat, resulting in death. It also targets the nail bed, killing any cells hiding under the nail. The procedure is usually painless, and surrounding tissue is not damaged.
Laser treatment of toenail fungus is generally performed in a podiatrist's office. Multiple sessions are usually required. Each session lasts about twenty to thirty minutes. It is often recommended to undergo at least three sessions, although some infections may need more treatments, particularly if the infection has not shown any results from the first few sessions.
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.
Laser treatment for toenail fungus is becoming a popular way to get rid of the problem. It is not an invasive procedure and does not come with a risk of unwanted side effects or dangerous interactions. You should talk with your doctor about all of your options and which one he or she thinks would be the best for your situation.
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