Onychomycosis, also called a fungal infection of the toenails, results in the latter becoming hardened and thick due to the presence of fungi. It also causes crumbling at the edge of each nail, which can be tender and painful to the underlying skin. Laser treatment for toenail fungus is one of the newest therapies designed to eliminate this embarrassing and uncomfortable condition.
Such infections may manifest first as small white spots that eventually start to spread. Gradually, the affected area encompasses the entire nail. The fungus may grow on just one nail, or infection can involve multiple toenails. This fungus is often difficult to eliminate, and in numerous instances it appears to have disappeared, but reoccurs in the future. As previously mentioned, laser therapy is a new approach to treating an infection of this type, and numerous individuals have realized success with this procedure.
Fungi are microscopic organisms that prefer a moist, warm, dark environment. This is why numerous individuals contract such infections in public showers or swimming pools they share with others. The fungi that result in this condition are referred to as dermatophytes. They enter the toenail through small openings where the bed separates from the nail.
Although scientists do not know the reason, toenail fungus affects more men than women. Infections of this kind are also less common among young individuals than they are among the elderly. Again, researchers are not exactly sure what causes certain people to be at a higher risk for such infections.
Currently, there are two kinds of laser therapy available for this condition. The first is referred to as patholase; however, this type has not yet received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration. This is due to the fact that the results of various clinical trials have not proven its effectiveness in eliminating fungus.
Nomir laser therapy is another option for those suffering from the aforementioned condition. Although this treatment is also awaiting FDA approval, studies are overwhelmingly positive with regard to its success rate. In preliminary clinical trials, 85 percent of participants had an improvement in their condition within six months of completing the treatment. Additional studies are underway concerning this type of therapy.
A laser is a concentrated beam of light, and when directed to the infected tissue, it vaporizes the latter after several treatments. Various wavelengths are used in order to treat each area selectively, based on the severity of the fungi growth. The heat from the light beam kills the fungus and does not damage the tissue surrounding the infection. In addition, there are virtually no side effects associated with such treatment.
The procedure takes about half an hour and can be performed in the office of a general doctor. It typically takes 3 sessions to administer enough wavelengths to eradicate fungi. It is not necessary to place the patient under anesthesia, as he or she will typically feel nothing during the process.
Essentially anyone can participate in laser treatment for toenail fungus. No one has reported major adverse reactions so far, and both footwear and nail polish can be worn immediately after each session. Those who are interested in this type of therapy should speak to a medical professional and be evaluated before an appointment for the procedure is scheduled.
Such infections may manifest first as small white spots that eventually start to spread. Gradually, the affected area encompasses the entire nail. The fungus may grow on just one nail, or infection can involve multiple toenails. This fungus is often difficult to eliminate, and in numerous instances it appears to have disappeared, but reoccurs in the future. As previously mentioned, laser therapy is a new approach to treating an infection of this type, and numerous individuals have realized success with this procedure.
Fungi are microscopic organisms that prefer a moist, warm, dark environment. This is why numerous individuals contract such infections in public showers or swimming pools they share with others. The fungi that result in this condition are referred to as dermatophytes. They enter the toenail through small openings where the bed separates from the nail.
Although scientists do not know the reason, toenail fungus affects more men than women. Infections of this kind are also less common among young individuals than they are among the elderly. Again, researchers are not exactly sure what causes certain people to be at a higher risk for such infections.
Currently, there are two kinds of laser therapy available for this condition. The first is referred to as patholase; however, this type has not yet received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration. This is due to the fact that the results of various clinical trials have not proven its effectiveness in eliminating fungus.
Nomir laser therapy is another option for those suffering from the aforementioned condition. Although this treatment is also awaiting FDA approval, studies are overwhelmingly positive with regard to its success rate. In preliminary clinical trials, 85 percent of participants had an improvement in their condition within six months of completing the treatment. Additional studies are underway concerning this type of therapy.
A laser is a concentrated beam of light, and when directed to the infected tissue, it vaporizes the latter after several treatments. Various wavelengths are used in order to treat each area selectively, based on the severity of the fungi growth. The heat from the light beam kills the fungus and does not damage the tissue surrounding the infection. In addition, there are virtually no side effects associated with such treatment.
The procedure takes about half an hour and can be performed in the office of a general doctor. It typically takes 3 sessions to administer enough wavelengths to eradicate fungi. It is not necessary to place the patient under anesthesia, as he or she will typically feel nothing during the process.
Essentially anyone can participate in laser treatment for toenail fungus. No one has reported major adverse reactions so far, and both footwear and nail polish can be worn immediately after each session. Those who are interested in this type of therapy should speak to a medical professional and be evaluated before an appointment for the procedure is scheduled.
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