Laser Toenail Fungus Removal: Last Resort?

Laser toenail fungus removal is a treatment for toenail fungus infection, a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It’s the type of infection that changes the texture and appearance of the toenail. One of the solutions that doctors would recommend to treat this condition is laser treatment. This is usually the last resort. When all other traditional toenail fungus treatments have failed, laser treatment is the last option doctors have. Before going for this laser treatment, you might want to try some natural supplements to see if that works for you.

There are several different types of laser treatment for toenail fungus. Some use light for treatment, while others use carbon dioxide (CO2). The US FDA has approved laser toenail fungus removal to treat different types of toenail fungus.

The laser therapy for toenail fungus will require several sessions before completely resolving the condition. It could take around 6 to 18 months of regular treatment for the laser therapy to be effective. Although these treatments could, in some cases, cause side effects like pain and bleeding of the surrounding areas in the nail, they are generally safe.

How the Laser Toenail Fungus Removal Works

Laser devices work in the same way – they emit energy pulses to produce heat. When used in treating toenail fungus, the laser will be directed to the affected area, allowing the heat to penetrate the toenail and the nail bed where the fungus is present.

Usually, the laser toenail fungus removal will require CO2 lasers with wavelengths of 1320 nm, 930 nm, or 870 nm to increase the temperature. As a result of the heat from the laser, the infected tissue will be decomposed and gasified, which then destroys the fungus in the nail. The heat coming from lasers also comes with a sterilizing effect that further helps prevent fungus growth.

If used properly, the laser fungal nail treatment should be a safe method for treating toenail fungus. The laser will not emit enough energy to destroy the surrounding tissues in the nail. Since the infection can only partially survive each treatment, it’s unlikely that it will treat your infection in only a single session. For this reason, repeat treatment is necessary. When done several times, it could stop fungal growth and ultimately destroy the fungal microorganisms that are causing the infection.

Is Laser Toenail Fungus Removal Effective?

The FDA has approved several different types of laser devices to treat the toenail fungus. Among these are the Noveon, GenesisPlus, and PinPointe Footlaser. As stated on the criteria for approval, these devices may produce a temporary growth of clear nails for patients with toenail fungus.

Many of those who tried the toe fungus laser treatment have experienced noticeable improvement, and there’s always a high cure rate. One study showed a 61% cure rate after 16 weeks, while another showed a 91% clinical improvement rate and a 30% cure rate after 180 days.

In addition, the laser toenail fungus removal was linked to high rates of negative cultures. This typically means that a microscopic laboratory test for fungal infection did not show any evidence of infection after treatment.

How Does the Laser Treatment Compare to Other Treatment Options?

Laser treatments are generally more effective when compared to the other treatment options for toenail fungus. Some of the most popular treatment options for this condition include over-the-counter topical drugs, oral antifungal medications, and prescription medications. Oral antifungals are effective, but they usually come with side effects. Topical medications are safer, but they are not too effective.

Some studies show an approximately 45% improvement of toenail fungus with topical drugs and about 40% to 66% improvement with oral antifungal medications. However, there has been a range in the effectiveness of these treatments. Also, consistent use of these medications while avoiding the harsh side effects can be tedious. Combining different therapies may be more effective instead of a single treatment approach.

What To Expect When Getting a Laser Treatment

If you start to develop infections in the toenail, the first step is to consult your doctor. The doctor will evaluate your symptoms and take a sample from your nails to determine the fungal strain that caused the infection. Usually, toenail fungus is diagnosed according to the nail’s appearance. Once a sample is taken, it will be brought to the lab to be examined under a microscope.

When the doctor confirms that your infection is indeed due to fungus, he or she will recommend the laser fungal nail treatment. The treatment will be administered by a healthcare provider, either a doctor, dermatologist, or podiatrist. You will also have to undergo a process known as debridement, wherein they will clip your toenails and clean the dead skin. This can be done a few days beforehand or on the day of the procedure.

Before starting the toe fungus laser treatment, they will clean your foot with a sterile solution and place it in an accessible position where they can easily direct the laser and will start to maneuver the laser over the affected nails. They might also have to run it over the non-affected areas surrounding the nail to kill any fungal infections there.

Using varying wavelengths or pulsing the laser may help minimize heat on the skin, reducing the risk of side effects. A single session typically lasts up to 30 minutes or less. As the fungal tissues start to decompose, pain or bleeding could occur. However, the skin should heal after a few days. Your doctor will advise you how long you should keep your toes clean and dry as they start to heal.

Conclusion

If you have been suffering from toenail fungus for a while and none of the medications you tried did not work, you might want to consider getting the laser toenail fungus removal. Oral medications may work, but they could cause side effects. Meanwhile, topical medications are not that effective. But before you decide to go for laser therapy, you must know what the procedure is, how it works, and the risks involved. Talk to your doctor before undergoing the laser toenail fungus removal. If you have any doubts, don’t hesitate to ask questions. Your doctor can explain why he or she believes that laser treatment is the best method for treating your toenail fungus.

If you are considering this last resort as all else have failed, you might try out all natural toenail fungus treatment supplements that are designed to treat the fungus by fighting the free radicals (common cause of toenail fungus) and by boosting your immune system.