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Laser Treatment For Toenail Fungus Shows Promise

By Gloria Mason


Onychomycosis, more commonly known as a fungal infection of the nails on the toes, causes the latter to become hard and thick as the fungi continue to grow. The edges of each nail may also crumble, which can cause pain and soreness in the underlying nail bed. Laser treatment for toenail fungus is a new therapy on the horizon that was developed to eliminate this uncomfortable and embarrassing infection.

Such infections typically begin with small, white spots that eventually spread across the entire nail. The fungi may infect a single nail or several toenails can be affected. The condition is often difficult to treat, and in many cases it looks as if it has cleared up, but recurs in the future. As previously mentioned, laser therapy is a cutting-edge approach that many patients have participated in to great advantage.

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 2 types of laser treatment available for fungus of the toenails. One is called patholase, but this kind has not yet been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration. This is because preliminary studies do not support the fact that it is effective in treating the aforementioned infection.

Nomir is the other type of laser therapy available, but it is also pending FDA approval. However, studies concerning this therapy are overwhelmingly positive regarding its rate of success. In preliminary trials, eighty-five percent of participants experienced an improvement within 6 months of treatment. More research is currently being conducted regarding this kind of therapy.

A laser is a precise light beam, and when it is directed to the tissue where the infection has manifested, the latter is vaporized. It typically takes several treatments to achieve these results. Different wavelengths are used to selectively treat each area, based on the infection's severity. The fungus is killed through the heat from the light beam, and the surrounding tissue is not harmed. Such therapy is associated with essentially no side effects.

The procedure takes approximately thirty minutes and can be done in a doctor's office. It typically takes 3 visits to acquire enough wavelengths to kill the infection. Anesthesia is not needed, as the person generally feels 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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