Toenail fungus removal – Laser Treatment for Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus is a fungal infection occurring in one or more nails that may begin as a white or yellow spot under the tip of the nail. As the toenail fungus spreads deeper into the nail, the nail may get discolored, thickened and develop crumbling edges. The infection caused by toenail fungus may be difficult to treat as it may recur. Infections are caused by fungi group known as dermatophytes. But, it may also be caused by yeasts and molds.
Toenail fungus is caused fungi thriving in a dark, warm, moist environment inside shoes. It is harder for the body’s immune system to detect and eliminate the infection as there is diminished blood circulation. Common symptoms of toenail fungus include:
- Thickened toenails
- Brittle, crumbling or ragged toenails
- Distorted toenails
- Toenails are dull, having no luster or shine
- Toenails are dark colored with the debris building up underneath
Diagnosis involves physical examination of nails. Fungi testing may involve analysis of scraped debris from under the nail. The debris is examined for the cause of infection as conditions such as psoriasis may also mimic toenail fungus.
Toenail fungus removal may be treated by a prescription of oral antifungal medication but it may cause side effects such as skin rashes and liver damage. Other treatment options may include antifungal lacquer, topical medications and surgery. A new form of treatment is available called laser toenail fungus removal. The procedure may use lasers for detect and kill fungus by heating them. It doesn’t cause pain during or after the treatment and may not cause any harm to the surrounding tissue. During the consultation, the surgeon may discuss about various lasers used for the procedure and their pros and cons.
The laser to be used for an individual should be left to be decided by the surgeon. The procedure may be completed in 10 minutes without requiring any anesthesia. The fungus is killed and the toenail may take 6-9 months for re-growth. The laser treatment may be followed by anti-fungal cream speeding up the regenerative process and limiting any further treatment. The cost of laser toenail fungus removal may vary according to laser used, the severity of the infection, etc. Toenail fungus removal is believed to be a cosmetic procedure and may not be covered by insurance companies. In such cases, the patient may look for any financing option provided by the surgeon.
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