Laser treatment for toenails is a painless, side effect free, ideal way to treat fungus. In recent clinical trials, 81% of people undergoing laser treatment had a moderate to compete clearance of the nail, and 51% were completely clear and tested negative for any fungal infection.
This laser technology is the quickest, easiest, and most effective way to get rid of toenail fungus. A series of treatments may be necessary, depending on the degree and severity of your nail fungus. After treatment, the nail will grow out normally within 9-12 months.
The laser beam travels through the nail, under the nail, and to the nail bed to kill the fungus. The laser does not damage the nail or the surrounding skin. Treatment is painless with no side effects, and can be used in addition to topical and oral antifungal therapies.
Physical examination and a nail culture can confirm if you have onychomycosis. Taking a sample of the nail and sending it to a laboratory will identify the type of fungal infection.
Nail fungus is quite common in the adult population. There are some statistics stating that as many as 50% of adults over the age of 40 have some kind of nail fungal infection.
The most common type of fungus associated with onychomycosis and athlete's foot is called dermatophyte. Dermatophytes grow in damp, warm, and dark places. They may be present on the skin but will not invade the skin or nail if there is no portal for them to infect. A nail infection usually occurs if there has been a history or injury to the nail, inflammation from an ingrown nail, or cutting the nails incorrectly or too short.
Currently this treatment is not a covered service by most insurance companies.
