Toenail fungus is a common condition affecting the quality of life of millions of people across the globe. Fungal overgrowth in the toes results in brittle, discoloured and unsightly nails. There are various treatment choices available, however, laser treatment is considered the gold standard of treatment.
Laser toenail fungus removal has become a popular treatment choice because it is the most effective non-invasive treatment for onychomycosis. Several clinical studies have investigated the efficacy rate of laser treatment compared to the conventional treatments of toenail fungus.
A recently published study in a journal of American Podiatric Medical Association reaffirmed that within 6 months of treatment, 78% of patients experienced improvement in the symptoms of onychomycosis at a significant rate, whereas the condition was completely resolved for 56% of patients.
Research evidence shows that despite being a relatively new treatment option, toenail fungus laser treatment has become a preferred treatment choice. Patients who are struggling with stubborn toenail infection must consider the gold standard of treatment. In today’s post, we will discuss what laser therapy is and what are the advantages of using lasers on fungal toenails.
About toenail fungus laser treatment
In this treatment, a laser device is used to target and destroy the dermatophytes causing brittle and discolored nails.
A laser device that is used for toenails emits a specific wavelength of light that is absorbed by the fungal cells. The laser penetrates the toenail to kill the stubborn fungal cells without affecting the toenail. However, the heat generated during the procedure might feel slightly uncomfortable to some patients. Therefore, the alternative solution of Lunula laser therapy has become popular. It is one of the first laser therapies that get market clearance from the FDA for toenail fungal removal.
The wavelengths of the lunula laser device do not generate heat while effectively killing stubborn fungus. Therefore the name lunula laser or cold laser is given. It is a low level laser device that makes the entire session comfortable, especially for those who cannot bear the discomfort of thermal laser devices.
What are the advantages of laser therapy for toenail fungus?
- Quick results:Conventional treatment options like ointments and oral pills may take forever because the dermatophytes causing toenail infection are very stubborn to kill. On the other hand, mild to moderate cases of toenail fungus can be treated in just four 12-minute sessions of laser therapy.
- Highly effective: On average, the course duration for oral medication for onychomycosis is nine months. Similarly, people who choose topical ointments also need to stick to a schedule for months to completely clear the infection. Laser therapy offers the assurance of entirely healthy regrowth within three months. Clinical evidence suggests that laser treatment has an efficacy rate of 95% in most cases of onychomycosis.
- No side effects: The best part about laser treatment is that no medication or topical ointments are required for the procedure. It is a drug-free treatment that is absolutely safe and free from side effects. Taking medicines for a longer period of time can increase the risk of toxicity in the liver or microbial resistance, however, laser therapy is free from all such side effects.
- Pain free: Laser treatment is a non-invasive treatment option which is absolutely pain free. People with a low pain threshold might feel discomfort with the slightly warming thermal laser. In such cases, it is recommended to opt for cold laser or Lunula Laser therapy.
- Cost-effective: Laser treatments have the reputation of being out-of-budget for a majority of people. However, in the long run, the cost of laser therapy is significantly lesser than conventional treatments. Comparing the cost of taking oral medication along with the doctor’s fee for an average of six to nine months with two to three laser therapy sessions can offer insight into the cost-efficiency of laser treatment.
Is toenail fungus laser therapy worth it?
Clinical studies show promising results for laser therapy, moreover, the benefits mentioned above depict that laser therapy is worth it. Especially when toenails are severely infected and there are no signs of improvement while using conventional treatment options.
Laser therapy is a quick and convenient treatment option for onychomycosis. Patients need not follow a strict regime for taking pills or applying ointment. Moreover, there is no downtime in laser therapy treatment. One can immediately return to their day-to-day schedule after the session.
Laser therapy may not be covered by insurance, therefore the higher upfront cost may sound expensive to many. Though it is suggested to compare the pros and cons of the available treatment options to determine if laser treatment for toenail fungus is worth it or not.
Conclusion
It is very difficult to get rid of toenail fungus with conventional treatment options. On the other hand, promising results shown in clinical trials depict that it is an effective, convenient, time saving and cost efficient treatment option.
The decision to undergo toenail laser therapy can be made after consultation with the board-certified podiatrists at the Orange County Foot and Ankle Group. The highly experienced foot doctors at OCFA are recognized as the best podiatrists in Tustin. They have gained specialization in performing various types of foot surgery and can offer all kinds of treatment options for toenail fungus including Lunula laser therapy.
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