A fungal toenail is a very common condition that leads to thick, crumbly, and discolored nails. The medical term for fungal toenails is onychomycosis and it can affect anyone at any age. According to studies, 14% of the general population is affected by toenail fungus.
Since fungal toenails are very common, it is understandable that there are lots of over-the-counter treatment options available. However, the dermatophytes affecting our toenails are very stubborn and it is very difficult to get rid of the infection with over the counter remedies. An effective treatment alternative to oral medication and ointments is Toenail Fungus Laser treatment.
Clinical trials and dozens of studies have proven that toenail fungus laser treatment is the most effective way to eliminate persistent infections.When a laser beam penetrates the skin, it is apparent that there will be heat and energy production. However, not every laser device emits heat. Technological advancements have made it possible to opt for cold laser toenail fungus removal.
Today’s post provides a detailed description of hot vs cold laser treatments for toenail fungus and discusses which laser is the most effective for fungal toenails.
Hot vs cold laser therapy for toenail fungus
Laser beams penetrate the toenail and effectively destroy the infection causing fungus. There are two types of laser devices used by medical professionals, one that generates heat during the treatment and one that doesn’t feel hot.
For basic categorization, there are two types of laser devices: thermal laser and cold laser. Both are effective in the treatment of onychomycosis but cold laser are considered the gold standard of fungal toenail treatment.
- Cold laser is a painless procedure as there is no heat generated during the treatment.
- Cold laser is suitable for anyone regardless of their pain threshold.
- Cold laser treatment has higher efficacy rates.
- With a cold laser, entire healthy nail regrowth can be observed within three months
When comfort becomes a deciding factor, the painful heat generation of laser beams becomes a concern. Cold laser treatments are painless and free from sideeffects. Faster nail regrowth can be expected even for severely infected nails treated with a cold laser.
Which cold laser is the best for toenail fungus?
Erchonia lunula laser is a revolutionary low level laser therapy. Lunula laser is the first non-thermal laser device that gets market clearance from FDA. The special and effective treatment option is suitable for those who tried every available treatment option and failed or experienced a very slow recovery.
There are two wavelengths of the beams of the lunula laser device. One effectively works to kill the fungus and the other focuses on rejuvenating the nail plate without harming the surrounding skin. Therefore, it is the most effective laser treatment for faster regrowth of nails after treatment of onychomycosis. Here is what one can expect during their appointment for lunula laser therapy.
- Depending on the severity of the infection, patients are required to visit for four or more 12-minutes sessions.
- Lunula laser is absolutely comfortable and patients can get back to their routine activities right after the treatment.
- Mild to moderately infected toenails can be cleared quickly and healthy regrowth of toenails can be seen within three months.
Is lunula laser expensive?
Many people believe that laser treatments are expensive and that not everyone can afford them.However, it is not a downside of lunula laser treatment. If someone has a severely infected toenail then spending time and money on conventional treatment choices doesn’t make sense.Moreover, recurring episodes of infection can also lead to painful toenails where Ingrown Toenail Surgery becomes the only option.
When compared to laser, oral and topical medications are less effective. Moreover, in the case of a severe infection, the patients are even required to be on medication for a period of 9 months. The total cost of medicines and ointments along with a doctor’s fee for 9 months is way higher than the cost of laser treatment. Secondly, recurring infections can multiply the cost of treatment, so getting laser treatment to effectively eradicate the problem is way more affordable.
In addition to this, there is nothing more valuable than your peace of mind. Fungal toenails are very unsightly and can affect the self-esteem of an individual. Rather than waiting for months to see improvement, one can choose the option that offers quick results and helps boost self-esteem.
You don’t have to take laser treatments for months. Besides,there is no risk of developing microbial resistance or increased liver toxicity which is obvious with prolonged medication. Laser treatments are drugless, painless and have no side effects.
In other words, laser treatment is best for your physical, mental and financial wellbeing and if you look at the bigger picture it is not at all expensive.
Conclusion
Cold laser treatment is the most effective method to get rid of stubborn fungal toenails. It is faster, has fewer side effects, and, best of all, is completely painless. Visit the Orange County Foot and Ankle Group to schedule an appointment for laser removal of toenail fungus. It is a top-rated clinic where you can consult with eight highly experienced podiatrists to get personalized treatment plans for Ingrown Toenailsas well as fungal toenails.
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