Laser Treatment for Fungal Toenails

What is Laser Treatment for Fungal Toenails?

Laser treatment for fungal toenails involves the use of laser light to target and destroy the fungi (dermatophytes) that cause toenail fungus (onychomycosis). This procedure utilizes specific wavelengths of light to heat and eliminate the fungal cells without causing damage to the surrounding nail or skin.

What are the symptoms of fungal toenails?

Thickened nails
Brittleness, crumbliness, or ragged edges
Distorted nail shape
Dull, with no shine
A dark color, caused by debris building up under the nail

FAQ
Laser Treatment for Fungal Toenails

The laser emits a focused beam of light that penetrates the nail and reaches the fungus underneath without harming the nail or the surrounding skin and tissues. The light heats the fungal cells to temperatures that inhibit their growth and ultimately destroy them. This method is highly targeted, which helps preserve healthy areas of the nail and skin.

Laser treatment offers several advantages over traditional treatment methods:

No systemic side effects: Unlike oral antifungals, laser treatment does not involve medication that can lead to systemic side effects or require liver function monitoring.
No topical drugs: Patients avoid the inconvenience and mess of daily topical medications.
Quick and painless: Each treatment session typically lasts only a few minutes, and most patients experience little to no discomfort.
Effective: Laser treatment can be very effective, especially in cases where the fungus is resistant to other forms of treatment.
Safe: The procedure is safe, with no serious side effects or long recovery times.

The effectiveness of laser treatment can vary depending on the severity of the infection and the specific type of laser used. Studies have shown varying results, but many patients see significant improvement after one or several sessions. Complete eradication of the fungus might require multiple treatments, and the nail needs time to grow out clear, which can take several months.

During a laser treatment session, the practitioner will use a handheld device to apply the laser beam directly to the affected toenails. The procedure typically lasts about 10-30 minutes, depending on the number of nails affected. Patients usually feel a warming sensation during the treatment but the treatment is pain free. There is no downtime, and patients can resume normal activities immediately after the session.

Consider laser treatment if traditional treatments have failed, if you are looking for a quick and non-invasive option, or if you are unable to take oral antifungals due to medical reasons. It’s also a good option for those who prefer a treatment without the side effects associated with systemic medications.