Those who generally use any public pools or showers may often experience a certain foot condition that is called toenail fungus. This kind of infection is caused by fungi that must be living around your nail. However, the good news is that toenail fungus cases are treatable.
If you havetoenail fungus, you will experiencepain and discomfort and generally will be embarrassed to display your toes in public. If you don’t know how you can treat them then naturally you will feel frustrated.
Remember, you are not alone! This kind of fungal infection can happen to anyone. Particularly, those who are having a very weak immune system are likely to be a victim of this infection. However, a noninvasive way exists to treat your fungus condition, which is known as toenail fungus laser treatment.
If you are thinking that perhaps you also are having toenail fungus, then you must consult with the primary care doctor or any podiatrist to get a professional diagnosis. Your podiatrist can evaluate your condition and may recommend laser treatment for toenail fungus. Treatments are generally based on your present condition, health, and your lifestyle.
What toenail fungus is?
A fungal disease under the nail causes the nail to swell and turn yellow, which is known as toenail fungus. This infection might extend to other toenails if not treated.
While most commercial remedies for foot fungus only provide temporary relief or require multiple applications for weeks or months to completely eradicate the infection, laser toenail fungus treatment can be completed in just one session and has a proven track record of successfully treating this ugly condition.
What can cause toenail fungus?
A toenail fungal infection can be caused by exposure to any contaminated environment. When walking barefoot at any shower or public pool, or while sharing your bath mats, shoes, or socks, you are likely to get the fungus.
Common signs to know about toenail fungus
If you can catchthe early signs much before then it can help you to avoid seeking any professional treatment.
A few warning signs are as follows:
- Darkening or yellow or white discoloration of your affected nail
- Your nail may get thickened
- Particularly where it is discolored it may crumble along with the nail tips or edges
- Redness, pain,swelling, and discomfort all aroundyour nail, particularly while wearing shoes
- Separation of your nail from the bed of the nail
- Foul odor may come from the nail
How can you prevent toenail fungus?
Keeping your feet dry and clean is the best way you can stop toenail fungus, a few other ways you can prevent include:
- Daily washing of the feet using soap and water
- Cleaning the bath mat
- Changing daily your socks and shoes
- Wearing shoes while in public showers
- Clipping your toenails straight across for keeping them from extending much beyond the end of your toes
- Wearing synthetic fiber socks for wicking away moisture
Is laser treatment for nail fungus effective?
Prior to taking an appointment, perhaps you may be wondering whether laser toenail fungus removal will be really effective. As such various clinical studies have claimed that this treatment is effective and has also been approved by FDA too.
- A 2016 study made by the FDA thatfound patients after receiving the treatment for 3 – 6 months had clear nails.
- Another study published in 2019 by the American Family Physician journal found that after laser treatment within 180 days patients had improved by 30% and improvement of symptoms was 91%.
- In 2018, the Lasersjournalpublished a study that reported an 83.7% success rate.
What is the mechanism of action of laser treatment for toenail fungus?
Without damaging your skin and tissue, the lasers can be used for removing the fungus and will attack the organisms present under the nail. Lightwill penetrate through your toenail and reach the fungus.
The technicians before the procedure will file your nails for preparing the area. You must remove your nail polish from your nails prior to your appointment. This treatment is always painless, however, a little warmth or tingling sensation can be felt on your nail bed.
After your toenail laser treatment, in most cases, you will display a very healthy new growth of nail without damaging your surrounding tissue. This foot treatment will prevent your fungus from further spreading and also reduce your pain or discomfort.
Most individuals only require one treatment, though your nail may take six months to a year to come back to its previous state. While infection recurrence is infrequent, certain fungal infections might return and necessitate further treatment.
As toenail fungus develops and expands over time, it is best to get it treated as soon as possible to avoid consequences like toenail loss. Untreated toenail fungus can create major health problems in people who have an immunological condition or diabetes.
Benefits of getting laser treatment
Lasers are now the recommended method of treating toenail fungus patients. During the laser treatment, your doctor uses a special wand to provide laser heat to the infected area, which kills the fungus and prevents the infection.
During the next couple of weeks, healthy nail tissue will begin to form. Lasers are painless and deliver immediate comfort and results. After just a single short appointment, the fungus might be eradicated.