Does the Toenail Fungus Laser Treatment Work?

Onychomycosis is a fungal infection caused by a type of fungus. These fungi are confined to the outer layers of the skin and they gradually progress to the nail plate. The treatment for this condition is complicated due to the fact that the fungi live in dead tissue.  Your best option is to get a toenail fungus laser treatment.

Most of these infections seem relatively superficial in the beginning, and for this reason people think that topical treatments will work. However, this is not the case because the nail unit is impenetrable. In addition to this, it is common for the condition to be asymptomatic. Current treatments involve topical therapies which require a long duration and are costly too. Most experts agree that surgical approaches are more effective.

Does the Toenail Fungus Laser Treatment Work?

Laser treatments are the more advanced approach to various conditions nowadays. They produce light energy of a sufficient strength and wavelength, which the tissue absorbs differently. This means that only the affected area will get treatment, while the surrounding tissue is spared. Medical lasers are rather expensive; therefore these types of treatments require high fees. One approach is to use a fractional CO2 laser to burn holes in the nail plate to apply antifungal drugs.

Do lasers work better than the medical approaches?

Since laser treatment is very new, the answer to this question is not so clean-cut. However, there is substantial evidence to support the efficacy of medical therapy. The treatment takes place in an office and lasts approximately 20 minutes. You might need three separate visits, depending on the situation. The laser beam operates at two separate wavelengths to destroy all pathogens. You will not need any anesthesia.

Please not that your insurance does not cover the procedure and will be quite costly. Laser treatment can cost $1,000 to $2,500 and must be paid by the patient. The procedure is not painful and there is no risk of side effects or complications.