Laser treatment for fungal nails, a therapeutic modality gaining prominence, involves utilizing concentrated beams of light to target and eradicate fungal infections within the nail bed. This non-invasive procedure harnesses the power of specific wavelengths to penetrate the nail and reach the underlying fungal colonies, without causing harm to surrounding tissues. The laser energy is absorbed by the pigments in the fungal cells, generating heat that neutralizes the infection. Unlike traditional treatments, laser therapy poses minimal risk of side effects and does not necessitate medications. The exact mechanism of laser treatment for fungal nails underscores its precision, selectively targeting the fungal pathogens while preserving the integrity of the nail and surrounding structures. If you have toenail fungus, it is strongly suggested that you speak with a podiatrist who can determine if laser treatment is the correct treatment option for you.
Laser treatment can be an effective way to get rid of toenail fungus. If you have any questions about laser treatment, consult with Tanisha Richmond, DPM from Richmond Foot & Ankle, LLC. Our doctor will assess your condition and provide you with quality treatment for fungal nails.
What Are Toenail Fungal Infections?
Onychomycosis, or fungal infection of the nail, is a relatively common and non-serious condition. Around 10 percent of U.S. citizens are afflicted with fungal nails. Common forms of fungus that infect the nail include dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds.
Symptoms of Toenail Fungal Infections Include:
- Nail thickening
- Brittleness of the nail
- Discoloration of the nail
Diagnosis for Fungal Nails
Fungal infections are diagnosed by fungal culture and microscopy. This will rule out any other conditions such as nail trauma, psoriasis, lichen planus, and onychogryphosis.
What Is Laser Treatment?
Laser treatment is a non-invasive, safe, quick, and painless procedure that uses the heat from a laser to kill fungus in the nail. Each infected nail is targeted with a laser for several minutes. The treatment is usually utilized several different times over a select period. During this time, a podiatrist will keep an eye on the infection.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Dayton, OH . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.