There is a great deal of discussion among foot care professionals and the general public regarding new laser treatments for fungal nails. Fungal nails afflict many people of varying ages. It is an infection that left untreated spreads from one nail to all nails and has been known to contribute to the development of other systemic immune diseases. Many people feel that improper hygiene leads to development of this condition and feel ashamed of the unsightly nails on their toes and or fingers. Actually onychomycosis, the medical name for fungal nails, is caused by distinct organisms and can be transmitted from person to person by using unsterilized nail instruments or by wearing shoes from another person who has the organism.
Treatments for this condition include topical medications, systemic medications which can cause liver and or kidney damage and now laser treatment. The lasers are aimed at the fungus in the toenail and basically vaporize it while leaving the adjacent skin unharmed. The newest technology is the utilization of a cool laser and no anesthesia is necessary. Patients can return to everyday activities immediately after treatment. Most patients are able to grow out a regular appearing nail after just one laser treatment. As the nail grows out the healthy nail replaces the infected toenail. The positive is that studies have shown the laser to have absolutely no side effects while being effective in eradicating the fungal infection. In some cases the laser treatment has to be repeated to completely destroy the fungus which is why it is necessary for your foot care specialist to follow your progress after treatment.
At Livingston Foot Care Specialists we offer the newest , most technologically advanced laser therapy available and one that clinical trials have shown to be very effective in the treatment of this condition without any harmful side effects.
