According to a report published by the American Podiatric Medical Association in 2010, more than 12% of Americans suffer from toenail fungus. The aforementioned report also indicates that nearly 20% of the world’s population suffers from this unsightly condition. Fortunately, if you have a toenail fungus infection, you can explore several viable treatment options.
The most common treatment options for toenail fungus are oral drugs and topical creams. However, several factors render these treatment options ineffective to a certain degree. For instance, the fungus typically thrives underneath toenails because nails provide it with protection and it is difficult to apply medication such as topical creams in such areas. Secondly, the space between toenails is typically dark and damp and this makes it possible for the fungi to thrive and spread from one toenail to another much faster compared to the time it takes the drugs to work.
How to Permanently Get Rid of Toenail Fungus
In light of this, it is important to get effective treatment that can eliminate toenail fungus permanently, if possible. Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of laser technology in toenail fungus treatment and some doctors are now using GenesisPlus and PinPointe lasers to help eliminate the infection. Laser treatments are highly effective in getting rid of toenail fungus in comparison to other treatment options. If you are looking for a treatment option with great long-term benefits, and fast results, consider getting laser treatment from a licensed practitioner.
How Laser Treatment for Toenail Fungus Works
During a laser treatment session, a doctor or licensed laser technology treatment practitioner directs a beam of light directly at the infected toenail. The laser has enough energy to penetrate the surface of the toenail and eliminate the fungi living underneath it through the process of vaporization.
It is important to note that the laser used in this treatment procedure is set to a frequency that has enough power to kill harmful micro-organisms living between the toe nail and the skin. In fact, different laser machines have different wavelengths and different pulse frequencies, so it would be up to your doctor to determine which wavelength would effectively eliminate your toenail fungal infection. For that reason, it is vital to seek treatment from a well-trained and experienced professional to improve your chances of successful treatment. At Cleat Toes Clinic, we have experienced and well-trained doctors who can help you get rid of toenail fungus safely and effectively.
Benefits of Laser Treatments
- According to a study published in the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, over 80% of toenail fungus patients who undergo laser treatment register great improvement within six months after the treatment. This success rate is significantly higher than that recorded in cases where patients take oral drugs.
- Laser treatment provides fast results and a patient only needs one treatment session that takes about an hour to complete. In comparison, it normally takes months or more than a year of taking oral medication to notice any substantive results.
- Unlike oral drugs, there are no known side effects of using laser technology to get rid of toenail fungus. Since the laser light beam used in the procedure only targets the infected area, it does not affect healthy tissue around the infection site.
- There is no pain or discomfort during the laser treatment procedure. The light beam only targets the infected area and since the cells in the toenails are dead, there is no pain.
How to Avoid the Recurrence of Toenail Fungus Infections
Laser treatments can effectively get rid of your current toenail fungus infection and make your feet look healthy again. However, in order to preserve the results of the treatment, it is important to avoid reinfection. You can ensure that your toenails are permanently fungus-free by taking the following measures:
- Avoid wearing open footwear such as sandals in damp and wet places such as public showers, swimming pools, and gyms.
- Keep the insides of your shoes dry and always wear clean sweat free socks.
- Avoid wearing tight fitting shoes that squash your toes together and prevent proper air circulation.
- If your feet sweat frequently, either apply antifungal powder between your toes or soak your feet in vinegar at least once a week.
Conclusion
Overall, laser treatment is currently probably the most effective method of eliminating toenail fungus infections. However, if you want to get rid of this infection permanently, it is important to observe good feet hygiene after your treatment and seek early treatment if the condition ever recurs.
