Nail Fungus Laser Treatment: Ultimate Guide to Healthy Nails

Nail fungus can be a very embarrassing issue. There are many treatments for nail fungus now, but how do you know which to choose? What are the options? What about laser treatment? Can any doctor perform a laser treatment, or does this type of treatment require the care of a foot doctor? Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists are here to advise you on how to achieve the healthiest nails possible despite any fungus that may have occurred.

What is Nail Fungus?

Nail fungus is the development of a yeast, mold, or dermatophyte that can set up residence in your nails for several reasons. These fungi feed on the keratin in nails. This can cause a thickening of the nail combined with discoloration.  Toenail fungus is more common than nail fungus on the fingernail because it grows in warm, moist conditions. Sometimes, the damp environment inside the shoe can cause this fungus to grow. Some symptoms of nail fungus include foul odor, curved or oddly shaped nails, and yellowing of the nail. Some causes of nail fungus can be an injury to the nail, poor foot hygiene, a weakened immune system due to illness or aging, or ill-fitting, non-breathable shoes. Nail fungus is preventable and treatable.

Some ways to prevent nail fungus include:

• Keep feet clean and dry.
• Avoid walking barefoot in public places like gyms or public pools.
• Keep nails trimmed.
• Keep nail tools clean and disinfected.
• Use antifungal powders or sprays.

Traditional Treatments for Nail Fungus

Some traditional treatments for nail fungus include:

• Topical Treatments
  Numerous sprays, ointments, and polishes can be conveniently applied to the nail. Some topical medications include tea tree oil, Ciclopirox, and Tolnaftate. Of these three, tea tree oil is the only natural remedy. Some prescription nail lacquers include Efinaconazole and Tavaborole. Most topical treatments are only effective in mild cases and may take weeks to months to be effective.
• Oral Medications
  Oral medications work effectively on nail fungus but can have side effects. Some oral medications can cause liver damage.
• Home Remedies
  Home remedies such as vinegar soaks are popular because of their ease of use but aren’t necessarily scientifically supported.

Nail Fungus Laser Treatments

When traditional treatments for nail fungus fail, some people may turn to laser treatments

• How Laser Treatment Works
  Laser treatment uses a highly focused light to remove fungus from the nail. This method can penetrate the nail and the nail bed with great accuracy. For this reason, it is lauded as a highly effective treatment method.
• Advantages of Laser Treatment
  One advantage of laser treatment is that it targets a specific area without damaging the surrounding tissue. Another benefit is that it is a non-invasive treatment. Patients can have the procedure performed and quickly resume their regular activity. Surgery would be more invasive, and the recovery time would be longer. Laser treatments are brief and convenient.
• Effectiveness of Laser Treatment
  Because of the precision of laser treatments, it is proven to be highly effective. Some patients who have struggled for years with foot fungus find immediate relief through laser treatment.
• Treatment Process
  Before your first laser treatment, you will want to 1. clean and trim the nails. 2. Abstain from nail polish. 3. Let your doctor know if you are taking any medications.

During this procedure, a medical professional will map and target the fungus. The laser is then pointed at the fungal area, and the fungal section is heated.

Who is a Good Candidate for Laser Treatment?

Anyone can receive laser treatment for nail fungus. The most viable candidates for laser treatment would be someone who has tried other treatments and found them to be ineffective. Laser treatment can be a real game changer in the treatment of nail fungus. Laser treatment can be a real game changer in the treatment of nail fungus. If you have suffered from nail fungus without tangible results, it is probably time to pursue laser treatment.

Aftercare and Post-Treatment Tips

Your podiatrist will counsel you on post-treatment care. To avoid the recurrence of fungus, you may be given hygiene techniques, healthy foot, hand, and nail care practices, and more. This may mean purchasing shoes that have proper ventilation, keeping feet and hands clean and dry, and keeping nails trimmed.

When to Seek Professional Help

When you have struggled with nail fungus and over-the-counter remedies haven’t worked, it may be time to consult with a professional. A foot doctor will be able to advise you about your options and recommend the proper treatment. They will be able to let you know if you are a viable candidate for laser treatment or if there is a prescription or cream that will be more effective.

Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists

In the Greater Houston, Texas, area, finding the right foot and ankle doctor is as simple as contacting Dr. Brian Lee and his team at Advanced Foot and Ankle Specialists. We will help you maintain your feet so that they remain healthy and strong. With in-house X-ray and state-of-the-art equipment such as ultrasound, shockwave, and laser technology, we have all the answers for you about foot fungus, topical treatments, prescription medications, and laser treatment. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us or visit our website.