If you’ve been diagnosed with a severe case of nail fungus and all the over-the-counter products don’t seem to work for you anymore, it might be time to consider other treatment options. These days, people have the opportunity of undergoing laser treatments for their nail fungus. It’s a modern technique many wellness clinics offer, and it’s been proven to be safe, efficient, and effective.
If you’re wondering if this is a service you should avail of, here are some things to consider:
What Is a Nail Fungal Infection?
A nail fungal infection can be nasty and embarrassing to deal with, which is why a lot of people don’t like to talk about it, even with their closest friends. However, before going over the details of what laser treatments can do for you, you first need to understand the condition better.
A fungal infection often causes the nail to thicken and turn yellow. The infection is commonly found under the nail and, without proper treatment, it can spread to your other toenails. In some cases, the condition is so severe that it can cause significant pain and discomfort.
Usually, commercial fungal remedies only work for a brief period before the condition flares up again. If this is happening to you, it’s best to seek more effective solutions, which is why wellness clinics offer laser treatments for this problem.
What Does a Laser Treatment Do?
Laser treatments are a modern approach to treating fungal infections in the nails. The treatment uses light to penetrate through the toenail and kill the organisms underneath. Throughout the process, it avoids damaging any skin and tissue. After the treatment, your body will start to produce healthier nail growths.
The procedure is effective at reducing pain or discomfort coming from the infection. Doctors advise most patients to take only one treatment. Afterward, it can take anywhere from six months to a whole year before your nail returns to its normal appearance. By then, the infection should be gone completely. If your condition is more severe, you might have to undergo more sessions to eradicate the organisms causing the infection.
A typical procedure starts with a technician cleaning and filing your nails to prepare the area for the laser. You should remove any nail polish or decals before the appointment. If you suspect an infection is only beginning to manifest, it’s best to get diagnosed immediately so that you can start treatments and prevent further damage to your nails.
Studies on Nail Fungus Laser Treatments
Nail fungus laser treatments have been shown to be an effective treatment method. The Food and Drug Administration approves this kind of procedure, thanks to the multiple studies conducted on this topic.
In 2016, the FDA conducted a study wherein they found that laser treatment patients had clear nails three to six months after the procedure. In 2018, a journal called Lasers in Medical Science published a study on the efficacy of laser treatments for fungus removal. The study reported an 83.7 percent success rate in patients who had infections in at least two-thirds of their nails.
Lastly, in 2019, the American Family Physician published a study stating that patients had a 30 percent cure rate and a 91 percent improvement in symptoms after 180 days since their laser treatment. The American Association of Family Physicians then concluded that this treatment was effective against fungus infections.
Conclusion
If you’re thinking of getting laser treatments for yourself, consult with your local wellness clinic about their services and with your primary healthcare provider. Laser treatments are the best solution if you struggle with a fungal infection and over-the-counter products are ineffective.
The Z Med Clinic is a wellness clinic in Houston, Texas, offering many healthcare services. Contact us today so we can help you reach the right medical solution for your problem!
