Laser Treatment for Toenail Fungus
Laser treatment for toenail fungus represents the most advanced technology that you can turn to in order to eliminate toenail infections. Studies show very promising conclusions for the use of laser therapy against nail fungus, however, this kind of treatment remains accessible to just a few who can afford to pay for the high costs of the sessions. Here are some aspects you ought to know about laser therapy in the treatment of nail fungus.
A brief historic insight of laser treatment for fungus free nails
A laser treatment for toenail fungus was in the experiment stage back in the 1980s. At the time, the laser was used to facilitate regular drug treatment. The only anti-fungal medication at the time were ketonazole and griseofulvin, which took a long time to work, and had very severe adverse reactions even at modest doses. Thus, the laser was used to drill holes or channels in the nail so that the drug applied to the nail could actually reach to the infected area and kill the fungus.
How it works and how efficient it is
A laser beam is directed at the fungus in the toenail; the fungus evaporates, while the skin remains unharmed. Sometimes more than just one treatment session is required. You need to establish all the details with the medical specialist, so that you know what to expect, how much it will cost and whether it will be painful or not.
A single session of laser treatment for toenail fungus takes only 10 minutes per toe. The procedure is completely safe and there is no pain whatsoever. Moreover, there is no impact on the healthy skin tissues surrounding the toenail.
Results depend on the health of the nail bed as well. The success rate of this treatment method has been compared to that of oral anti-fungal medication, but there are no side effects that come with it. Almost 90% of patients have grown healthy nails after just one laser treatment.
The procedure is safe, it has a high success rate, yet it is pretty expensive. Health insurance policies do not cover for the costs of the treatment, which means that the money comes directly from your pocket. The cost can vary between $1,000 and $2,500, but in case of an extended infection at all toenails, the expenses skyrocket as additional treatments are usually required.
Clinical studies, a way to save money on laser therapy
If you live near an academic hospital, you may have access to clinical trials using laser therapy. The only problem here would be that you risk to get a placebo (fake) treatment. Yet, with a bit of luck you should be able to save $1,000. Clinical trials are conducted in various parts of the United States as well as in other countries. Before you actually decide on a course of treatment, it’s only wise that you evaluate your options.
Last but not least, there are various ways to get the money you need for the procedure and actually undergo the laser treatment for toenail fungus. Be confident that you can!