Laser treatment of nail fungus is a relatively new method, the effectiveness of which has already been proven. Tangible results can be achieved even in the treatment of severe cases. One of the advantages of laser fungus treatment is the absence of side effects. The same cannot be said for other methods. For example, with drug therapy, taking various drugs can cause damage to the liver. The laser treatment procedure is virtually painless and takes about 10 minutes to treat both legs or arms.
About nail fungus
Onychomycosis is the clinical term for nail fungus. It is an infection of the nail and nail bed that causes yellowing, darkening, and pain when pressed. Some patients notice changes in nail color that can range from brown or yellow to black.or green. The fungus can also cause streaks or spots along the nail plate, which can lead to nail loss.
You can most often pick up such an infection in a humid environment: a pool, a lake, in a shower or locker room of a gym, in hotels. The pathogen enters through tiny cuts in the skin or the space between the nail and the nail bed. As microbes multiply, the plate fades, becomes brittle, crumbly. Also, the fungus can cause odor from the feet. The more the condition progresses, the more the body is affected negatively. Eventually, it may become uncomfortable to wear shoes due to deformity of the affected areas. Often the fungus spreads to the skin between the fingers or the soles of the feet. In this case, the victim may feel burning and itching. In severe cases, the nail may separate from the nail bed and fall off.
It should be noted that a fungal infection is contagious. It can be passed on to other family members. The fungus is difficult to treat. Many often relapse.
Risk factors
In addition to the risk of infection in public places, the likelihood of getting a fungal nail infection increases with age, which leads to a decrease in blood circulation. There are also other risk factors, for example:
- excessive sweating of the legs,
- diabetes,
- lowered immunity,
- abnormal skin pH,
- tight airtight shoes,
- poor circulation,
- psoriasis,
- heredity,
- prolonged contact with water, latex gloves,
- smoking,
- Performing a manicure or pedicure with unsterilized instruments.
Treatment
Before laser technology, the only way to treat nail fungus was to take various medications. Such drugs are known to have a negative impact on he alth, internal organs. Alternative methods of treatment are various local preparations: ointments, creams, traditional medicine. Such therapy requires long-term use, money, and is also largely ineffective.
Laser treatment of foot fungus is safe and effective. It is fast and painless. There are no side effects. There are practically no contraindications to laser treatment.
Procedure description
In the treatment of nail fungus with a laser, anesthesia is not necessary. The procedure is painless. Patients may only feel some warmth in the treatment area. According to reviews, laser treatment of foot fungus takes a short time. Also, according to clinical studies, more than 70% of patients improved after the first laser exposure. In order to increase your success rate, multiple sessions can be completed to ensure long-term benefits.
During laser treatment of nail fungus, high-power laser energy pulses only affect the nail. Anyno damage to the plates or surrounding skin. Laser radiation destroys the pathogenic microbes that caused the fungus without affecting he althy tissue.
Visible changes can only be noticed as the new nail begins to grow. This process can take 9 to 12 months.
Preparation
To prepare for laser fungus treatment, you need a manicure or pedicure, depending on the location of the infection. Reducing the thickness of the infected nail will allow the laser beam to penetrate as deep as possible. This is necessary to completely eliminate the infection. Nail polish and any jewelry must be removed the day before treatment.
Rehab
After a laser fungus treatment, a patient may experience the following symptoms:
- swelling of the skin around the nails that disappear within 24-72 hours;
- a slight burning sensation under the nail plate and skin up to 3 days;
- changing the shade of nails.
To prevent recurrence of the infection, some precautions must be taken throughout the rehabilitation period and after, for example:
- after laser fungus treatment, wear clean socks;
- every day for a month it is recommended to treat the affected areas with an antifungal drug;
- necessary to powder the shoes against the fungus every week;
- cut your nails short;
- after each use, cutters or scissors must bedisinfect;
- do not allow anyone to use hygiene items (towel, scissors);
- it is forbidden to walk barefoot in public places.
Achieving a permanent result is possible only with the observance of preventive measures. Otherwise, the risk of a recurrence of the fungal infection is quite high.
Contraindications
Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nail. This is the most common disease and accounts for about half of all cases of nail problems. Laser treatment for onychmycosis is a safe and painless procedure with excellent long-term results.
As a rule, the longer the fungus is left unattended, the more difficult and difficult it is to cure it later. Laser fungal nail treatment is not indicated for people with the following conditions:
- pregnancy,
- having skin cancer,
- peripheral neuropathy (numbness loss of feeling in the legs),
- peripheral vascular disease (poor circulation).
Result
After the treatment of the fungus with a laser, you will not notice any changes. Although the infection will no longer be. According to reviews, when treating nail fungus with a laser, patients noticed the regrowth of a clean horny plate only after 4-8 weeks. And it can take up to 12 months for a new nail to grow fully.
Benefits
According to research, laser treatment for fungal nail infection is very effective and painless. It has no side effects compared to traditional oral medications.
Besides this, there are other benefits of this therapy, for example:
- no need to take antibiotics or other medications;
- does not have a negative toxic effect on internal organs (particularly the liver);
- treats the entire nail plate, bed and skin around;
- hand or foot treatment takes 20 to 40 minutes to complete;
- no need to take sick leave and change your daily routine;
- result can be noticeable after one procedure;
- immediately after the procedure, you can get a manicure or pedicure.
Reviews
Laser treatment for fungus on the hands or feet is relatively inexpensive. The price for each session depends on how many affected nails need to be treated. Since a fungal infection is contagious, it is more appropriate to treat both feet or hands at the same time. Even if there are no visible lesions on other nails. Reviews for the treatment of nail fungus with a laser on the legs or arms are positive. The procedure does not cause discomfort. After completing the course of treatment, remission sets in.
Prevention
Fungus is an opportunistic (Latin infectio - infection) organism. In other words, such an infection is always around us in our environment. And when the necessary conditions appear (heat and moisture), it multiplies. The laser procedure can cure the fungus, but will notprevent them from getting infected again in the future. After treatment, there is still a minimal risk of recurrence, even if you have completely got rid of the fungal infection. Therefore, to reduce this likelihood, it is recommended to follow simple rules.
- Wash your feet regularly with soap and dry, especially between the toes. The fungus grows in damp places.
- In public pools, changing rooms, when swimming in the lake, the sea, you must wear special shoes made of rubber, silicone or EVA (foamed ethylene vinyl acetate) materials.
- Use cotton fabrics.
- Socks or tights should be changed daily.
- The shoes you wear should be made from quality and breathable materials such as leather.
- Make sure your shoes are always dry.
- Wear shoes that fit. It should not be cramped or narrow.
- Use antifungal sprays and powders on boots or feet to eliminate any fungus that may have remained. Avoid wearing the same shoes every day. It needs to be changed to give it time to dry, especially if you sweat a lot. If you sweat excessively, change your socks several times a day.
- Cut your nails short, straight and without curved edges.
- Don't hide the fungus by painting your nail with nail polish. It is better to go to a medical institution for examination and treatment.
- If you get a manicure or pedicure in a salon, make sure the master has sterilized the tools after the lastclient. Alternatively, you can purchase your own foot care kit and bring nail polish.
If you experience any symptoms of the return of a fungal infection, it is recommended to consult your doctor. Do not put off visiting a specialist. The more a fungal infection spreads, the more difficult it is to get rid of.
