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. What can not be said about other methods. For example, with drug therapy, taking various medications can cause liver damage. The laser treatment procedure is almost painless and takes about 10 minutes to treat both legs or arms.
About nail fungus
Onychomycosis is a clinical term used to refer to nail fungus. This is an infectious disease of the nail and the nail bed, which causes yellowing, darkening and pain when pressed. Some patients notice discoloration of the nails, which can range from brown or yellow to black or green. The fungus can also lead to the appearance of streaks or spots along the nail plate, which can lead to its loss.
You can most often catch such an infection in a humid environment: a swimming pool, a lake, in the shower room or the locker room of the gym, in hotels. The pathogen enters through tiny cuts in the skin or the space between the nail and the nail bed. As the microbes multiply, the plate dims, becomes brittle, crumbly. Also, the fungus can cause odor from the feet. The more the condition progresses, the greater the negative impact of the body. In the end, it may become uncomfortable to wear shoes due to deformation of the affected areas. Often the fungus spreads to the skin between the fingers or the sole 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 fungal infection is contagious. It can be shared with other family members. The fungus is difficult to treat. Many often have relapses.
Risk factors
In addition to the risk of infection in public places, the likelihood of a fungal infection of the nails 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,
- reduced immunity
- abnormal skin pH
- tight airtight shoes,
- poor blood circulation
- psoriasis,
- heredity,
- prolonged contact with water, latex gloves,
- smoking,
- manicure or pedicure with unsterilized instruments.
Treatment
Before laser technology, the only method of treating nail fungus was taking various medications. Such drugs are known to have a negative effect on health, internal organs. Alternative treatment methods are various local preparations: ointments, creams, and traditional medicine. Such therapy requires prolonged use, money, and is also largely ineffective.
Laser treatment of foot fungus is safe and effective. It is quick and painless. There are no side effects. There are practically no contraindications to laser treatment.
Description of procedure
When treating nail fungus with a laser, anesthesia is not necessary. The procedure is painless. Patients can only feel some heat in the treatment area. According to reviews, laser treatment of a fungus on the legs takes a short time. Also, according to clinical studies, more than 70% of patients began to improve after the first laser exposure. In order to increase your success rate, you can go through several sessions to provide long-term benefits.
During the treatment of nail fungus with a laser, high-power pulses of laser energy affect only the nail. There is no damage to the plates or the surrounding skin. Laser radiation destroys the pathogenic microbes that caused the fungus, without affecting healthy tissues.
Visible changes can only be noticed as a new nail begins to grow. Such a process can take from 9 to 12 months.
Preparation
To prepare for the treatment of fungus with a laser, it is necessary to do 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 should be removed the day before the treatment.
Rehabilitation
After the laser treatment of the fungus, the patient may experience the following symptoms:
- swelling of the skin around the nails, which pass within 24-72 hours;
- a slight burning sensation under the nail plate and skin for up to 3 days;
- change in shade of nails.
To prevent the occurrence of a relapse of the infection, certain precautions must be taken throughout the rehabilitation period and after, for example:
- after treatment of the fungus with a laser, clean socks should be worn;
- daily for a month it is recommended to treat the affected areas with an antifungal drug;
- it is necessary to treat shoes with anti-fungal powder every week;
- short cut nails;
- after each use, the nippers or scissors must be disinfected;
- do not allow anyone to use hygiene items (towel, scissors);
- It is forbidden to walk barefoot in public.
A permanent result can be achieved only with the observance of preventive measures. Otherwise, the risk of resuming 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 of onychmicosis is a safe and painless procedure with excellent long-term results.
As a rule, the longer the fungus is left unattended, the harder and harder it is to cure subsequently. Laser fungal treatment of nails is not indicated for people with the following conditions:
- pregnancy,
- skin cancer
- peripheral neuropathy (numbness, loss of sensation in the legs),
- peripheral vascular disease (poor circulation).
Result
After laser treatment of the fungus, you will not notice any changes. Although there will be no infection. According to reviews, when treating a nail fungus with a laser, patients noticed the growth of a clean horn plate only after 4-8 weeks. And for a new nail to grow completely, it may take up to 12 months.
Benefits
According to studies, laser treatment of fungal infections of the nails is very effective and painless. It has no side effects compared to traditional oral medications.
In addition, this therapy has other advantages, for example:
- there is no need to take antibiotics or other medications;
- does not have a negative toxic effect on internal organs (in particular, the liver);
- heals the entire nail plate, bed and skin around;
- the procedure for treating hands or feet completely takes from 20 to 40 minutes;
- there is no need to take sick leave and change the usual routine of life;
- the result may be noticeable after one procedure;
- immediately after the procedure, you can do a manicure or pedicure.
Reviews
Laser treatment of fungus on the arms or legs is relatively inexpensive. The price for each session depends on how many affected nails need to be processed. Since a fungal infection is contagious, it is more advisable to treat both legs or arms at the same time. Even if there are no visible lesions on other nails. Reviews on the treatment of nail fungus with a laser on the legs or arms are positive. The procedure does not cause discomfort. After undergoing treatment, remission occurs.
Prevention
The fungus is an opportunistic (lat. Infectio — infection) organism. In other words, such an infection is always around us in our midst. And when the necessary conditions (heat and moisture) appear, it multiplies. The laser procedure can cure the fungus, but will not prevent it from becoming infected again in the future. After treatment, there is still a minimal risk of relapse, even if you completely got rid of the fungal infection. Therefore, to reduce this probability, it is recommended that you follow simple rules.
- Wash your feet regularly with soap and wipe dry, especially between your toes. The fungus grows in moist places.
- In public pools, locker 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 of high quality and breathable materials, such as leather.
- Keep your shoes always dry.
- Wear shoes to size. It should not be cramped or narrow.
- Use antifungal sprays and powders for shoes or on feet in order to prevent infection with a fungus that could remain. Avoid wearing the same shoes every day. It must be changed to allow time to dry, especially if you sweat a lot. With excessive sweating, it is necessary to change socks several times a day.
- It is necessary to cut nails shortly, directly and without bent edges.
- Do not hide the fungus by painting the nail with nail polish. It is better to contact a medical institution for examination and treatment.
- If you are doing manicures or pedicures in the salon, make sure that the master sterilized the instruments after the last client. In addition, you can purchase your own set of foot care tools and bring nail polish.
If any symptoms of a return of fungal infection appear, it is recommended to consult your doctor. Do not postpone a visit to a specialist. The more a fungal infection spreads, the more difficult it is to get rid of it.