Toenail fungus is one of the most stubborn and difficult infections. Some traditional treatments that have been utilized in the past include:
- Oral pills
- Topical creams, oils, ointments, gels, etc.
- Removal of toenails
- Soaking feet in dilute vinegar and/or bleach
Topical Treatments
Topical medications are limited in their capacity for treatment of toenail fungus, simply because of lack of penetration into the substance of toenails. The medication does not reach all of the infected regions of the nail complex, which is the nail, the nail matrix, and the nail bed. For this reason, topical medications can be utilized in helping to prevent new infection and/or slow down the progress of active infection.
Oral Pills
The most effective treatments available prior to this new laser treatments, have been oral antifungal medications, which have the potential to cause severe problems with kidneys and the liver.
Removal of Toenails
This particular treatment modality does not irradicate this infection, although, the nail plate that is infected is removed. Fungal infection can continue in the nail matrix and nail bed, along the skin around the nail plate. Therefore, as a new toenail is being created, the existing fungal spores can potentially cause a new infection. This, in fact, is routinely seen in patients that have had their toenails removed, as an attempt to treat toenail fungus. Dr. Kosari does not recommend this treatment in most situations, simply because, the nail matrix can potentially get damaged, which can cause the new toenail to grow with deformity.
Soaking Feet in Dilute Vinegar & Bleach
Again, this type of treatment has not shown to be fully effective in irradicating toenail fungus. Prolonged application of vinegar and bleach can be harmful to human skin and are not designed for treatment of infections.
Dr. Kosari is proud to introduce the most advanced treatment modality for this problem: Toenail Fungus Laser Treatment. Lasers have been utilized in medicine for a long time. But until recently, this unique technology has been developed for treatment of toenail fungus. This is the most advanced and latest treatment modality that is available today, for improving the appearance of ugly, thick, discolored, and sometimes painful fungal toenails.
Q & A about Laser Treatment:
- HOW DOES THE LASER WORK? DOES IT REALLY WORK? The laser beam shines through the nail and vaporizes pathogens embedded within the toenail. This treatment is very effective in improving the appearance of your toenails and is also effective in bringing the pink nail bed color back to the nail.
- IS THE LASER TREATMENT PAINFUL? The laser pulse does not cause pain, however, there is heat produced which you may feel. This heat dissipates very quickly.
- HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE? Generally, the procedure takes 20-30 minutes for the full treatment.
- WHY HAVEN’T I HEARD ABOUT THIS? This technology is new and more and more doctors are getting familiar with this treatment. Our treatment is THE MOST ADVANCED treatment available today and it is FDA CLEARED!.
- CAN I WALK AFTER THE TREATMENT? YES! The treatment does not harm you in any way. You will be able to walk out just as well as you walked in. You can wear shoes and even get a pedicure after treatment!
- ISN’T LASER TREATMENT EXPENSIVE? Laser treatment is considered aesthetic and therefore is not covered by health insurance plans; however, laser treatment is affordable. We offer several payment options, including INTEREST FREE FINANCING FOR ONE YEAR (ask for details). My staff is happy to answer any questions you may have.
- IS THIS TREATMENT SAFE? To date, there have been no adverse reactions, injuries, disabilities or known side-effects. As you may know, oral medication available today for treatment of fungal nails carries with it possible serious health risks (commonly the liver and kidneys). The laser treatment does not.
- HOW SOON WILL I SEE IMPROVEMENTS? On average, a toenail will replace itself every 6 to 9 months. Healthy new growth should be visible within the first 3 months as your nail continues to grow.