Stomp Out Toenail Fungus with Our Advanced Laser Technology
Jan 12, 2023
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Coping with toenail fungus can be extremely frustrating. The condition is often embarrassing and very difficult to get rid of. However, there are options beyond creams and over-the-counter medicines that tend to fall short.
Toenail fungus laser treatment is a relatively new procedure that offers the kind of relief many people with the condition have given up on. If you’re dealing with a fungal infection, it might be time to try this safe, easy treatment.
Here at Southwest Foot & Ankle in Scottsdale, Arizona, Petrina C. Lewis, DPM, FACFAS, and Mark T. Lewis, DPM, FACFAS, know how important it is for your feet to both look and feel their best. That’s why we offer the most effective treatment options for foot, ankle, and toenail issues of all kinds.
What is toenail fungus, and why is it so hard to eradicate? The condition, known medically as onychomycosis, is extremely common, affecting more than 10% of the population. It starts as a fungal infection and causes physical changes to your toenails, such as yellowing, brittleness, crumbling, and even loosening of the nail itself.
Although this can also occur in your fingernails, you’re more likely to have an infection in your toenails. Some people are more susceptible to the problem, including those with diabetes, immunocompromising illnesses, peripheral vascular disease, or peripheral neuropathies. It’s also important to know if you have a family history of onychomycosis.
Unfortunately, the condition isn’t easy to reverse. Over-the-counter medications are plentiful but not very effective. Prescription medications may be helpful, but they often have unfavorable interactions with other common medications. This is why we recommend laser therapy.
Our laser technology is advanced and highly effective for treating fungal infections in your toenails. We use a small, handheld device that emits lasers into your nail bed, which heat and kill the fungus. Over time, the fungus dissipates, and your nail begins to look like before.
After your treatment, it may take several months — or as long as a year — for the fungus to fully disappear and for your toenail to grow back healthy. It’s important to be prepared for this timeline, but otherwise, laser therapy is effective, simple, and well-tolerated by most patients.
We believe in the success of this procedure, which is around 90%, as compared to the 50% success rate of medication-based treatment. Because topical treatments don’t offer reliable results and oral medications often contradict other drugs, you can’t help but find relief with this process.
Laser therapy isn’t only effective; it’s also quick, easy, and has almost no side effects. In just a few months, you’ll start to see your toenails look the way you remember them: clear, strong, and healthy.
For more information about laser therapy for your toenail fungus, just call Southwest Foot & Ankle today at 480-900-7399 or make an appointment online at your convenience.