Laser Treatment for Toenail Fungus - Aesthetics at Cima Health

Toe Nail Rejuvenation

Laser Treatment for Toenail Fungus

Do you avoid going barefoot or wearing open-toed sandals because of your toenails? If you have thick, dry, crumbly, discolored toenails, you have all the signs and symptoms of onychomycosis. More commonly known as toenail fungus, onychomycosis can be quite distressing. It can also be painful.

If you’ve spoken to your doctor, they may have mentioned an oral medication you can take – one which your insurance company likely doesn’t cover. Those medications can also cause liver damage, so you may have to have regular bloodwork while taking them. And to top it off, these medications are only effective for 65% of people! In addition, messy creams and lacquers have a low success rate and must be used daily for up to a year.

We have a much safer and effective alternative: laser treatment for toenail fungus. Keep reading to learn how this treatment works.

What Causes Toenail Fungus?

First, it would be helpful to discuss what causes toenail fungus, and if you can avoid it. Toenail fungus is an infection caused by tiny organisms called dermatophytes, which feed off of the keratin in your toenails.

Dermatophytes are everywhere – swimming pools, gyms and fitness centers, public showers, and nail spas are the most common locations. They thrive in warm, damp locations – which means wearing tight-fitting shoes and socks or nylons can create an environment for them to attack your toenails. An injury to a nail can also open the door for dermatophytes to make a home underneath your toenails.

How Laser Treatment for Toenail Fungus Works

Rather than taking a pill every day for months and needing bloodwork, or painting a lacquer on your toenails and hoping it works from the outside, laser treatment for toenail fungus targets the dermatophytes where they live – under your nails.

With the use of our Nd:Yag laser we can help treat and get rid of your toenail fungus. Published studies back up the success rate of this treatment. The laser light goes right through the nails to the fungus and irradiates it. The surrounding nail and skin are not damaged. By killing the fungus, this allows you to trim the bad part of the nail, and a new, healthy nail will grow in. This may take several months.

Ready to Get Started?

Schedule your Toe Nail Rejuvenation Treatment online today!

Toenail Fungus Laser Treatment FAQs

How long is treatment?

The length of an individual session may be 10-15 minutes depending on how may nails we are treating.

How many treatments will I need?

While you may see results after one treatment (with minor toenail fungus) most people need multiple treatments spread apart over many months.

Can you get rid of really bad toenail fungus on all of my nails?

While it is easier to target toenail fungus when it is just beginning, it is possible for the laser treatment to improve the appearance of your nails and eradicate the toenail fungus on all of your nails, even if it is advanced. Treatment for advanced toenail fungus will take longer.

When will I see results?

This will depend on the severity of your toenail fungus to begin with. If it was just a little spot, the new nail may allow you to trim off the discolored part sooner. But remember that toenails grow slowly – it may take 6 months to a year for a new nail to replace a severely infected one.

Does the treatment hurt?

It can be uncomfortable as the toe heats up. Most patients describe it as a warming sensation.

What will happen if I don’t get any sort of treatment?

If you choose not to get any sort of treatment for your toenail fungus, it will likely spread to your other toenails. Beginning treatment at the first sign of toenail fungus is your easiest way to success.

How do I prevent toenail fungus from coming back?

There are several things you can do:

Keep your feet clean and dry.
Avoid tight-fitting shoes.
Wear moisture-wicking socks.
Wear flip-flops or shower sandals when using public showers, spas, or pools.
Throw away footwear you wore when you had toenail fungus. You could re-contaminate your feet. If shoes were expensive, you can use an ultraviolet (UV) shoe sanitizer to disinfect them.
Sanitize your nail clipper before using it again, and after each use.
Keep your nails short.

Come in again for treatment at the first sign of new toenail fungus.