Laser Treatment of Toenail Fungus
UPMC Hamot utilizes a new laser procedure to treat toenail and fingernail fungus. This condition is also known as onychomycosis. The procedure, called ClearToe®, utilizes advanced laser technology and real-time temperature monitoring to enable safe and effective treatment of nail fungus. Finally, patients who have never before had any success with other fungal therapies are seeing improvement in the appearance of their nails.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does toenail fungus look like?
The toenail often looks discolored, yellow, unsightly, crooked, and thick. Nails may become rough or crumbly and may even separate from the nailbed.
What are the common causes of toenail fungus?
Causes of infections are dermatophyte fungi (Tinea unguium), yeasts such as Candida albicans, and nondermatophyte molds. Other risk factors include humidity, heat, trauma, diabetes mellitus, and athlete's foot.
What were the existing treatments for toenail fungus?
Previous treatments for nail fungal infections were largely ineffective or undesirable. They included topical treatment creams, which cannot penetrate deeply enough to kill the fungus and are about 10 percent effective. Oral antifungal medications can be toxic to the liver and kidney and are only 30 percent effective.
What is so exciting and promising about ClearToe®?
Studies have shown laser treatments to be the most effective method to treat this condition, with an 80 percent or greater success rate. It's painless and side-effect-free. Treatments take 10 to 20 minutes, and there is no downtime. More than one treatment may be required, depending on the severity of the infection.
How does laser treatment work?
The laser allows us to kill the organisms that cause nail fungal infections in the toenails and fingernails. The ClearToe® laser heats the nail and the nail bed with laser energy, effectively and safely eradicating the fungus and promoting the growth of clear nails. This treatment is relatively painless.
Are there restrictions for laser toenail fungus treatment?
Generally there are no health or age restrictions. In most clinical studies there were no negative reactions, contraindications, or side effects involving laser toenail fungus treatment.
What is the number of visits required to perform laser toenail fungus treatment?
This depends on the severity of the infection as determined by the physician evaluating your condition.
What are the costs of ClearToe® nail fungus treatment?
The cost is very affordable and reasonable compared to the national and local average. It is based on the severity of the infection and whether one foot or both feet are treated. A physician makes the determination about the number of treatments needed.
What are the post-treatment recommendations?
You may resume normal activity immediately following treatment. We recommend that you wear new shoes and wash your socks thoroughly after treatment to prevent the spread of fungus. If a lifestyle change is not made (throw your old shoes out), the fungi may return to the nails. Therefore, laser toenail fungal treatment is part of an overall protocol that a physician will prescribe.
Are there other recommendations?
Practice good foot hygiene. Avoid moist, wet environments such as public showers, pools, and locker rooms. Be careful when you go for a pedicure. Pay attention to your own home, shower, and bath mat. And check your shoes.
How do I schedule a laser toenail fungus treatment?
Please contact us at 814-877-5200 or visit Drjaykang.com.
