What Is the Most Effective Laser for Toenail Fungus?

Toenail fungus is a fungal condition that affects the toenails. It causes the nail to darken, thicken, and become brittle. Another sign could be the nail's deformed or warped shape. In more severe cases, some patients report a terrible odor. In this article, we will look at laser treatment and determine which laser is most helpful in treating toenail fungus.

Toenail Fungus Infection Treatment

Initial treatments for nail fungus included topical and oral antifungals. It was difficult to access the infection under the toenail, and oral antifungals required numerous doses, which had negative side effects.

Today, many patients turn to laser therapy as a modern solution. The best laser for toenail fungus can target the infection deep under the nail without the need for oral or topical drugs. Laser light enters the toenail and reaches the fungal infection beneath it. The laser destroys the infection-causing fungus while restoring nail thickness and color. However, numerous treatments may be required, and the results may take time.

Two Laser Treatment Types

Two laser treatments eliminate toenail fungus. Laser treatment for toenail fungus can be either hot or cool. The hot laser treatment heats the injection spot beneath the nail plate without contacting the nail. This eliminates fungal cells before they can infect pain-free healthy cells.

Alternatively, the cold laser treatment employs two low-level beams to destroy the fungus and cure the nail infection. Cool lasers are those that do not generate heat from their beams. Thus, the treatment is painless, safe, and without adverse effects. Laser therapies for toenail fungus are given below.

1. Nd:YAG Laser

Nd:YAG thermal laser features a non-contact temperature sensor. This laser is the most effective for treating fungal toenails. A focused beam of light from the Nd:YAG Laser kills the fungus and eliminates the infection. This 1064nm energy laser, which burns the fungus beneath the nail, causes no damage to the nail or surrounding tissue. Its handpiece includes a non-contact temperature sensor that monitors treatment area temperature and prevents burns.

The treatment normally consists of three to four sessions spaced four to six weeks apart. Most people sense only a tiny warmth. If it hurts, rest. You won't require pain relievers or topicals.

The Nd:YAG Advantage:

• No damage to the nail or surrounding tissue.

• Sessions are quick and require no downtime.

• FDA-approved and clinically effective.
  
  

2. Lunula Laser

The groundbreaking Lunula laser provides new hope for patients suffering from onychomycosis. Unlike existing laser therapies, the new Lunula foot fungus laser has none of the risks or negative side effects associated with oral antifungal drugs and is painless. The Lunula Laser can temporarily improve nail clarity in individuals with onychomycosis caused by dermatophytes such as Trichophyton rubrum and T. mentagrophytes, as well as yeasts like Candida albicans.

The Lunula Laser destroys fungus that resides in and beneath the toenail. The laser light goes through the nail without damaging it or the surrounding skin. The Lunula Laser does not carry the risks or side effects associated with oral antifungal drugs. Furthermore, this handy in-office procedure usually takes only a few minutes and requires no recuperation time. In fact, as little as four 12-minute treatments are required to treat the affected area.

The Lunula Advantage:

• No heat, agony, or downtime.

• 6.1 mm new clear nail growth after 6 months of 12-minute sessions.

• FDA-approved treatment for all five toes simultaneously.
  
  

Which One Is Suitable for You?

The ideal laser for toenail fungus treatment is determined by your specific needs. The Lunula cold laser is intended for persons who do not want to experience pain or side effects. If you have a more advanced condition or have not seen any improvement from earlier treatments, Nd:YAG may be a better option. Both lasers do the job.

Before you schedule your first visit, be aware that it will take several months. You may need to return for follow-up appointments. Several treatments are typically required. Your podiatrist will space them apart to allow the nail to form.

After laser therapy, if you don't want the fungus to return, use an antifungal spray in your shoes once a week, avoid walking barefoot in gym showers and pools, and cut and dry your nails on a regular basis.

Finally, the most successful laser for treating toenail fungus depends on your level of comfort and the severity of the illness.