What is Fungal Toenails?
Toenail fungus is characterized as a thick, yellowish nail with splotchy white areas. In the early stages of the fungal infection the toenail is only slightly discolored, or slightly thickened. In the late stages the toenail can become very thick and has a tendency to “grow up” more than it grows out. The toenail may be discolored, typically dark yellow-brown, and will start to change shape and crumble. In some cases the nail becomes very loose and some people will lose the nail if left untreated.
The frequency of people with fungal toenails in America is about 2-3%, but some have reported it as high as 13%. Toenail fungus affects men twice as often as it affects women, and the prevalence among elderly individuals and diabetics is 25%.
Symptoms of Toenail Fungus
- Thick and flaky nails.
- Collection of debris under the nail causing a foul odor.
- Splitting of the nail.
- Pit marks or divots on the nail.
Pinpoint Laser Treatment of Toenail Fungus
What is the procedure? How does it work?
The fungus that lives under the toenails is treated with a gentle laser light. The light passes through the toenail, killing the fungus underneath without causing damages to the nail or the skin around it. At the time of the procedure the toenail will not become instantly clear, but as it grows out, the new nail may grow out as normal. It can take 6-9 months for a toenail to completely grow out. This is a new a approach
Do I have to have more than one treatment of pinpoint laser treatment?
One treatment kills the fungus under the toenail in most people
Is the procedure painful?
No. The laser treatment is painless.
How long does the procedure take?
The pinpoint laser treatment procedure takes about 30 minutes.
Will the fungus come back?
You will be instructed on preventive care techniques to reduce recurrence of the infection. Some Individuals are more likely to become reinfected than others and may require additional treatments.
When can I paint my nails or have a pedicure?
You can apply polish immediately after the treatment. It is important to remove all nail polish and nail decorations the day before your treatment.
Is this covered by my insurance?
Health insurance plans do not cover this procedure or treatment.
How long have you been doing this?
Clinical trials have been going on since last year with an initial success rate over eighty-five percent. This is the first time this treatment has been offered to the public.
What is FDA cleared mean?
Our laser has been cleared for dermatological use by the FDA. This is considered a dermatological procedure.
Who developed the laser procedure?
This procedure to kill fungus under toenails was developed around a new state-of-the-art laser produced by Patholase Corporation in Chico California.
