Treatment for Toenail Fungus Just Got a Whole Lot Better With Lasers
Treatment for toenail fungus has made great progress in just a few decades. This condition - which can cause warping, thickening, unsightly yellowing, and disintegration of toenails, has earned a reputation for being difficult to treat. Today, Dr. William Buffone of North Fork Podiatry and Three Village Podiatry is sharing information regarding an exciting way of treating unsightly toenail infections using lasers.
The toenail fungi typically don’t surrender without a fight, and for quite some time what were considered to be the best treatment options proved to be inefficient, inconsistent, and even dangerous in some cases.
Luckily, we’ve gotten much better at eliminating these unsightly infections, and are now offering what we believe is one of safest, latest, and most effective treatment methods available today, and it involves the use of a laser.
Antifungal Medications Have Become Extinct
In the past, topical antifungal medications were used as the first line of defense against fungal infections that were located on the surface of the feet. For example, athlete’s foot - which is caused by the same kinds of fungi as fungal nails - is typically pretty easy to eliminate using over-the-counter sprays or creams.
On the other hand, topical medications for fungal toenails are virtually useless because the medication can’t reach under the nail where the infection is located. So even if you thin down your nails on a regular basis and apply the medication every day, results aren’t consistent even after a year of treatment.
It’s been shown that oral antifungal medications have enjoyed a much higher success rate than the topical type, and they were the go-to treatment for a long period of time. But they also still have a comparatively high rate of failure, especially for older adults and those with decreased circulation.
Step Into the Future With Laser Therapy
The first substantial improvement in treatment came about when the first fungal nail lasers were used. Utilizing light energy to combat fungal infections has some noteworthy advantages.
Different from topical medications, laser beams can penetrate the thick toenail to get at the fungus located beneath it. The light energy is soaked up by the fungi, which ultimately destroys them. This new technology provides faster, safer, and more effective treatment than ever before.
If you’re tired of embarrassing toenail fungus and other remedies just haven’t worked, it’s time to consider laser treatment. Call the office of Dr. William Buffone of North Fork Podiatry and Three Village Podiatry today to schedule an appointment to determine if you are a candidate.
You can reach Three Village Podiatry at (631) 474-3338, North Fork Podiatry (Southold) at (631) 765-6777 or North Fork Podiatry (Riverhead) at (631) 419-7107 or schedule your appointment online.