By: Dr. Falls
Onychomycosis of the toenail is a
chronic infection of the nail plate and nail bed by dermatophytes, yeasts, and
opportunistic fungi. It is believed that over 35 million American’s alone
suffer from this disease. It is found to be much more prevalent in Southern
states due to environmental factors and comorbidity disease states. Until recently treatments were limited to
topical OTC and prescription nail liquids and oral anti-fungal therapies.
Topical therapies both OTC and prescription such as topical ciclopirox have few
side effects however they require sustained use by the patient for 6-9 months
for toenail therapy. Unfortunately the cure rate is below 50% in most all
studies even with correct sustained application. Oral anti-fungal therapies
such as itraconazole and terbinafine have a much higher mycological cure rate
approaching 80-90% in most studies however there are hepatic function
contraindications for many patients.
With so much of the population
affected by this disease there have been many attempts to find better therapies
both with regard to reduced contraindications as well as providing higher cure
rates. Recently, the emergence of new
technology has brought about another option for the treatment of onychomycosis.
Laser treatment to the toenail is now a better option for almost all patients
regardless of age or other medical conditions. Utilizing very specific
wavelengths, the newer lasers are able to cause photo damage and/or ablation of
the fungus within the toenail. This new therapy is now available at Alabama
Foot Institute on Montclair Road. In the office setting the patient’s nails are
treated utilizing specific wavelengths of laser light without the need for
local anesthesia. There is very limited thermal effect and the treatment of 10
toenails takes only 10-15 minutes. As the nail plate grows normally it will
grow proximally increasingly clear. It
takes 4-9 months typically for full toenail growth and full clearing. In most
cases no further laser treatments are needed.
This therapy option is excellent for those patients who either cannot or
do not wish to take oral therapy.
Todd Falls, DPM
Alabama Foot Institute
Hi!! This Laser Therapy Equipment is featured with advanced options like multiple probes, shortcut keys and large display screen.
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