Onychomycosis, more commonly known as toenail fungus, is a common condition where a fungal infection affects one or more of your toenails. The infection can cause the nail to change color, thicken, and even crumble at the edges. It’s not pretty, and it can be stubborn to treat.
While traditional treatments involve oral or topical medications, laser treatment for nail fungus has emerged as a promising alternative. The procedure is drug-free and involves using targeted laser energy to kill the fungus.
However, like any medical procedure, it’s important to understand the potential laser treatment for nail fungus side effects. While often touted as a safe and effective option, knowing the possible risks and complications is crucial for making an informed decision about your treatment.
How Laser Treatment Works for Nail Fungus
Laser treatment for nail fungus uses a targeted beam of light to kill the fungus growing under your toenail. The laser emits a specific wavelength that goes right through the nail and heats up the fungus.
When the fungal cells get too hot, they’re damaged or destroyed, which stops them from growing and spreading. Think of it like microwaving a tiny, unwanted guest until it can’t cause any more trouble.
There are a few different types of lasers that doctors use for this, like CO2 lasers and YAG lasers. These lasers use different wavelengths of light, such as 870 nm, 930 nm, or 1320 nm, to get the job done.
What are the possible side effects of laser treatment for nail fungus?
Before you get excited about the possibility of a quick and relatively painless fix for your toenail fungus, it’s important to understand that, like all medical treatments, laser treatment for nail fungus comes with potential side effects. Most of them aren’t too alarming, but it’s important to be aware of them before you make a decision.
Immediate side effects
-
Pain or discomfort: You may feel pain or discomfort during the procedure. People sometimes describe it as a burning sensation. You probably won’t need anesthesia, but you might want to ask about it if you’re concerned.
-
Redness and swelling: Redness and swelling can occur around the treated nail for a few days after the procedure.
-
Burning sensation: As the laser heats the nail, you might feel a burning sensation.
-
Occasional bleeding: It’s not common, but some people experience bleeding.
Longer-term side effects and considerations
-
Nail discoloration: The color of your nail could change.
-
Burns or blisters: In rare cases, burns or blisters could occur.
-
Temporary pain or sensitivity: You might have some pain or sensitivity for a while.
Follow your doctor’s aftercare instructions closely to minimize any risks.
Effectiveness and Limitations of Laser Treatment
The thing about laser treatment for nail fungus is that the studies are all over the place. Some show real promise, but we just don’t have enough long-term data to really know how well it works compared to other treatments.
For example, common oral antifungal medications show a cure rate of 40% to 80%. Topical medicine has about a 45% improvement rate, while oral medication sits somewhere between 40% and 66%.
Keep in mind too, that laser treatment isn’t a one-and-done thing. You’re probably going to need around four treatment sessions to see any kind of result.
The bottom line is that we need more research. The studies we have now just aren’t enough to prove that laser treatment is effective in the long run. So, while laser treatments for nail fungus might be a good option for some, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons and talk to your doctor about what’s best for you.
Risk Factors and Contraindications
Like any medical procedure, laser treatment for nail fungus isn’t right for everyone. Certain conditions can make it unsuitable, and it’s important to be aware of them before proceeding.
You may not be a good candidate for laser treatment if you have:
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Poor circulation
As a precaution, laser treatment is generally not recommended during pregnancy. Certain medications could also interfere with the treatment’s effectiveness.
Because of these potential issues, a thorough medical history and consultation with your doctor are crucial. They can assess your individual situation and determine if laser treatment is the right option for you. Don’t skip this step!
Preventing re-infection after laser treatment
Okay, you’ve gotten laser treatment for your nail fungus. Now what? Well, I’ve got bad news: toenail fungus is stubborn, and it often comes back, even after you’ve tried other treatments.
That’s why you have to be proactive about preventing re-infection. Here are some things you can do:
- Treat your shoes and skin with anti-fungal sprays.
- Apply anti-fungal creams to your toes and between them.
- Use anti-fungal powder if your feet get sweaty.
- Trim your nails and keep them clean.
- Sanitize your nail instruments by boiling them in water for at least 15 minutes.
- Avoid nail salons that don’t look very clean.
- Wear flip-flops in public places like pools and locker rooms.
- Don’t wear the same socks and shoes two days in a row.
- Freeze your footwear: put your shoes in a sealed plastic bag and stick them in the freezer for 48 hours. That’ll kill the fungus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you scrape out toenail fungus?
While you might be tempted to scrape out toenail fungus, it’s generally not recommended. Scraping can damage the nail bed and surrounding skin, potentially leading to infection or making the fungal infection worse. It’s best to seek professional treatment from a doctor or podiatrist.
Why does Vicks VapoRub work on nail fungus?
Some people find Vicks VapoRub helpful for nail fungus due to its ingredients like camphor, eucalyptus oil, and menthol, which have antifungal properties. However, it’s not a proven cure and may only provide temporary relief or slow the spread of the infection. Scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness is limited.
Do your toenails fall off after laser treatment?
No, your toenails typically do not fall off after laser treatment for nail fungus. The laser targets and destroys the fungus without harming the nail itself. In some cases, the damaged portion of the nail might gradually grow out as a healthy nail replaces it.
Does fungus come back after laser treatment?
Yes, there’s a possibility that nail fungus can return after laser treatment. While laser treatment is effective in many cases, it doesn’t guarantee permanent eradication of the fungus. Maintaining good foot hygiene and following your doctor’s recommendations can help minimize the risk of recurrence.
What is the number one cause of toenail fungus?
The most common cause of toenail fungus is dermatophytes, a type of fungus that thrives in warm, moist environments. These fungi can enter the nail through small cracks or cuts and cause an infection. Risk factors include wearing tight-fitting shoes, having sweaty feet, and walking barefoot in public places like locker rooms and swimming pools.
Summary
Laser treatment for nail fungus can be a good way to get rid of an infection without taking medication. It’s generally considered safe, but there are potential side effects such as pain, burning, and discoloration.
If you’re considering laser treatment for nail fungus, talk with a qualified healthcare provider. They can help you decide if laser treatment is right for you and discuss other treatment options.
Keep in mind that laser treatment may not work for everyone, and it can take several sessions to see results. Even after successful treatment, nail fungus can come back, so it’s important to take steps to prevent reinfection.