Onychomycosis, or nail fungus, is a surprisingly common infection that can affect your fingernails or toenails. It’s estimated that nail fungus is responsible for half of all nail diseases and a third of all skin fungus issues. If you have it, you might notice that your nails are yellow or brown, crumbly, brittle, ragged, thick, distorted, or just plain dirty looking, even if it is just a light nail fungus. Sometimes, they even smell bad.
Nail fungus becomes more common as you age. While it affects about 10% of all Americans, that number jumps to 20% for people over 60 and a whopping 50% for those over 70.
Traditionally, doctors have treated nail fungus with topical or oral antifungal medications. You can even find over-the-counter treatments to try on your own. The problem is that these treatments often don’t work very well and usually require you to stick with them for a long time.
That’s where laser treatment for nail fungus comes in. This article will explore how well laser therapy works, what its benefits are, and things you should keep in mind if you’re considering it, including where to find the best prices and deals if you’re looking for a Lunula laser for sale. We’ll pay special attention to one type of laser in particular: the Lunula Laser, which is one of the more common brands used in fungus nail laser treatment.
Understanding Lunula laser treatment
If you’ve got toenail fungus, you’re likely open to trying anything to get rid of it. One option your podiatrist may recommend is Lunula laser treatment.
How Lunula laser works
The Lunula laser is a non-thermal (or “cool”) laser that the FDA has cleared to treat toenail fungus. It works by stimulating new nail growth without burning or otherwise damaging the tissues in your toes.
The treatment is touchless and painless, and it doesn’t have any side effects.
Dual-diode system
The Lunula laser uses two diodes that give off light at specific wavelengths.
One diode emits light at a wavelength of 405 nanometers (nm). This wavelength is designed to kill the toenail fungus that’s causing the problem.
The second diode emits light at a wavelength of 635 nm to stimulate new, healthy nail growth.
The Lunula laser procedure
The procedure itself is quick, usually lasting only 12 minutes per session. Once your session is over, you can return to your usual activities right away.
Treatment schedule
To get rid of the fungal infection entirely, you may need multiple treatments. Typically, people get four treatments scheduled a week apart.
How well does the Lunula laser work?
The Lunula laser is a cold laser, meaning that it doesn’t heat up the tissues in your nail and nail bed.
It uses two low-level lasers that work together to kill the fungi that cause onychomycosis. One laser attacks the fungus directly, while the other boosts your immune system and promotes blood flow to the area.
Clinical study results
So, does it work?
Here’s what one study showed:
- Fungal clearance rates averaged 74% after about 3 1/2 months with just two treatments
- After four treatments, results were even better
- 90% of patients responded to the Lunula laser treatment with complete fungal clearance and healthy new nail growth
That means that, for nine out of 10 people, the Lunula laser may be a highly effective way to get rid of nail fungus!
How the Lunula compares to other laser therapies
Lasers that create heat can be painful and damaging to your tissues. That’s why the Lunula laser’s non-thermal approach is so innovative. It can kill the fungus without the discomfort, redness, or tenderness that can come with hot lasers.
Some Nd:YAG laser systems have been cleared by the FDA for marketing to increase clear nail. These lasers tend to work by heating the nail and nail bed.
More research is needed to determine how well these lasers work over the long term.
Advantages of Lunula Laser Over Traditional Treatments
So, why choose the Lunula laser over other treatments for toenail fungus? Here’s a breakdown of the benefits:
Pain-Free and Side-Effect Free
The Lunula laser is a completely pain-free treatment. Remember how the pre-researched section states the Lunula Laser is a pain-free and harmless treatment? It’s true! The non-thermal nature of the laser means there’s no risk of burns or any other kind of discomfort. You literally feel nothing.
No Risk of Resistance
This is a big one. Unlike some other treatments, fungus can’t develop a resistance to the Lunula laser. This means it should remain effective over the long term.
Faster Treatment Time
Forget long, drawn-out appointments. Each Lunula laser session is super quick—only about 12 minutes.
No Downtime
Perhaps the best part is that you can get back to your normal life immediately after treatment. No downtime required! Go back to work, hit the gym, whatever you want. The Lunula laser won’t hold you back.
What to think about before laser treatment
Laser treatment for nail fungus sounds great, but here are some things to keep in mind.
What the research says (and doesn’t say)
Experts haven’t gathered enough solid evidence to know if laser treatment for onychomycosis (nail fungus) actually works.
The studies that have been done have some problems, like:
- Researchers weren’t always able to keep participants from knowing whether they were getting the real treatment or a sham treatment (called “blinding”).
- Researchers used different ways to define success, which makes it hard to compare results.
- Studies didn’t always include enough people to be reliable.
We need more good studies with enough people in them to really know if laser treatment is effective over the long term.
Medical necessity and cost
Right now, most experts consider laser therapy for nail fungus to be experimental. That means they don’t think it’s a necessary medical treatment.
What does that mean for you? It probably means your health insurance won’t pay for it.
Whether an insurance company considers laser treatment “medically necessary” depends on the details of your health plan. Many plans only pay for treatments that fix a problem, not treatments that just make something look better.
Alternative Treatment Options for Onychomycosis
Laser treatment isn’t the only way to tackle toenail fungus. Here are some other options your doctor might recommend:
Topical Antifungal Medications
These are creams, gels, or lacquers, and even nail fungus band-aid patches that you apply directly to the infected nail and the skin around it. While convenient, they’re usually less effective than oral medications, especially if your infection is severe. Think of it like trying to put out a forest fire with a squirt gun – it might help a little, but it’s probably not going to solve the problem completely.
Oral Antifungal Medications
These are pills you take by mouth. They work systemically, meaning they travel through your bloodstream to kill the fungus from the inside out. They’re generally more effective than topical treatments, but they can come with potential side effects, so your doctor will need to monitor you. It’s a bit like using a flamethrower on that forest fire – it’s more effective, but you have to be careful you don’t burn down the whole forest!
Surgical Nail Removal
Yep, you read that right. In really bad cases, your doctor might recommend removing the infected nail altogether. This lets you apply topical medications directly to the nail bed underneath, which can help them work better. It’s a drastic measure, but sometimes it’s what’s needed to get rid of the fungus for good.
Combination Therapies
Sometimes, the best approach is to combine different treatments. For example, you might use an oral medication along with a topical treatment to boost your chances of success. This approach attacks the fungus from multiple angles, giving you the best shot at clearing up the infection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is laser toenail fungus treatment better than oral medication?
Laser treatment and oral medications both aim to eliminate toenail fungus, but they have different pros and cons. Lasers often have fewer side effects than oral medications, but they might require multiple sessions. Oral medications can be more effective for severe infections, but they carry a risk of liver problems. It’s best to discuss your specific case with a doctor to determine the most appropriate treatment option.
How much does pinpoint laser toenail fungus treatment cost?
Pinpoint laser treatment is a specific type of laser therapy for toenail fungus. The cost can vary depending on the location, the number of nails treated, and the provider. Generally, you can expect to pay several hundred dollars per treatment session, and multiple sessions are often required.
How much does laser nail fungus treatment cost in general?
The cost of laser treatment for nail fungus varies widely. Factors influencing the price include the type of laser used, the number of treatment sessions needed, and the geographic location of the clinic. Prices typically range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars for a complete course of treatment.
Do home toenail fungus lasers work?
The effectiveness of home laser devices for toenail fungus is still debated. While some may offer limited improvement, they are generally not as powerful or effective as the lasers used in a clinical setting by a podiatrist or dermatologist. It’s essential to manage your expectations and consult with a professional for the best results.
What is the new treatment for toenail fungus?
Research continues to explore new and improved treatments for toenail fungus. Emerging options include new topical medications with enhanced penetration, as well as advancements in laser technology for more effective and efficient treatments. Stay informed about the latest developments by consulting with your doctor.
Wrapping Up
The Lunula laser is a relatively new treatment for toenail fungus that doesn’t use heat and is supposed to be pain-free. Clinical studies show it can be effective at getting rid of the fungus.
However, it’s a newer technology, and more research is needed to know how well it works over the long term. We also need more research to determine whether it’s medically necessary in all cases.
When you’re considering treatment for toenail fungus, it’s important to talk with your doctor about all your options. They can help you decide which treatment is best for you, based on your individual situation and preferences.
Treating toenail fungus early can help prevent it from spreading. If you think you might have toenail fungus, you should see a podiatrist or dermatologist to get a diagnosis and find out what treatments are available.