Toenail fungus is more common than many of us may think, hence the growing demand for laser treatment. While it’s not necessarily something most people like to talk about, bring up, or admit they may have, chances are someone you know either had it before or is currently trying to deal with it. It’s not much of a surprise that something like toenail fungus runs rampant – it can happen very easily under the right circumstances, and can somewhat ‘blindside’ whoever might be dealing with it.
Toenail fungus typically starts out as a small white or yellow spot under the nail and continues to grow over time. Left untreated, it can cause everything from hardened, cracked nails, to the entire nail falling off. It can affect more than one nail at a time, even if it doesn’t get to all of them. The spreading of the fungus is unsightly and irritating, and can even be embarrassing and painful.
So, what causes toenail fungus in the first place? It’s typically caused by the environment that we expose our feet. It can be as simple as not wearing antifungal socks, or tight shoes (this piggybacks on a condition commonly known as athlete’s foot), or you could contract it from walking barefoot in a public place. At its very core, toenail fungus is caused when moisture manages to get underneath the toenail, between it and the skin. When that moisture gets trapped there, it becomes the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, which can cause the fungus to form, and grow.
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Best Treatment Options for Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus can be different for everyone, depending on the severity. Sometimes, in small enough cases, people can simply rely on everyday cleaning habits and proper hygiene, and the fungus will go away naturally with time. A few tips are to wear breathable socks, shoes that fit properly and make sure you clean your toes every day, even utilizing a nail brush to get underneath the nail with sanitization as much as possible.
Toenail fungus can be easy to take care of and even avoid altogether with the proper steps in mind. Unfortunately, if not properly treated, toenail fungus can come back quite easily, and be a lasting problem. If you notice any signs of toenail fungus, it’s a good idea to try some treatment, just to make sure it doesn’t ‘come back.’
There are plenty of ‘over the counter’ medications, creams, etc. that are meant to get rid of toenail fungus as well. If you choose to go that route, it’s a good idea to look for the best quality products, and check out as many reviews as you can. Many people also choose to use a natural approach when it comes to treating toenail fungus, and things like tea tree oil have been known to help get rid of the fungus and heal the nails – again, this is something you have to choose to be comfortable with before you take that step.
Topical solutions don’t work for everyone because the problem is actually underneath the nail bed. Surgery is also a possibility, in which doctors will remove the infected nail(s), so they can apply medication to the toes directly. Unfortunately, results for this particular type of surgery have seen mixed results in their effectiveness and lasting success. It’s interesting to think how an issue that could be so minor for one person could be causing significant pain and discomfort to someone else, but toenail fungus is nothing to take lightly, no matter the severity of your particular case.
Laser Treatments For Toenail Fungus
Laser treatments for many different skin conditions have been available and deemed safe for years now, and within the last five years, the same laser treatment for toenail fungus was approved by the FDA. Using the latest technologies, laser treatments can be a safe and effective way to remove toenail fungus altogether.
The laser treatments can be considered a form of ‘therapy’ for the fungus, taking multiple sessions to remove the infected area and clear up the problem. The laser lights used are extremely hot, and that kind of heat is meant to kill the fungus directly, stop it from growing, and essentially ‘make it disappear,’ without harming the surrounding tissue of the toes, feet, etc. It’s as though the lasers only target the fungus, and nothing else, so the rest of your skin is completely safe. By killing the fungi, the lasers cure the condition in a way some topical products may not be able to, especially in a more severe case.
Is Toenail Fungus Laser Treatment Painful?
The million dollar question, of course, is how painful does something like a laser treatment have to be? After all, rays of heat and light penetrating your skin have to hurt at least a little, right? Actually, no. There haven’t been any signs in studies or procedures that indicate the laser treatment causes any pain at all.
At most, people feel a slight warming sensation throughout the therapy sessions, which usually last 20 to 30 minutes when you choose to go to a doctor. That’s because the lasers are just targeting the fungus, not the surrounding tissue. They’re doing a lot to attack the ‘problem,’ but sparing the surrounding skin from any pain, discomfort, or irritability.
There is no recovery time, and once your session is over, you can continue with your day normally. You’ll find that with each session, the fungus should be getting better and better until it is practically undetectable.
The problem many people have when seeing a specialist for laser treatment is the cost. Insurance doesn’t cover most laser treatment options for toenail fungus. So, while toenail fungus laser treatment may not be painful to your skin, it can sometimes be a blow to the wallet – it is a small drawback considering how effective it can be.
Continuing advances in technology have now made it possible to experience similar laser treatments at home, which are much more cost effective, less invasive, and more convenient overall. Most of these at-home treatments involve something as simple as inserting your toes into a sort of ‘box’ that provides treatment for a specific length of time. It is essentially the same medical idea, with more convenience in the privacy of your own home.
The Cure Ex Laser Device
One such fungus laser treatment system for the home is the Cure Ex, which has become one of the most popular treatment products on the market for toenail fungus. It is far more affordable than the traditional series of therapeutic treatments you would have to be a part of by going to a specialist.
The Cure Ex is a small, lightweight medical device that allows you to treat toenail fungus infections from the comfort of your own home, or anywhere you’d like. It is completely battery-powered, so you don’t ever have to worry about any shock or electrical danger. Plus, the Cure Ex works quickly. Whereas most typical laser treatment sessions last 20-30 minutes, the Cure Ex only takes seven minutes to work. It will shut down automatically after the process is finished with no mess, no clean up to worry about, and no side effects. You can use the Cure-Ex on one toe at a time, which allows it to work on an individual basis, focusing directly on the fungus of each toenail.
Getting Rid of Toenail Fungus Fast
As you can see, there are many different options when it comes to getting rid of unsightly, uncomfortable toenail fungus. While some may seem easier, and less invasive than others, it’s truly an individual choice when it comes to choosing the best solution for yourself. A lot of it will depend on the overall severity of your specific case, and some of it will simply depend on how much time, money, and effort you’re willing to put in to get rid of the fungus once and for all.
Because toenail fungus is more common than you might think, so are these treatment options. There is absolutely nothing to be embarrassed about when it comes to seeking help to get rid of the fungus, especially if that means seeing a doctor for laser treatments, or using a laser treatment product at home. As stated above, the treatments aren’t painful in the slightest and work to penetrate the fungus while leaving the tissue and skin surrounding it completely safe and unharmed.
Is Toenail Fungus Laser Treatment Painful? With so much incredible technology available to help improve our lives, and get rid of our ailments, no one should have to suffer from toenail fungus or any issues that may go along with it. Don’t be afraid to give technology a try if you’re seriously suffering from toenail fungus – it could be just the solution to get rid of it for good.
