Let Laser Nail Therapy help you find the best toenail fungus treatment in Broomfield, CO. We understand that struggling with a toenail fungus infection can be uncomfortable and annoying. Toenail fungus may affect the way you spend your time. Or more importantly, prohibit you from doing many activities due to discomfort or embarrassment. Many people with toenail fungus end up hiding their feet in socks and shoes which can encourage the fungus to keep multiplying. The foot doctors, formally known as podiatrists in our offices are highly trained at diagnosing and treating unsightly fungal infections. If you live in Colorado and you’re looking for nail fungus treatment don’t hesitate to call us at (720) 882-0388 and schedule a free consultation today!
Why did I get a toenail fungus infection?
This is a common question everyone asks themselves once diagnosed to have toenail fungus. What most likely happened is that you came in contact with the fungus and it infected the toenail or the skin under the toenail. Most nail infections occur in the toenails because they’re usually in a closed, moist, dark environment. Wearing shoes and not changing them often may be a large cause of how fungus may spread.
Toes typically have less blood flow than fingers which puts them at a greater risk for these kinds of infections. The most effective and painless way to treat toenail fungus is by laser.
How can I identify Toenail fungus?
The following symptoms are very common once nails are infected with fungus:
- Discoloration of the surface of the nails.
- Thickening of the nails.
- Nails that are very brittle and start crumbling.
- A cheese-like smell coming from the nails.
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms and would like to get rid of your toenail fungus, schedule a free consultation with one of our foot doctors today to discuss the best treatment options for you!
Laser Treatment for Toenail Fungus
According to multiple studies, it is evident that ND YAG 1064 nm is the most effective type of laser for treating toenail fungus. Moreover, the PinPointe laser that we use has a spot size of 1 mm and the treatment typically lasts 15-30 minutes depending on the severity of the infection.
It is extremely important to prepare patients with realistic expectations. These expectations will depend on the severity of the infection. In addition, it’s important to be aware that no treatment is 100% guaranteed. From our experience, over 80% of our patients had a complete or moderate clearance of nails after just one treatment.
After the treatment is performed it is extremely important that patients continue to use post-treatment care products. This will prevent them from reinfection. Some people are more susceptible to nail fungus. The best method is to use an antifungal lacquer which acts as a shield to prevent reinfection and we also recommend spraying shoes with antifungal sprays. The sprays help to stop the growth of fungal spores inside the shoes.
If you have any signs of nail fungus, call us at 800-672-0625 at our Colorado locations, or visit our website for more information on our doctors at one of our over 150 locations.
What do to prepare for Toenail Fungus Laser Treatment
There is not much you need to do. First, all nail polish and nail art needs to be removed prior to the appointment. This is because the doctor will first examine your nails and determine if what you have is a toenail fungus infection. They can’t do that if there is nail polish covering the toenails.
Next, trim your toenails if possible. If your nails have become too thick due to the fungal infection then the doctor will be able to file down the nails, before performing laser treatment.
Lastly, make sure to bring a clean pair of socks if you will be wearing closed-toed shoes. This is to ensure that you will not reinfect yourself after the laser treatment is performed. Fungal spores may stay behind in socks and may not die until washed in hot water.
There are no other preparations needed besides having bare nails and trimmed toenails. Once at the consultation, our provider will go over everything you need to know regarding laser treatment. They also will file down your nails before performing the laser treatment if necessary. They will trim and file down your nails to endure the laser that will penetrate through your nail bed to kill off the toenail fungus infection.
FAQs about Laser Treatment for Toenail Fungus
Will my insurance cover the Laser Treatment for Toenail Fungus?
Medical insurance does not cover Laser Treatment for Toenail Fungus. This is because insurance companies only cover oral medication since it’s the less expensive option for them. We accept all Flexible Spending (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) to cover the cost of the treatment and post-treatment care products which are typically recommended to use after treatment.
Will Laser Treatment for Toenail Fungus Work if my infection is severe?
Laser treatment can be effective in treating toenail fungus, even if the infection is severe. Laser treatment uses a concentrated beam of light to heat and destroy the fungal cells. It is a safe and effective treatment option for toenail fungus. It offers high success rates and no side effects. However, in some cases, multiple laser treatment sessions may be required to achieve optimal results due to reinfection or very stubborn infection.
How many Laser Treatments will it take to get rid of Toenail Fungus?
Typically most patients will only need a one-time treatment. However, we offer re-treatments if needed, but it’s very uncommon in our clinic. The laser kills the fungus that is present at the time, but patients can re-infect themselves. The doctor will go over post-treatment care with you to decrease your chances of getting the fungus again. If a re-treatment is needed we offer them at a discounted rate.
Is the Laser Treatment for Toenail Fungus painful?
Most patients do not experience any pain or discomfort. After the treatment, patients are able to resume all regular activities without any downtime.