Toenail Fungus Treatments

There are numerous treatment options for a toenail fungal infection. Some are simple; some are complex; some make use of natural cures; and some use chemical treatments. While a number of such medications are supposed to be effective and safe, treatment takes time and persistence. There are more than a few antifungal creams and ointments that are available in drug stores, most of which are prescribed by dermatologists and other skin experts. Another treatment option is through a more unconventional technology that involves the use of light. Toenail fungus may be treated using infrared, laser, and UV light.

Set with all these treatment alternatives, it is your choice which remedy you consider is right for you. The main reason why several people favor home therapies is that they are less expensive and they are more convenient. Others choose anti-fungal creams and other chemical based treatments since these are what their GP suggested to them. Still, one of the more cutting-edge treatments, as previously mentioned, can be done with light. Toenail fungus may be exposed either to infrared, laser, or UV light. The process takes about half an hour and generally does not cause the patient any pain. The light is believed to vaporize the fungus and in so doing completely eliminates it.

The procedure is usually performed by a specialist. For patients who only have a mild case of toenail fungal infection, one treatment session may be sufficient to destroy the fungus. For others, more than a few treatment sessions may be needed. After the treatment, the patient would be advised on how to prevent the infection from coming back. Many patients say that they do not experience any discomfort from the treatment. Instead, they describe a warm sensation around the treated area, or a light prickly sensation.

Patients who suffer from toenail infection can benefit more from light therapy. Toenail fungus may be eradicated successfully through this treatment option. There is no recovery period after treatment, but a follow-up might be required.

Ultraviolet Light and Toenail Fungus

With the availability of handheld UVB lamps, light therapy can now be done by the patients themselves in the comforts of their own homes. As a treatment for toenail fungus, UVB light is not frequently made use of. On the other hand, it could be useful in removing infectious fungal spores. Research laboratories that work with fungal isolates use ultraviolet light to sterilize tools, and it has been implied that ultraviolet light may avoid fungal spores and other microorganisms from being spread through air conditioning and ventilation systems. At home, simply exposing shoes and socks to sunlight, which comprises of ultraviolet wavelengths, are said to terminate the residual fungal components from toenail fungal infections.

Perhaps the basis as to why UV treatment has been considered as a toenail fungus cure is because those with psoriasis are often treated with ultraviolet radiation. Using ultraviolet light radiation to cure toenail fungus is advantageous. Ultraviolet light works without changing or destroying the toenail. Additionally, not only does ultraviolet light decontaminate the toenails, it also removes contagious fungal spores from the adjoining areas of the toenail.

5 Replies to “Toenail Fungus Treatments”

  1. After I initially left a comment I appear to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added-
    checkbox and from now on each time a comment is added I get 4 emails
    with the same comment. Is there a way you can remove
    me from that service? Many thanks!

    1. Hello..

      I’m sorry to hear about that.
      I’m not sure if we can stop that from our end, but we can try.
      Which article did you post your comment?

      Best Regards,
      Cheryl

  2. Is the LASER lamp treatment “Cold LASER”? At what wattage ranges should the LASER, IR and UV lamps operate at to be effective against nail fungus and still safe? How minutes per treatment? How much time between treatments when additional treatments are required? What, if any, negative side effects should the treatment provider look for during and after treatment?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*