Some doctors recommend with nail fungus laser irradiation: The treatment method is relatively new and expensive, but is considered to be side effects. Read all important information about nail fungus and laser!
Nail fungus: laser as a treatment alternative
Persistent and extensive nail fungus is often treated with tablets containing antifungal agents (such as terbinafine). In some patients, however, this systemic treatment is not possible – either because the medication must not be taken (such as terbinafine in liver function disorders) or cause significant side effects. Then, as an alternative therapy option for nail fungus laser treatments:
The use of laser against nail fungus has been officially approved since 2010. Irradiations with lasers, which break the nails and thus also destroy the nail fungus, were also there before. However, this type of laser treatment is associated with similar complications as surgical nail removal (pain and risk of inflammation). The nail fungus laser treatment used today now deliberately removes the fungi and does not attack the nail substance.
Nail Fungus Laser: Which lasers help?
Currently, various methods are being tested on how to cure nail fungus.
The best studied are the so-called Neodymium-Yag laser, Of these, there are several sub-forms, which differ mainly in their radiation quality. A rough subdivision takes place in long-pulsed lasers and short-pulsed lasers. Pulsed lasers do not emit the light continuously but in small portions. Long-pulsed lasers use longer pulses, short-pulse lasers correspondingly shorter, in faster successive periods.
For use in nail fungus are mainly short-pulsed lasers such as the Pinpointe Laser, As an alternative, too Diode Laser or CO2 laser such as flash lamps in use. The nail fungus laser destroys the mushrooms in the nails. How this works is still not clear.
Laser supplements local nail fungus treatment
Important for the laser treatment: nail fungus pathogens can exist in two different forms – as mature fungus cells and as spores. The latter are a kind of transitional form and extremely resistant. They survive greater heat than the fungus and can well tolerate dehydration.
So far it is not known if lasers have an effect on the spores. Therefore, it is not clear whether nail fungus laser actually rid of nail fungus or just reduce it. If you have a nail fungus lasers, you should still additionally carry out a local treatment with antimycotics (such as antifungal nail polish).
Nail Fungus Laser: The Real Treatment
Treatment with a nail fungus laser depends primarily on the severity of the symptoms. As a rule, a nail fungus laser treatment extends over several months, with sessions taking place every one to four weeks. A session usually only takes a few minutes. All affected nails are irradiated individually. The irradiation with the nail fungus laser is carried out by a doctor. Nail fungus laser treatment by medical chiropodists is not possible.
For certain diseases, the laser therapy with nail fungus must not be performed. These include, for example, diabetes mellitus and vascular diseases.
Nail Fungus Laser: Side Effects?
The nail fungus laser does not hurt. In the irradiated region, however, a feeling of warmth, tingling or a slight stinging can occur. These feelings are described as “unpleasant”. They disappear when the laser treatment of the nail is completed. Properly performed, the treatment is considered to have few side effects.
Nail Fungus Laser: Expensive Treatment
The equipment for and therefore the application of a nail fungus laser is expensive. In addition, its effectiveness is not yet clearly scientifically proven. Therefore, the nail fungus laser treatment in Germany is currently only offered by a few dermatological practices. The statutory health insurance companies do not cover the costs of the treatment. Private insurers require proof that the Nail fungus laser medically necessary.