Levittown's Expert Podiatrists Explain The Fungal Nail Laser Treatment 

People may notice a change in their toenails - no, not the fact that they have let them grow too long and can possibly cut other toes. The nails may be discolored or cracked. That’s because toenail fungus has gotten a hold of their feet. It’s time to get rid of them by visiting a New York podiatrist. But how? Laser treatment is an optimal choice over oral prescriptions (which can possibly affect the liver) or topical medication, which takes a very long time. 

The first question many ask will likely be, “How does laser treatment for toenail fungus work?” Fortunately, Levittown's expert podiatrists explain the fungal nail laser treatment 

What Causes Toenail Fungus (Onychomycosis)?

While this can happen to people of all ages, the older one gets, the more chances that it can occur. Their toenails get brittle and can crack, which allows the fungus to get inside and proliferate. Blood circulation and not having a strong immune system can also play a big part in terms of getting toenail fungus. 

Some people are not affected by the fungus. It doesn’t hurt them or cause them any trouble with walking. Others have their toenails become discolored and it may push the nail up and possibly cause infection. It depends on the situation and if it worsens, then it’s time to take care of the problem before it becomes a big medical issue that requires surgery. 

The Toenail Fungus Laser Treatment

There are a lot of supposed home remedies that people try to use to get rid of this fungus. The suggestions include a lot of items that are already in most people’s homes, including Listerine and Vicks VapoRub. Oils and extracts also are some ingredients. But if those don’t do the trick, then it’s time for the laser treatment, which can get one’s feet back into the great condition that they were in beforehand. 

What people like about it is that it is usually highly effective even with just one treatment and it’s generally considered quite safe. Overall, it takes about three months to get rid of all the toenail fungus, since the visits have to be spaced out every few weeks. The laser heats up the area and then sterilizes it so that fungus will not grow again. It is a pulsing laser, which keeps the risk minimal. 

Is The Toenail Fungus Removal Procedure Painful?

For a vast majority of the patients, it is a painless procedure. They may feel warming on their toe when the laser is trained on the nail, but that is usually the extent of any sensation. It’s a short procedure that lasts roughly 10 minutes or just a tad longer. Patients are able to immediately leave afterwards walking normally. This has become quite routine and there are few, if any side effects. 

Toenail Removal Healing Process

When one has laser treatment, healthy toenail will soon start growing over the lasered area. All people have to do is to let this healthy toenail grow out. There’s really not a need for medication or anything like that. 
Keeping toenail fungus at bay does not require a lot of extra work from one’s daily routine. The first thing that people should keep in mind is to ensure that their feet are clean and dry daily. That means soaping their feet during a shower and then thoroughly drying them off afterwards. Doing this will prevent any bacteria from forming and then proliferating. Foot powder can help keep the important areas dry. 

Secondly, they should not be barefoot in public areas. It’s important to wear flip-flops at places like the gym shower. Other things they should do is to make sure to change socks and shoes often. Toenails should be regularly trimmed with CLEAN clippers. There are foot creams that can also ward off bacteria. Doing all this is not a huge time commitment and can go a long way to preventing any future issues. 

Of course, it’s important to seek medical help if a situation does arise. Waiting can only result in the fungus causing more and more issues with one’s feet. See a doctor and have the problem rectified quickly. Then one can go back to walking around comfortably. 

When it comes to helping you get your feet back into shape, Dr. John J Hickey, who is experienced at fixing all kinds of foot conditions, is just the person to see. He’s based at Levittown Podiatry. Give him a call today to make an appointment. He’ll examine your feet and suggest the best course of action to getting rid of that fungus. 

Levittown Podiatry
2870 Hempstead Tpke, Suite 103,
Levittown, New York 11756
Phone: (516) 735-4545
Website: https://www.levittownpodiatry.com/