Laser nail fungus

introduction

The disease known as "nail fungus" belongs to the group of so-called dermatophytoses (fungal infections). Nail fungus is usually triggered by so-called dermatophytes of the genus Trichophyton and Epidermophyton fluccosum. In addition, yeast and mold are among the most common causes of a fungal nail infection.

Infection with one of the pathogens responsible for nail fungal infections occurs via the so-called smear or contact infection. It can take place directly from person to person as well as through shared objects. Since a damp environment stimulates the transmission of the relevant pathogens, people who are often in swimming pools, saunas or in sports cities are particularly at risk. In many cases, nail fungus has been observed to be associated with a common fungal infection of the foot. This is especially the case when the athlete's foot is not treated at all or only insufficiently. The affected patients notice the presence of the nail fungus mainly through a progressive dullness of the nail surface. In addition, white or yellowish discoloration can often be found in the area of ​​the nail edge. As the fungal infection progresses, the nail plate begins to thicken and become crumbly. If you suspect the presence of nail fungus, a doctor should be consulted promptly. If the appropriate treatment is neglected, the fungal infection can spread to the nail bed and also infect the regrowing substance.

Nail fungus treatment with the laser

The treatment of the nail fungus with the laser is a relatively new therapy option. Since many fungal infections of the nail cannot be cured adequately by conventional treatment methods, the use of the laser is a particularly innovative new procedure.

Here is the main article: Laser therapy

Mechanism of action

When the nail fungus is lasered it penetrates Infrared laser by means of Pulse waves the affected nails and thereby inactivates the fungal structures. It is believed that especially the locally concentrated heat generation leads to the destruction of the fungi in the area of ​​the nail. In addition, the Free radical release kill the pathogens and their spores and eliminate the nail fungus. There is also a theory that specific color pigments absorb large amounts of energy inside the mushrooms and destroy the pathogens from within.

Laser therapy is carried out on all affected nails. If the nail is already thickened or discolored, a medical foot care prepared and sanded. This allows the laser beams to penetrate the nail fungus better. During laser therapy it is possible for the patient to have a light Feeling hot, Prick or tingle felt. However, this laser therapy is not painful. Of the Toenail itself is usually not damaged by the laser beams. According to American studies, up to 80% of the patients reported a clear clearing of the nails after only one treatment after 6-12 months.

After one year, over 80% of treated patients had one clear and lasting improvement to be recorded. So far there are none Side effects known to laser for nail fungus and the application itself only takes a few minutes.

Alternative treatment concepts for use special paints and the use of a laser are based on the oral intake of various Antifungal agents (Antifungal drugs). However, since many drug side effects can be observed especially when taking an antifungal agent, many of the affected patients refuse one Drug administration to agree.

Forecast / chances of success

The chances of success of a Treatment of the nail fungus with the laser vary considerably from patient to patient. While the infection in many patients single use of the laser completely cured other sufferers hardly react to this therapy method. It also lowers the Risk of reinfection or re-infection, the chances of success of a nail fungus treatment with the laser are enormous. Already the Contact with contaminated shoes or socks can trigger a new infection after successful therapy. Patients who have already attended Nail fungus are sick usually show a clearly higher risk another infection. This risk can be due to various Accompanying therapies in addition to the laser application can be effectively reduced.

costs

The Treatment costs from Nail fungus with the laser are quite different. The costs for such therapy differ within Germany from city to city partly quite strong. Even in comparable regions, the price differs enormously in the individual practices. In addition, the cost of treatment with the laser depends mainly on the Number of fingers affected and the Extent of fungal nail infection. Since not every patient is cured after a single application of the laser, the need to repeat the therapy sessions can increase the costs. Patients who decide to treat nail fungus with the laser should be aware that this therapy method is no cash benefit acts. This means that the costs incurred are usually not borne by either statutory or private health insurance. However, some insurance carriers take over at least part of the costs resulting from the laser therapy as a goodwill gesture. A single session can be used for each affected nail Costs from around 150 to 500 euros arise.

Risks

At proper application it comes sooner rarely causes problemscaused by the action of Laser pulses on the nail surface arise. Still, potentially during and after Nail fungus treatment a number of side effects can be provoked with a laser. The risks and side effects of laser nail fungus treatment depend primarily on the person intensity and the Duration of the applied impulses from. Among the most watched Risks of laser therapy belong locally Redness and Swelling in the field of Cuticle. In addition, some of the patients treated with the laser report the intermittent occurrence of itching. In some cases, they occur already during or a short time after treatment Burns and Blow on. As a result, the Formation of scars a typical risk of using a laser in the area of ​​the nail edges.

When therapy for the Nail fungus from the outside is not sufficient because the fungal attack on the nail is too pronounced Toenail usually completely removed or dissolved.

The dissolving of the nail can besides the drug therapy can also be done with the help of laser therapy, which destroys the affected nail and usually also the top layer of the nail bed. After a nail is detached or removed, the nail bed and the new one will grow back nail locally with a antifungal therapy treated.
This can take the form of a cream or with one nail polish take place which

• Bifonazole
• Clotrimazole
• Ciclopirox or
• Amorolfin contain.

To 2-3 months is a Control appointment intended. If there is a suspicion of new fungal growth, that can Nail fungus lasers can be repeated. In the meantime, other laser models with a special "foot mode" (foot mode), so that in many dermatological practices there is the possibility of laser therapy for nail fungus.