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Are Laser Treatment Effective In Treating Toe Nail Fungus?

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Posted on Tue, 26 May 2015
Question: I have toe nail fungus. I saw a podiatrist and he cut half of the off to send to a lab. The test was negative.
I then went to an orthopedic surgeon specializing in the foot. He said it has to be fungus. The toenail is yellow green and raised because of heat I assume is fungus growing. This doctor has a laser. I have idiopathic neuropathy and my toes are very numb. Alco, because of my age, my skin is thin on my feet.
Are lasers effective?

I forgot to mention that I wear support knee sox. 20to30 compress
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (39 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
laser treatment is an option that you can try

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Based on your description, it is likely a fungal infection though the lab result came back with a negative result.

Unfortunately, it would not respond to topical treatment. Only limited fungal skin infections respond to topical anti fungals, any fungal infection of the nails (either fingers or toes) or the scalp, requires an oral anti fungal for resolution.

In terms of the use of laser treatment, this is also an option that can be used to help.
It is based on the premise that the laser causes the fungi to absorb light from the laser.

This light is converted to heat or mechanical energy and since the fungi are sensitive to temperatures above 55C, this should cause them to die off.Because the skin can also have a negative response to heat, the laser is given in a specific way.

It may be helpful for you to try , it may work for you.

It is true that the oral antifungals can potentially cause side effects but like all medications, the potential side effects occur in the minority not majority of persons.
Most persons use these antifungals, have resolution of infection with no or minimal problems.
Eg sporonox, lamisil, fluconazole

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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Are Laser Treatment Effective In Treating Toe Nail Fungus?

Brief Answer: laser treatment is an option that you can try Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic Based on your description, it is likely a fungal infection though the lab result came back with a negative result. Unfortunately, it would not respond to topical treatment. Only limited fungal skin infections respond to topical anti fungals, any fungal infection of the nails (either fingers or toes) or the scalp, requires an oral anti fungal for resolution. In terms of the use of laser treatment, this is also an option that can be used to help. It is based on the premise that the laser causes the fungi to absorb light from the laser. This light is converted to heat or mechanical energy and since the fungi are sensitive to temperatures above 55C, this should cause them to die off.Because the skin can also have a negative response to heat, the laser is given in a specific way. It may be helpful for you to try , it may work for you. It is true that the oral antifungals can potentially cause side effects but like all medications, the potential side effects occur in the minority not majority of persons. Most persons use these antifungals, have resolution of infection with no or minimal problems. Eg sporonox, lamisil, fluconazole I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions