Laser nail fungus treatment. Reviews, price

Over the past 5-6 years, laser therapy has been increasingly used in the treatment of onychomycosis (nail fungus). This hardware technique has found application in many areas of medicine, but it shows the best results in dermatology. Fighting a fungal infection with a laser beam is a simple and effective way to solve the problem. However, it applies, although cosmetic, but the operation, therefore, has its own characteristics, which you should learn about before going to the clinic.

General Procedure Information

A cosmetology laser is a device that converts electrical energy into a beam of optical light. Radiation easily penetrates into the structure of human skin and acts on it in accordance with the task, for example, removes dead tissue, triggers biological processes or destroys infections, including pathogenic fungi.

In dermatology with onychomycosis, laser devices with low intensity are mainly used. They do not destroy the structure of the nail plate, but disinfect it and burn out not only the pathogenic microflora, but also bacteria, viruses and microbes. High-intensity equipment is an extreme measure, which is relevant if necessary, if necessary, to painlessly remove the keratin layer, destroyed by more than 60% of the fungus. This is a good alternative to surgery (scalpel), because after laser therapy the nail grows several times faster and does not differ in shape from the previous one.

The principle of the cosmetology laser for onychomycosis

Optical radiation can be adjusted. Its depth, force of influence and the temperature of heating of the biomaterial is selected depending on the specific case and is determined by the following factors:

• keratin thickness;
• the area affected by the fungus;
• degree of neglect of the disease;
• body sensitivity to laser.

After setting up the device, the laser is directed to the surface of the nail. It quickly penetrates its structure, reaching soft tissues, and literally warms keratin and epidermis. When the temperature rises, the mycelium of the fungus dies, and with it spores burn out, which guarantees the absence of recurrence of onychomycosis after the procedure.

Despite the “cauterization” of living cells, the patient does not feel severe pain. The operation takes place without discomfort, bleeding and other unpleasant consequences.

What are the benefits of laser therapy

Laser treatment of nail fungus is not only an effective way to combat pathogenic microflora, but also the safest. The procedure is non-contact, that is, the equipment does not touch the patient’s nails or skin, so it is impossible to become infected with anything else. For comparison: after visiting a manicure room, where the affected part of the keratin plate is cleaned with a sharp scissors and then treated with an antifungal agent, a person develops diseases such as dermatitis, scabies, papillomavirus and even AIDS. After all, it is no secret to anyone that often employees of a beauty salon disregard the rules for sterilizing instruments.

Other benefits of laser therapy include:

• No pain during surgery. The temperature of tissue heating is minimal, but it is enough to destroy the fungus. In rare cases, when a person with an increased sensitivity of nerve receptors or a child comes to the reception, the patient may feel a slight burning sensation in the area of ​​the nail, which is easily removed by local anesthetics;
• Low probability of relapse. Laser therapy is the only method of treatment of onychomycosis, giving 100% result. If you follow the recommendations of doctors, you can be sure that the fungus will not return again;
• Minimum list of side effects and contraindications. The procedure is suitable for almost everyone – children, the elderly, pregnant and lactating mothers. In the absence of any restrictions, she has no “side effects”;
• Availability. Laser treatment of a fungus that affects the nail plate will be possible in any private clinic or large cosmetology center. The nearest location of the desired institution can be found on the Internet;
• Quick rehabilitation period. After the procedure, there is no need to take a sick leave. Everything heals in a short time, you can work or do your favorite things in 30-40 minutes after the operation.

In addition, the patient is deprived of the need to take potent antifungal drugs, which are the basis of any drug course to combat onychomycosis. They negatively affect the condition of the liver and generally have a bad effect on the body. The laser does not have such disadvantages, which is why it has earned popularity among dermatologists and people suffering from fungus.

The disadvantages of the technique

Laser nail fungus treatment has only one drawback – high cost. The equipment used during the procedure is very expensive. In addition, the owners of clinics and beauty salons need to pay for its maintenance and staff training to work with him. For this reason, many can not afford laser therapy. On average, one trip to honey. institution will cost the client from 2000 rubles.

The price of a full course of treatment for onychomycosis with optical radiation can vary. What affects the final cost of the operation will be described below.

Contraindications

Laser therapy is not suitable for patients who have the following health problems:

• severe pathologies of the heart and blood vessels;
• diabetes;
• inflammation of the skin around the nail plate and under it;
• oncological tumors near the infected area;
• epilepsy and other mental disorders;
• skin diseases of an infectious and / or viral nature;
• immunity problems;
• open wounds, ulcers of unknown origin near the nail.

Also, the procedure will be refused if the client is intoxicated.

Side effects

"Side effects" are possible only if the procedure is performed by a person without a specialized education or with non-compliance with the basic rules of laser therapy. Usually because of this, the patient:

• the skin around the nail turns red;
• pain is felt when pressing on the plate;
• healthy keratin exfoliates;
• the plate is deformed or grows with defects;
• the laser-treated area turns yellow, peeling;
• the nail moves away from the bed and disappears over time;

• scars form under the keratin surface, which leads to a change in its shape.

If the beautician or doctor incorrectly tuned the power of the optical radiation, then a thermal burn or bruising may appear under the nail. In this case, complete removal of the plate is indispensable.

To avoid side effects, experts recommend that you pay attention to the choice of a medical institution and in no case go to dubious beauty salons, where the operation is too cheap. It is also advisable to go to the clinic’s website, read reviews about it and talk with those who have already undergone the procedure. It is better to spend a little extra time on training than to treat the consequences of inexperience of staff later.

How to treat fungus with a laser

Before going to the clinic, the patient needs to prepare:

• consult a dermatologist, preferably in a state hospital, as in the clinic such a service is either not available or expensive;
• take tests to make sure that the modification of the nail is actually caused by the activity of pathogenic microflora;
• a day before visiting the cosmetology office, you need to remove the remnants of decorative or therapeutic varnish, wash your hands or feet (depending on where the affected nail is) with soap;
• buy clean socks and sanitize shoes with bleach, vinegar, or chlorhexidine.

After such simple events, you can go to the doctor for a procedure.

Laser treatment of onychomycosis itself consists of several stages:

1. A preliminary conversation with the patient, during which the peculiarities of a particular case are clarified and possible contraindications are identified;
2. Treatment of the foot and nail plate with an antiseptic, applying an anesthetic drug (if necessary);
3. Laser exposure to keratin and surrounding tissue;
4. Re-disinfection and applying a sterile dressing.

While the operation is underway, the patient’s shoes and socks are placed in the sterilizer. This is a device that freezes or kills spores of fungus, microbes and bacteria with infrared radiation to prevent re-infection.

Features of the rehabilitation period

Despite the fact that the patient does not lose legal capacity for some time and can go home right after the laser therapy procedure, he will have to follow some recommendations in the future:

• it is necessary to ventilate the premises, disinfect home slippers (both yours and other people living in the apartment), and wash the floors;
• Underwear and bedding and outerwear are also subject to cleaning;
• it is necessary to wipe the floors with water and bleach, wash the mats, wash the plumbing and other common objects;
• legs regularly (at least once every two days) soar in water with the addition of salt and soda;
• the nail is wiped with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol in the morning and evening;
• During the week, decorative varnishes should not be applied to the plate.

In addition, you need to purchase an antifungal cream or ointment at the pharmacy. They periodically process the entire foot or hands. This and other recommendations will reduce the likelihood of infection with a fungus whose spores are in the environment.

When to treat or remove a nail with a laser

An indication for going to a laser therapy session is any modification of the nail. Moreover, it can be not only a fungal infection. The plate is able to deform or collapse for other reasons, for example, a finger bruise, lack of nutrients in the body (vitamin deficiency), wearing tight shoes or dermatological skin diseases that have passed onto the surface of keratin.

The following symptoms should also alert:

• itching and redness of the skin, especially near the nails and between the fingers;
• unpleasant odor of the legs or hands;
• cracks;
• white plaque on the epidermis;
• cracking of the plate;
• yellowing of the nail;

• dry skin
• pain when wearing shoes or performing household tasks;
• thickening of the keratin layer.

All these are signs of onychomycosis. If they are found, you should immediately make an appointment with the doctor and undergo an examination. With timely contact with a doctor, it will not be difficult to cure nail fungus.

Laser removal is indicated if the onychomycosis has passed into a neglected form, extensive damage to the nail (more than 2/3) by pathogenic microflora has been diagnosed, or the plate has begun to rapidly collapse. In this case, the optical radiation neatly “breaks” the keratin into fragments, which are alternately removed with sterile, disposable tweezers. After that, a healthy peel remains on the finger, which over time is delayed by a film. A few months later, a nail clear of fungus grows.

Cost of procedure and additional services

The starting price of laser therapy for onychomycosis is 2000 rubles per procedure. Sometimes a visit to a medical institution is enough, and in especially severe cases you have to go to the session up to 3 times.

The final amount of laser treatment, in addition to the operation itself, includes:

• consultation with a local dermatologist;
• on-site testing;
• payment for drugs used for stop treatment before and after the procedure;

• sterilization of personal items.

In large treatment centers, some additional services are provided free of charge, but you should learn about this in advance so as not to get into an unpleasant situation. If you have to pay for everything, then you can save by first passing the examination and passing tests in a state hospital.

Real reviews of laser therapy for onychomycosis

Elizabeth, 27 years old.

My spouse signed up for laser therapy, since I have been suffering from a fungus in my hands for 2 months, both mentally and physically, and I'm afraid to go to the doctor. He forcibly brought me to the hospital, made me speak with the doctor and undergo surgery, for which I am grateful to him. Everything went much easier than it seemed.

Anna, 21 years old.

I picked up the fungus on the nail of my right foot during a trip to the pool. At first, she did not attach importance to minor changes, but once, while removing cosmetic varnish, she noticed that the plate began to delaminate. I decided to go to the doctor and found out that I have a fungus. I was offered several options to choose from – medication and hardware treatment. I didn’t want to drink medicine, I agreed to the laser. Everything went quickly and without pain. One trip to the clinic was enough to completely get rid of the fungus.

Alex, 30 years old.

I checked the effectiveness of the laser on myself. The time-consuming procedure takes no more than 20 minutes, there is no discomfort, and the price … This is cheaper than a full course of treatment of the fungus with drugs, despite the fact that medications do not always give a positive result.

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