Fungal Toenails
Toenail fungus is an infection that affects nearly 23 million people in the
US – about 10% of all adults. This fungus causes the nail to become thick,
yellowed and unattractive. If you have nail fungus infection and are considering
treatment, this page is designed to provide you with a realistic view of what is
available.
There is no perfect cure for toenail fungus. These nail fungi are so hardy that
the oral medications (such as Lamisil) that are designed to treat it are
successful only about 70% of the time. The best topical medications available
work up to 30-40% of the time. At Arbor Foot Health Center, we combine
comprehensive professional toenail care with topical treatments to maximize
effect.
Laser Treatment for Toenail Fungus
A new treatment is the use of lasers to treat the toenail fungus. So far there
have been some small studies that show promising results. The lasers work by
killing the fungi while leaving the nail and surrounding tissue unharmed.
Several companies are hoping to market these lasers.
How do the Lasers Work?
These lasers work by shining a laser light through the toenail that vaporizes
the fungus while leaving the skin and surrounding tissue unharmed.
Is the Treatment Painful? Is it Safe?
Because the laser has no affect on normal, healthy tissue, there is no pain at
all. In studies so far there have been no side effects, complications or adverse
reactions.
How Long Does the Treatment Take?
Only one 10 minute treatment is needed per toe, according to the laser
manufacturers.
Noveon Laser
Nomir Medical Technologies in Waltham, MA is developing a laser called Noveon
for treatment of nail fungus. Noveon is a type of laser already commonly used by
doctors for treatments like cataract surgery, dental work and hair removal.
Noveon beams two different wavelengths of near-infrared light at toenails to
selectively take aim at and kill fungi.
In the latest study, after four Neovon laser treatments, about half of the 39
toenails tested no longer had active nail infections. Six months after the
initial treatment, about 76 percent of the patients had clear nail growth,.
Neovon is preparing to submit the data to the Food and Drug Administration,
hoping to receive clearance to market Noveon by autumn 2009. We are watching
this closely and if it looks like this may be a successful treatment we will
likely make this laser available to our patients.
Patholase Laser
Another company, Patholase, is already marketing the Patholase PinPointe
FootLaser for treatment of fungal nails. Clinical trials released by the company
report 88% cure of the fungal infection with one laser treatment. However,
according to a March 19, 2009 article in the New York /Times, the company’s
claim of FDA approval for this procedure is being questioned. We will keep track
of how this progresses and update this page when we have new information.
Will this Treatment be covered by Insurance?
Laser treatment of nail and skin conditions is not covered by insurance plans as
it is considered aesthetic. You can expect the cost to run between $600 and
$1200.
Recommendations on Laser Treatment of Toenail Fungus by Dr. Prant
For now, our recommendation is to save your money and wait to see what happens.
We do think that there is potential that this may be a very effective treatment
for toenail fungus. It is, however, too soon to determine which is the best unit
and just how effective they are. When we are convinced that this is a valid
treatment we will make the treatment available to our patients. We should have a
better idea within a few months.
For now, call us to make an appointment for an evaluation
of your fungal toenails. We will offer you the best choice of current
treatments.