Austin Foot Doctor Treats Nail Fungus with Laser
Do yellow and disfigured toenails make you too embarrassed or afraid to:
- Remove your shoes in public?
- Swim with friends?
- Shower at the gym?
- Wear open-toe shoes?
You are NOT alone. In fact, it's estimated one in ten people in the United States have toenail fungus. In Austin, the percentage may be even higher because of our humid, hot climate, to say nothing of our love for cowboy boots.
Like many of our patients, you may have asked your doctor about treatments. The most common on the market is Lamisil -- generic name terbinafine -- which is an oral medication taken over several months until the fungus is dead and the nail is clear. While effective, the drug also carries the risk of possible liver damage. Patients taking Lamisil can't drink alcohol and that's too great a sacrifice for some. Terbinafine is also not recommended for those with weak immune systems, and for some patients that is the very reason they have toenail fungus, quite a Catch-22.
For these patients, many podiatrists are opting for a no pills approach and have treated toenail fungus with a laser. Recently the FDA approved the Q-Clear Laser for treatment of toenail fungus. This laser uses two wavelengths of light for treatment, the same wavelength as the previously approved PinPointe Laser, and a second wavelength to provide an additional weapon of attack. As an added benefit, there is little pain because this laser uses a short-duration pulse, creating less heat. The Q-Clear Laser is also FDA-approved for a variety of cosmetic conditions including warts, spider veins, tattoo removal, hair removal and skin resurfacing.
See photos of nails treated with the Q-Clear Laser here.
In addition, patients who seek to eliminate their toenail fungus with Dr. Prant get the benefit of more traditional podiatry practices. The disfigured nail is removed -- a painless process -- allowing any treatment to penetrate more deeply into the infected nail. Medications are prescribed to completely eliminate any remaining infection and to prevent re-infection. Finally, patients receive clear directions on preventing a future infection.
Important to note:
- No matter what toenail fungus treatment you use, your nail will not be clear for at least six months. It takes that long for the healthy nail to grow.
- Fungal infection, like other infections, can return. You may have a lifestyle that encourages this growth. You may have contaminated shoes or surfaces in your home. You may be genetically prone to this infection. We provide our patients tips and medication to prevent re-infection, but we cannot guarantee a lifetime of perfect nails.
Health insurance companies consider toenail fungus a cosmetic problem and do not cover the procedure. Payment is expected at the time of treatment. We accept Visa® MasterCard® and Discover®. The price varies depending on the number of toes involved and the severity of the infection. Call our office for general rates. We offer a free consultation to determine what toenail fungus treatment will work best for you.
Learn more about lasers and toenail fungus here.
Texas Laser Foot Center is a subsidiary of the Arbor Foot Health Center. Our goal is to treat cosmetic foot problems swiftly, often in the same visit.