Toenail Fungus or Onychomycosis

Toenail fungus is an infection that affects nearly 23 million people in the US – about 10 percent 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 percent of the time. The best topical medications available work up to 30-40 percent 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.

Patholase Laser
Patholase, is already marketing the Patholase PinPointe FootLaser for treatment of fungal nails. Clinical trials released by the company report 88 percent cure of the fungal infection with one laser treatment. However, the FDA approved this laser solely for temporary treatment of the nail fungus. This laser offers no permanent, one-time cure as originally thought.

Other Lasers

Other lasers may provide even better results than the PinPointe because they use more than one wavelengths of light to attack the fungus. Several are currently under review by the FDA. Learn more about laser treatment for toenail fungus, follow Dr. Prant's blog here. Dr. Prant has 20 years experience using medical lasers and once sat on the board of Seton Hospital's Laser Committee where he reviewed the purchase and use of many medical lasers.

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 $400 and $1200.