Diseases & Conditions
By the way, doctor: Does laser treatment work for toenail fungus?
Q. I've tried a lot of things for a fungal infection in one of my toenails, but it just won't go away. What do you know about laser treatment for toenail fungus?
A. Two lasers using different types of laser energy have attracted attention as treatments for fungal infection of the toenails, a condition called onychomycosis (pronounced oh-nee-koh-my-KOH-sis), which can also affect the fingernails. The theory is that a precisely directed laser can eliminate the fungus without harming the surrounding nail tissue. The underlying technologies are already in use for other conditions, including cataract surgery, dental work, and hair removal. Although there is some laboratory evidence that lasers can squelch fungal organisms, clinical studies in humans thus far are limited.
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