Archive for the ‘Laser Treatment of Fungal Nails’ Category

Fully 10% of the population suffers from thick, ugly, unsightly toenails caused by toenail fungus. Many of these people who live in the Seattle are asking the question, “Where is the Best Clinic for Laser Treatment of Toenail Fungus in Seattle?” We believe that we, the Foot & Ankle Center of Washington have developed and can provide you with the best possible laser treatment of toenail fungus.

First, before providing laser treatment, we will confirm that you actually do have a fungal infection of your nails. There can be many causes of thick nails, and laser treatment will work only if a majority of the nail problem is caused by a fungal infection.

Second, we have recently purchased the most effective laser for treatment of toenail fungus available, the GenesisPlus Laser. The GenesisPlus is the most expensive, most effective laser approved by the FDA for treatment of fungal nails.

Get the facts on the FDA Approved GenesisPlus Laser

Third, the most recent evidence suggests that the most effective treatment for fungal toenails includes three laser treatments over time. Our treatment protocol includes all three treatments at no extra cost to you.

Fourth, although we provide treatment with the most expensive – and effective – FDA approved laser on the market, at just $590 for three treatments of all ten toes, we are the least expensive laser treatment clinic in the Seattle area.

Understanding toenail fungus and diagnosis

Fifth, we treat all ten toes – always. Since toenail fungus is highly contagious, studies show that it is highly likely that all ten toes will be infected, even if individual toes do not show symptoms. For complete treatment, we will treat all ten toes with every treatment in our protocol.

Last, but not least, we will provide you with realistic expectations of the success of your treatment. Although laser treatment of toenail fungus with the GenesisPlus Laser is expected to be about 70% effective, if we do not believe laser treatment is right for you, we will not recommend it – and will offer you alternatives.

How laser treatment works…

Your laser treatment of toenail fungus will take place over the course of four visits to the Foot & Ankle Center of Washington. On your initial visit, we will evaluate your toenails and determine if you are a likely candidate for laser treatment. You second visit will include your first treatment, where we will thin your nails and apply the laser treatment to all ten toes. After 3 months, we will repeat the treatment, followed by your final treatment 6 months after the initial treatment. We will also give you detailed instruction on how to prevent a reinfection of toenail fungus.

Contact us today to make an appointment to find out if you are a good candidate for laser treatment for nail fungus.

Toenail fungus is surprisingly common, affecting up to 20% of the population. Equally surprising has been the relatively ineffective treatments available for toenail fungus – until now.

A new laser treatment for ugly toenails is now available which is showing very good results and, at the Foot & Ankle Center of Washington we are making this treatment available.

Onychomycosis, or nail fungus, is a tough little infection beneath the nail. Like other fungi, it grows best in a warm, humid, dark environment, like your athletic shoes. It can be passed from person to person relatively easily, as in a locker room or common shower. While it is classified as a communicable disease, it is not really harmful, though it can be very unsightly, and embarrassing.

Some people seem to be genetically predisposed to the fungus, and the resulting ugly toenails. In these folks, it is generally brought about by sweaty feet, poor sock or shoe ventilation, and walking barefoot in damp areas, such as gym locker rooms and gym shower rooms.

The most recent therapy to be approved by the FDA, the GenesisPlus Laser System has the potential to become the most effective treatment for toenail fungus ever devised. In fact, results in the first few months are rather startling, with reports of successful treatment of up to 97%.

After a thorough examination of the statistics currently available, our doctors, Dr. Douglas S. Hale and Dr. Lawrence Z. Huppin, expect more realistic numbers, in the area of 70% effectiveness.

These results are far better than those of topical treatments for toenail fungus, which continue to show poor results, in the area of just 5-10%. And, while oral medications for toenail fungus have been more effective, in the area of 60% – 70% effectiveness, there can be serious side effects, including possible liver damage.

By comparison, the GenesisPlus Laser System treatment for toenail fungus is pain free, with no side effects, and usually requires 30 minutes or less to complete. Patients may resume normal activity immediately following treatment, including application of nail polish.

If you would like to read more on laser treatment for ugly toenails, please follow the links below:

• Laser Treatment of Toenail Fungus
• Nail Fungus Explained
• Guide to Best Lasers to Treat Toenail Fungus
• Diagnosis of Nail Fungus
• Causes of Thick Nails
• Nail Fungus Home Treatment
• Prevent Re-infection of Nail Fungus after Treatment
• Oral Medication for Nail Fungus

For an examination, diagnosis, and to find out if you are a candidate for laser treatment of toenail fungus, you should make an appointment today at the Foot & Ankle Center of Washington.

Toenail fungus is unsightly, though rarely harmful. Toenail fungus in children however, can have a powerful effect on your child’s self-esteem. They may feel “ugly” and “deformed.” Your child may feel “dirty” and his/her feet may be “stinky” all the time. Your child may even fear what is happening to her/his feet. This can be stressful for your child, and may cause feelings of inadequacy, as well as problems with body image.

If you believe your child or children may have toenail fungus, make an appointment today for an examination, diagnosis, and treatment of toenail fungus in children.

Here are a few things to look for, if you believe your child may have toenail fungus…

• Discoloration of the toenails, yellow, brown, or black.
• Change in texture of toenail, causing the nail to thicken or become brittle and crumble along the edge.
• A more unpleasant odor than the usual “stinky” feet of most kids.

Here are a few things you should do for your child if you believe he or she may have toenail fungus…

• Have a talk with your child. Explain what toenail fungus is, and calm the fear he or she may be feeling.
• Tell your child she/he is not at fault. The fungus that causes toenail fungus in children can grow in many places, usually a dark, moist environment – just like a sneaker or tennis shoe. There are home remedies you may want to try.
• Consult with your child’s podiatrist for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
• Topical treatments for toenail fungus in children tend to be very ineffective, as they are for adults, frankly. Do not waste the time or money involved on a treatment that is only about 5% effective.

At the Foot & Ankle Center of Washington we are on the cutting edge of treatments for toenail fungus in children. Our new GenesisPlus Laser System is, we believe, the most effective laser treatment for toenail fungus on the market today. The treatment is painless, and will only take about 30 minutes. You child will have nothing to fear, and he or she will be able to resume normal activities immediately.

We have made a number of articles about laser treatment for toenail fungus available to help you make up your mind.

Contact us today if you feel you need help in deciding the best approach for your child.

Dr.’s Remedy Enriched Nail Polishes, while appealing to health-conscious women, also includes an anti-fungal ingredient. Created, tested, and prescribed by doctors. Dr.’s Remedy Enriched Nail Polishes do not contain the potentially harmful additives found in most commercial nail polishes.

• Contains anti-fungal ingredients that help protect nails from fungal diseases, which may produce thick, discolored, deformed, foul-smelling nails.
• Produces beautifully colored nails while helping to keep them healthy.
• Polish lasts as long as polishes containing harmful ingredients.
• Doctor tested and prescribed.
• Contains natural ingredients, not harmful ones

Visit the Foot & Ankle Store to see the variety of beautiful colors available.

Dr.’s Remedy Enriched Nail Polishes are free of the potentially harmful chemicals found in most commercial nail polishes. These polishes are free of…

• Formaldehyde, a poison, is an ingredient included in some nail products to harden nails
• Toluene, a solvent, makes polish easier to apply. It can be absorbed through the skin and nails and can cause dizziness.
• Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP) may be used to prevent chips and cracks. DBP has been associated with developmental and reproductive effects, such as decreased brain production, increased chance of asthma, and damaged sperm.

Instead of these potentially harmful ingredients, Dr.’s Remedy Enriched Nail Polishes are made with…

• Vitamin C and E (for healthier nails)
• Wheat Protein (contains protein and amino acids)
• Tea Tree Oil ( an essential oil which has been found to have antiseptic and anti-fungal properties)
• Garlic Bulb Extract (found to have anti-fungal properties)

While it is true that topical anti-fungal treatments for toenail fungus are not 100% effective, they may be quite effective in preventing the recurrence of toenail fungus, especially after receiving laser treatment for toenail fungus. At the Foot & Ankle Center of Washington, we can treat your toenail fungus with the most effective laser treatment for toenail fungus available today.

Make an appointment today for your laser treatment for toenail fungus then; use Dr.’s Remedy Enriched Nail Polishes to help prevent toenail fungus in the future.

We have seen some Seattle clinics offering laser treatment for toenail fungus on Groupon for about $200.  This sounds like a good deal until you realize that the $200 only covers one treatment of one foot.

We all know the saying “when things sound too good to be true, they usually are”.  This is certainly true in this case.  We have evaluated each of the Groupon ads and we do not feel that  they are good deals at all.

The first problem is that they are only for one treatment.  Fungus are very hearty and tough to kill. The best results for better looking nails require more than one treatment. Our recommendation is for three treatments, and we include all three treatments in all of our treatment plans.  Our cost is $590 for the three treatments of both feet (that is half the cost per session of the “discounted” Groupon price).

The other problem is that the treatment is only for one foot.  A recent British study found that on patients with toenail fungus in some nails, you were likely to find fungus in some of the unaffected nails also.  Thus, best results are likely when all 10 nails are treated.

Patients seem to get much better outcomes and better looking nails when they receive  at least 3 laser treatments. Also, all of the toes should be treated and the best results are achieved when the best laser is used.  Read here why we decided that the Cutera is the best FDA approved machine.

It is not likely a good use of your money to pay a supposedly discounted fee for one laser treatment.

Groupon can certainly help increase public awareness of laser for treatment of nail fungus, but we feel the one foot/one treatment deals set the patient up for failure.  This causes a misconception that the laser doesn’t work well to treat the fungal infection, when it does work when used correctly (about 70% of the time).

if you would like more information or an evaluation on whether you are a good candidate for laser treatment of nail fungus, contact us for an appointment.

If you have fungal toenails and have considered laser treatment, you may have found that the cost for the treatment is quite high with prices running between $300 and $1000.

Laser treatment can be effective for many patients with toenail fungus.   The problem we are seeing is that many people who are not good candidates for laser treatment are receiving the treatment and paying for it.   The fact is that not all thick nails are caused by fungus.  There are many causes of thick nails and only those people with certain kinds of fungal infections are actually good candidates for laser therapy.  You can read more here about the many causes of fungal nails.

In addition, because some lasers work better than others at treating nail fungus, you don’t want to pay for treatment with the wrong type of laser.  You can learn here about the different lasers and how they work to treat fungal infections.

We treat many patients with fungal nails and laser is a good therapy for many of them (although not as good as often advertised).  Read more here about our laser treatment protocol.

Don’t get ripped off.  Before paying for laser treatment be sure to see us for a complete evaluation of your nails and a discussion about all of the possible treatments.  You can still decide to proceed with laser therapy, but at least you will know exactly what to expect and what a fair cost for the treatment should be.  For a second opinion before proceeding with laser treatment of your nails, make an appointment to see us in our Seattle foot clinic.

You can learn more here about  laser therapy for fungal nails, including cost information.

For several years now we have been providing reviews of lasers for treatment of nail fungus. A new one on the market is the Q-Clear laser. Currently, the Q-clear is one of the more promising lasers to work at curing nail fungal infections (onychomycosis).  You can read our reviews here of the various types of lasers and how they work at killing nail fungus.

You can read the details on laser treatment for fungal nails here on our website. If you would like to find out if you are a good candidate for laser treatment for nail fungus, contact us today for an appointment in our Seattle foot clinic.

We use laser therapy to treat many patients with nail fungus and it is a good therapy for a lot of people.  Like most treatments, however, it doesn’t work on everyone.  The problem we are seeing is a number of patients coming in who have had laser treatment but who were not good candidates for the treatment.   There are many causes of thick and yellow nails and, in fact, nail fungus is not the most common cause of ugly toenails.  If you don’t have nail fungus the laser will not work.  You can read more here about how to determine the cause of your thick or discolored nails.

Learn more here about laser treatment for fungal nails.

Also, we have added a page to our website with instructions on how to best cut thick toenails and make them look as normal as possible.  You can learn how to trim thick toenails here.

Another treatment for nail fungus are oral medications such as Lamisil.  These drugs work to clear the nail 60% – 75% of the time to depending on which study you look at.  About 3.3% of patients who take the drugs have an elevation in liver enzymes, indicating possible liver damage.  This is compared to 1.4% of those taking a placebo.  Of those that do have increase in liver enzymes, they simply stop taking the medication and almost all have liver enzymes return to normal.  No drug is 100% safe for everyone, but overall these are safe medications for a vast majority of patients.    Every patient must weigh the benefits and risks and decide for themselves if they wish to take these medications.

Lasers are another option for treatment of toenail fungal infections. We don’t have as many studies supporting their use, but they probably work about 70% of the time.  Don’t, however, let anyone do laser therapy unless you are sure you have a fungal infections.  Laser treatment for fungal nails are not a scam, but some people who do not have fungal infections are being scammed into getting laser treatment.   To find out if you are a good candidate for laser therapy, you can contact us for an appointment .

Wishing you the best in foot health

I had a patient from Kirkland in our office this week asking about the laser fungal nail treatment with the Pinpointe laser that she had seen advertised on television.

Fungal nails are a frustrating problem.  People who have these thick and unsightly nails are looking for solutions.  No treatment is completely effective and many do not want to take the oral medications that are available.  They see the advertisements touting the “amazing success” of using laser to get rid of the fungus and are very tempted to try the treatment.

There are more and more advertisements showing up for this laser treatment, and you should be cautious because many of them are misleading.  They simply give too rosy a picture of how effective lasers are for treatment of fungal nails.  It’s not that they are not effective at all, in fact we offer laser treatment in our Seattle office, but there are still no long-term studies in peer reviewed journals that demonstrate exactly how effective these unis are.

Currently, only one treatment has been shown definitively  to work more than 50% of the time to cure fungal nails.  The oral medication terbinafine (Lamisil) has a 60% – 75% success rate, depending on the study you look at.   Overall, this drug has a good safety profile, although like many drugs it is cleared from your body by your liver and should not be used by those with liver abnormalities.   Laser treatment probably has a similar success rate, but long-term studies to prove this are not yet available.  Make an appointment to discuss all of the available treatments including laser. There are also some very effective ways to make the nail thinner and more attractive without taking medication.

You can click here for information on laser treatments for nail fungus.  We’ll let you know when new information is available.  For now, we are still advising consumers to avoid paying money for unproven laser nail treatment.

We have been seeing an increase lately in misleading and false advertising regarding laser treatment for fungal toenails.  One website for a California podiatrist claims “95% Success Rate” for the Cooltouch laser.  There is absolutely no peer-reviewed evidence that we have found that this laser is 95% effective at treating fungal nails.

We do offer laser treatment for fungal nails, but we try to give our patients realistic expectations of what to expect from treatment.  The truth is that there are no good studies out yet that give us reliable numbers.  Our experience is that the laser is 60% – 70% effective.

In addition to laser therapy, there are less expensive  treatments for fungal nails.  You can learn about laser and other treatments for fungal nails here.

If you would like to receive our updates on laser nail treatment, you can register here.