Laser treatment for fungal nails is still a fairly new advancement in medical technology. As with anything new, patients sometimes wonder if this form of treatment is safe and effective.

To start, laser therapy is completely safe. All drug products and medical equipment used in our country has to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This agency is responsible for ensuring the safety of these things that can have tremendous impacts on our physical health. Laser therapy for toenail fungus is FDA-approved.

Now, being safe and being painless aren’t exactly the same. We have good news, though – fungal nail laser treatment is also painless. You may experience a slight warming sensation, but this is rather minimal.

With regard to effectiveness, laser treatment eradicates the fungus responsible for your discolored, unsightly nails. Before this technology was developed, there were two options for fungal toenail treatment – oral and topical medication. Laser therapy combines the best parts of both, without their respective downsides.

Topical medication can address fungus on the surface of a nail, but cannot reach spores living underneath. Laser light safely travels through the nail to reach those hard-to-get spores. Oral medication travels through the bloodstream and can get to the spores, but it may produce undesired side effects. There are no side effects with laser therapy.

Given that laser therapy is a safe, painless, and effective way to treat toenail fungus, there’s no need to live with the embarrassment of toenails discolored by a fungal infection. Contact Southern Oregon Foot & Ankle online today, or schedule an appointment for our Medford, OR office by calling (541) 776-3338.