The impact of unsightly nail fungus
Nail fungus is a chronic condition that impacts your quality of life and can even lead to serious health problems for patients with diabetes or immune disorders.
The treatment of nail infection is difficult because these fungi live in the layer of dead skin around your nails, in the space under your nail, and in the nail itself, which makes it hard for other treatments to reach and destroy the infection.
What are the causes of nail fungus, or Onychomycosis?
Nail infection can start as a result of a family history of susceptibility, increasing age, poor health, nail trauma, warm or moist climates, exposure to infected nails in sports/ fitness and communal bathing areas, and tight shoes.
What are the signs and symptoms of nail fungus?
Nail infection can cause permanent deformity of the nail, which can interfere with your being able to wear shoes, walking, sports, and other activities. Infected nails often show one or more of the following signs:
- Yellow streaks in the skin under the nail, or nail bed, and on the underside of the nail
- Buildup of bits and pieces of skin and nail fragments under the nail
- Discolored and thickened nail that may separate from the skin under the nail
- Brittle, broken, and thickened nails
- White spots or streaks on the nail surface
- Soft and powdery nail surface, which appear as the infection worsens
- Damaged, crumbly, and brown or gray nail surface, with no separation of the nail from the underlying skin.
FAQs
How does it work?
The PinPointe FootLaser kills the fungus that lives in and under the toenail. The laser light passes through the toenail without causing damage to the nail or the surrounding skin. At the time of the procedure, the toenail will not become instantly clear, it takes time to grow out.
What can I expect in the doctor’s office?
A consultation with your doctor, the procedure to be performed and any follow-up visits as prescribed by your doctor.
Will I need more than one treatment?
One treatment kills the fungus for most people. Your doctor will determine if you need additional follow-up care.
Is the procedure painful?
Most people feel no pain. Some people feel a warming sensation and very few feel a pinprick.
Is there a recovery period?
No time for recovery is needed. The patient can walk out comfortably immediately following the procedure.
How long does the procedure take?
In most cases the procedure can be completed in under an hour
Will the fungus come back?
The fungus is killed after one treatment and typically the provider will recommend care techniques to reduce recurrence of the infection. There is a chance of reinfection because the fungus is present everywhere in the environment.
When can I paint my nails or have a pedicure?
You can apply polish immediately after the treatment. It is important to remove all nail polish and nail decorations the day before your treatment.
Is this covered by my insurance?
This procedure is considered to be aesthetic, therefore health insurance does not provide coverage. Credit cards, cash, and money orders are accepted. You may also use your Health Savings Account (HSA), Medical IRA, or Flexible Spending Account. We also offer a payment plan through CareCredit—visit www.CareCredit.com for more information.
How long have you been doing this?
Our office has been using the PinPointe FootLaser since May 2009.
Is it FDA cleared?
Yes. The PinPointe FootLaser is the only laser with clinically proven efficacy and FDA clearance for onychomycosis (nail fungus).
Who developed this laser procedure?
Leading scientists and medical professionals working together for 20 years with funding provided by the National Institutes of Health developed the technology in the patented PinPointe FootLaser.
If you have any questions about our services, please contact us today at (248) 646-6882 (Bingham Farms), (248) 960-4444 (West Bloomfield), or (313) 863-0600 (Detroit).