PrognosisProspects of success
The costs for the treatment of nail fungus with the laser are quite different. Within Germany, the costs for such a therapy vary from city to city, sometimes quite considerably. Even in comparable regions, the price differs enormously in the individual practices.
In addition, the costs of laser treatment depend mainly on the number of affected fingers and the extent of the nail fungus infection. Since not every patient is cured after a single application of the laser, the need to repeat the therapy sessions can increase the costs. Patients who decide to treat the nail fungus with the laser should be aware that this therapy method is not covered by health insurance.
This means that the resulting costs are usually neither covered by statutory nor private health insurance. However, some insurance companies do cover at least part of the costs incurred by laser therapy as a gesture of goodwill. For each affected nail, a single session can result in costs of approximately 150 to 500 Euros.
Risks
When used properly, problems caused by the effect of laser impulses on the nail surface rarely occur. Nevertheless, a number of side effects can potentially be provoked during and after nail fungus treatment with a laser. The risks and side effects of nail fungus treatment with a laser depend primarily on the intensity and duration of the impulses.
The most frequently observed risks of laser therapy include localized redness and swelling of the cuticle. In addition, some of the patients treated with the laser report the occasional occurrence of itching. In some cases, burns and blisters occur during or shortly after the treatment.
As a result, scars around the nail edges are a typical risk of laser treatment. If external treatment of the nail fungus is not sufficient because the fungal infection of the nail is too pronounced, the toenail is usually completely removed or dissolved. Apart from drug therapy, the nail can also be dissolved by laser therapy, which destroys the affected nail and usually also the upper layer of the nail bed.
After nail detachment or removal, the nail bed and the regrowing new nail are treated locally with an antimycotic therapy. This can take place in the form of a cream or with a nail varnish, which
- Bifonazole
- Clotrimazole
- Ciclopirox or
- Amorolfin contained.
After 2-3 months a control appointment is scheduled. If a new fungal growth is suspected, the nail fungus can be lasered again. In the meantime, other laser models are equipped with a special “foot mode”, so that in many dermatological practices, laser therapy of the nail fungus is possible.
