Patients have been asking about laser treatment for fungal nails. The laser podiatrists are using is the Pinpointe. According to this linked article (see below) it was approved for use in denistry by the FDA. So doctors using this process for toe nail fungus are using it off label. One doctor is quoted in this article says the only risk with using the laser is financial. Treatment IS expensive and NOT insurance approved. Any treatments for onychomychosis or toe nail fungus have a high reoccurance rate. Anywhere from 40-50%. Most of us who live in Southern California want to wear sandals in the summer. Fungal nails are not attractive. I assess my patients risk vs. benefit of using an oral or topical medication. I also have my patients bleach their white socks, clean their rubber sandals with lysol, put powder in their closed shoes, and clean their shower/bathtub with chlorine bleach.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/20/business/20fungus.html
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About Me
- Victoria Foley, DPM
- Victoria M. Foley D.P.M. is a diplomat of the Board of Podiatric Surgery and a fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. The Southern California native and UCLA graduate earned her medical degree from the College of Podiatric Medicine in Des Moines, Iowa. As a former collegiate soccer player at UCLA, Foley offers an athlete’s perspective on foot and ankle related injuries and subsequent treatment. Dr. Foley has developed a thriving practice with two locations in Long Beach and Los Alamitos. Dr. Foley maintains that patient education (including self-assessment), appropriate exercise, proper foot wear and a healthy diet are all critical elements in keeping feet healthy. The emphasis is always on preventative care and education rather than curative treatment. “I want my patients to know that treatment and recovery is a team effort,” Dr. Foley says. “With early diagnosis and quick treatment, foot and ankle problems can be handled successfully. I encourage my patients to listen to their bodies.” Dr. Foley’s professional associations include the American Podiatric Medical Association and the California Podiatric Association.
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