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Belvedere Podiatry

Belvedere Podiatry

A new state of the art treatment is now available for toenail fungus!




PinPointe Laser

TOENAIL FUNGUS LASER TREATMENT

TREAT YOUR TOENAIL FUNGUS SAFELY AND PAINLESSLY WITH THE NEW PINPOINTE FOOTLASER

This new patented laser technology kills the pathogens that cause toenail fungus (Onychomycosis)

The gentle laser light works through the nail.


   •Safe.

   •No side effects.


   •Does not harm the nail or skin.

   •Painless-no anesthesia needed.

   •Usually only one treatment required.

   •Shoes and nail polish can be worn immediately after    treatment.

   •Highly effective




Fungal Nails


A fungus infection of the toenail, also known as onychomycosis, is one of the most common dermatologic disorders affecting the foot. Whereas Ringworn is a dermatophyte fungal infection of the skin, onychomycosis is a dermatophyte fungus infection of the nail. The disease is characterized by a thickening of the toenail plate, debris under the toenail, a lifting of the leading edge of the nail, a change in nail color and occasionally an odor. Patients complain that toenail fungus is ugly and embarrassing. This condition is often ignored because the infection can be present for years without causing any pain.

If ignored, the infection can spread to other toenails, the skin on the feet (ringworm or tinea pedis) and even the fingernails. Severe cases can impair one's ability to walk or lead to painful ingrown toenails. Secondary bacterial infections may occur on or around the toenail plate.


Contributing factors for developing nail fungus infection include:
   •A history of athlete's foot
   •Injury to the nail bed
   •Sports/ shoe trauma
   •Excessive perspiration
   •Diabetes
   •Circulatory problems
   •Immune-deficiency conditions


The best offense is a good defense.
Prevention is key to avoiding fungal infection.


Prevention tips include:
Proper hygiene, i.e. washing the feet with soap and water.
Dry thoroughly; use powder as a drying agent.
Daily inspection of the feet and toes.
Shower shoes should be worn when possible in public areas.
Wear shoes that are breathable.
Bring your own instruments/ nail polish to a pedicurist.


Treatments for Fungal Nails
Historically, treatments for fungal nails included topical medications, oral agents (pills) or surgical removal of the nail plate. The topical medications were largely ineffective. Oral agents have been known to affect the liver and blood tests needed to be monitored to prevent damage. Removal of the nail plate was painful and debilitating.



How does the laser work?

This patented laser is specially designed to shine through your toenail and destroy the specific pathogens embedded in and under your nail causing the infection.

Is this laser painful?

The gentle laser light beam has no effect on healthy tissue. There is no discomfort associated with the treatment during or after. This treatment does not harm or affect your activity in any way. Some patients may experience the sensation of heat.

Does it really work?

In the first clinical study, earlier this year, 88% of the treated patients grew out a normal looking nail after one treatment. After the one treatment, the nail plate should grow out normally in 6-12 months if there is a healthy nail bed. This result is comparable to the success rate for the oral pill, Lamisil, which you take for three months with some risk of side effects.

Is this treatment safe?

There are no age or health restrictions or limitations. In clinical studies there have been no adverse reactions, injuries, disabilities or known side effects. As you may know, the use of the medication available today for treatment of fungus toenails, carries with it possible systemic involvement (commonly the liver and kidney). This laser does not!

Does my insurance pay for this?

Because this treatment is considered aesthetic, health insurance plans do not cover this treatment. We accept major credit cards and personal checks or you may use your Flexible Spending Account from work.
The laser treatment is applied to all of the toenails on both feet, even the ones that appear uninfected. This reduces the chance of reinfection and takes about 30 minutes. There is an consultation with the doctor to see if you are a candidate for the treatment.










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