Do Laser Fungal Nail Treatments Work?

Americans currently spend about $1.26 billion annually on prescriptions for nail fungus, according to IMS Health, a health care information company. (picture by nytimes.com)

That is in addition to millions spent on unproved home remedies. Industry analysts and executives estimate that more effective treatments could expand the market to as much as $3 billion annually.

In the meantime, people who have nail fungus (medically known as onychomycosis) can spread it by shedding invisible spores when they walk barefoot in locker rooms or across carpets, or as they remove shoes and socks. Half of Americans over 40 have onychomycosis.

For the majority of people, nail infection is primarily a cosmetic issue, but it can lead to serious health problems among people with diabetes and immune disorders. A foot doctor usually can look at the toenails and make a diagnosis, but sometimes a lab test is required.

There are a few different treatment to considers. One can try over-the-counter antifungal creams, but they only have an 8 percent cure rate. There has been some reported success with alternative remedies such as soaking your feet in either Clorox (a mixture of 80 percent water, 20 percent Clorox), Vicks VapoRub, vinegar, Listerine, or tea tree oil.

There's an oral antifungal medication prescribed by a healthcare provider, such as Lamisil. However, it must be taken for at least three months and can be toxic to the liver, so regular blood tests should be performed to monitor the liver function. according to Lamisil's FDA-approved prescribing information.

Some podiatrists and patients are pinning their hopes on laser fungal nail treatments.

A study published last year in the Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association looked at 34 patients. After four laser treatments, 85 percent of the nails showed new growth without fungus. However, this was a very small study, funded by one of the laser companies.

The FDA has been presented no evidence even approaching that. What has been submitted are studies that demonstrate a "75-85% response." That could actually be as little as one or two millimeters of clear new nail.

To prevent fungus recurrence you must follow a diligent hygiene program which includes: anti-fungal spray for feet and shoes, not going barefoot, keeping feet clean and dry, changing socks daily, and throwing out old flip-flops and sandals.

Soaking your feet in a mixture of 80 percent water and 20 percent Clorox has been used as an alternative treatment for toenail fungus.

If you have a fungal nail infection, then you need to see a foot and ankle specialist as soon as possible. A foot and ankle doctor can examine your feet and give you the best course of action.