Laser Treatment/Fungus Toenails
LASER ANNOUNCEMENT
It is with delight that I am reporting to you that we will have the Pinpointe Laserfor the treatment of fungus toenails beginning March 16th.
Originally I had researched both Lasers. About twelve months ago I felt the laser with the most clinical efficacy was the Nomir. However, they made the decision to wait for final FDA clearance before making it available to physicians.
Pinpointe studies at the time were more limited. However, during the twelve month since, Pinpointe made the laser available to a limited number of physicians while continuing their studies and applying for FDA clearance. To date more than 10,000 patients have been treated with the Pinpointe Laser and they appear to be the leader in this technology.
To date both laser companies have filed for final FDA clearance for the treatment of onychomycosis (fungus toenails). After careful analysis of the clinical studies, I have decided that both achieve the same goal of destroying fungus at 85-90% efficacy with the Pinpointe having more actual physician procedures to study with no reported adverse effects to the nail bed or root.
Therefore after determining that both lasers achieve the same safe end results, I have decided to make the Pinpointe Laser available for my patients.
I apologize for the delay in not offering this sooner, but I believe that time has clarified my safety concerns so that I could make a sound medical decision for you.
You can contact our office to set your consultation/treatment 954-481-3515.
Dean B. Dorfman, D.P.M., P.A.
TOENAIL FUNGUS LASER TREATMENT
TREAT YOUR TOENAIL FUNGUS SAFELY AND PAINLESSLY
with the new PinPointe FootLaser
Coming to East Ocean Podiatry March 16th
Are you embarrassed by your toes? Think you have fungus? Call today to see if you are a candidate for the New treatment for foot fungus.
Over 10,000 treated with the PinPointe Laser. This is the procedure demonstated on The Doctors. Articles also appear in Good Housekeeping magazine.
- This new patented laser technology kills the pathogens that cause fungus (Onychomycosis)
- The gentle laser light works through the nail - removal not necessary
- 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
How does the Pinpointe 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. The laser operates in the very tight spectrum of near infa red light. Unlike CO2 lasers of the past, this laser safely destroys the fungi, molds and bacteria that often cause onychomycosis.
Is this laser painful?
There is no discomfort associated with the treatment during or after. This treatment does not harm or affect your activity in any way.
Does it really work?
In the first clinical study, 88% of the treated patients grew out a normal looking nail after one treatment. After one treatment, the nail plate should grow out normally in 6-12 months if there is a healthy nail bed. The result is comparable to the success rate for the oral pill, Lamisil, which you daily for three to six months with some risk of side effects. Additional information can be found at www.pinpointefootlaser.com
Is this treatment safe?
There are no age or health restrictions or limitations. In clinical studies their have been no adverse reactions, injuries, disabilities or known side effects. As you may know, the use of the medication available today for this condition, 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 (cosmetic), health insurance companies do not cover this treatment. We accept major credit cards and personal checks.
Onychomycosis - Nail Fungus
Fungal infection of the nail, or onychomycosis, is often ignored because the infection can be present for years without causing any pain. The disease is characterized by a progressive change in a toenail's quality and color, which is often ugly and embarrassing.
In reality, the condition is an infection underneath the surface of the nail caused by fungi. When the tiny organisms take hold, the nail often becomes darker in color and foul smelling. The appearance of nails infected with onychomycosis varies greatly; there are some examples to the right. Debris may collect beneath the nail plate, white marks frequently appear on the nail plate, and the infection is capable of spreading to other toenails, the skin, or even the fingernails. If ignored, r the infection can spread and possibly impair one's ability to work or even walk. This happens because the resulting thicker nails are difficult to trim Examples of and make walking painful when wearing shoes.
Onychomycosis can also be accompanied by a secondary bacterial or yeast infection in or about the nail plate.
Because it is difficult to avoid contact with microscopic organisms like fungi, the toenails are especially vulnerable around damp areas where people are likely to be walking barefoot, such as swimming pools, locker rooms, and showers, for example.
Injury to the nail bed may make it more susceptible to all types of infection, including fungal infection. Those who suffer from chronic diseases, such as diabetes, circulatory problems, or immune-deficiency conditions, are especially prone to fungal nails. Other contributing factors may be a history of athlete's foot and excessive perspiration.
Prevention
- Proper hygiene and regular inspection of the feet and toes are the first lines of defense against fungal nails.
- Clean and dry feet resist disease.
- Washing the feet with soap and water, remembering to dry thoroughly, is the best way to prevent an infection.
- Shower shoes should be worn when possible in public areas.
- Shoes, socks, or hosiery should be changed more than once daily.
- Toenails should be clipped straight across so that the nail does not extend beyond the tip of the toe.
- Wear shoes that fit well and are made of materials that breathe.
- Avoid wearing excessively tight hosiery, which promote moisture.
- Socks made of synthetic fiber tend to "wick" away moisture faster than cotton or wool socks.
- Disinfect instruments used to cut nails.
- Disinfect home pedicure tools.
- Don't apply polish to nails suspected of infection-those that are red, discolored, or swollen, for example.
Treatment of Fungal Nails
Treatments may vary, depending on the nature and severity of the infection. A daily routine of cleansing over a period of many months may temporarily suppress mild' infections. White markings that appear on the surface of the nail can be filed off, followed by the application of an over-the-counter liquid antifungal agent. However, even the best over-the-counter treatments may not prevent a fungal infection from coming back.
A podiatric physician can detect a fungal infection early, culture the nail, determine the cause, and form a suitable treatment plan, assessing risks and weighing the benefits against those risks for each patient.
In some cases, surgical treatment may be required. Temporary removal of the infected nail can be performed to permit direct application of a topical antifungal. Permanent removal of a chronically painful nail that has not responded to any other treatment permits the fungal infection to be cured and prevents the return of a deformed nail.
Trying to solve the infection without the qualified help of a podiatric physician can lead to more problems. With new technical advances in combination with simple preventive measures, the treatment of this bothersome health problem can often be successful.
FUNGAL NAIL TREATMENT PRODUCTS
After your PinPointe Laser treatment there are several items available that can help speed the growth of your nails and prevent reinfection. These items are for your convenience. You can purchase some items outside our office. Your treatment will include two products to get you started.
Tineacide Shoe Spray - Destroys fungus and Bacteria on contact stops reinfections ($15.00)
Tineacide Antifungal Cream - Physician formula used to cure and treat athlete's foot and foot fungus ($20.00)
Appearex- vitamins containing Biotin to accelerate nail growth ($30.00)
SteriShoe- Ultraviolet shoe sanitizer includes Shoe sanitizers, germicidal UVC bulbs, an AC power adapter, two drawstring shoe bags and a user guide. ($129.00)
Zeasorb-AF- Antifunal Powder- Absorbs moisture ($10.00)
SPECIAL ORDER ONLY
Aetrex Copper Sole Socks- clinically proven to help prevent Bacteria, Fungi and Odor, as well as improve skin texture. ($20.00) Ask for a brochure.
