Laser Nail Treatment in Hyattsville, MD
Thick, discolored or crumbling toenails are more than a cosmetic concern. Nail infections can cause permanent deformity that interferes with wearing shoes, walking and staying active. At Maryland Foot & Ankle Restoration, we offer HyperBlue 1530 laser nail treatment, a safe, painless, drug-free option that targets the fungal organisms responsible for infected nails, with no recovery time so you can walk in and walk out.
Signs and Symptoms of Nail Infection
Infected nails often have one or more of the following signs that may be unsightly:
- Yellow streaks in the skin under the nail (nail bed) and on the underside of the nail
- Build-up of bits and pieces of skin and nail fragments under the nail
- Discolored and thickened nail that may separate from the skin under the nail
- Brittle, broken and thickened nail
- White spots or streaks on the nail surface
- Soft and powdery nail surface (as the infection worsens)
- Damaged, crumbly, and brown or gray nail surface (with no separation of the nail from the underlying skin)
What Causes Nail Infections?
Nail infections are usually caused by fungi, including yeasts and molds. Most fungal nail infections are caused by a group of fungi called dermatophytes, which means “skin plants” in Greek. The most common fungi that cause nail infections in humans are Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Candida albicans.
These fungi can live on the layer of dead skin around your nails, in the space under your nail and in the nail itself. They thrive in warm, moist environments like sweaty shoes, locker rooms and pool decks. People with diabetes, a weakened immune system or a history of athlete’s foot are at higher risk. Learn more about the condition on our Toenail Fungus page.
Treatment Options for Infected Nails
Treatments for infected nails include:
- Oral drugs (taken by mouth and swallowed)
- Topical drugs (applied to the surface of the nail and skin)
- Laser treatment
Oral antifungal medications can be effective, but they may require liver enzyme testing and aren’t right for every patient. Topical treatments are gentler but often work slowly. Laser treatment offers a drug-free alternative that many patients prefer.
What Is HyperBlue 1530 Laser Treatment?
The HyperBlue 1530 Foot Laser sends invisible laser energy into and through the nail and surrounding skin, where it is absorbed by the pigment in the fungal organisms. When the laser light is absorbed, it heats the pigment and this heat damages or kills the fungal organisms. If all of the fungal organisms are killed, your toenail could grow out normally.
Treatment of all of your nails usually takes about 20 minutes, and most patients only feel warmth during treatment without pain. The HyperBlue 1530 is among the latest technology available for the treatment of unsightly toenail infection, with high success rates during clinical trials.
Benefits include:
- Safe, painless treatment
- No side effects or drugs
- No liver enzyme test required
- No recovery time, just walk in and walk out
- Minimal treatment times
What to Expect After Laser Nail Treatment
Because toenails grow slowly, it takes time to see results. As the healthy nail grows in from the base, the damaged portion is gradually trimmed away. To help prevent reinfection, wear clean, moisture-wicking socks, rotate your shoes, disinfect footwear when possible and avoid walking barefoot in public showers and pool areas. Our Recommended Footwear page includes sock and shoe suggestions that help keep feet dry.
If you have diabetes or circulation problems, fungal nails should always be evaluated by a podiatrist, as thickened nails can lead to skin breakdown. Visit our Diabetic Foot Care page to learn more.
Laser Nail Treatment FAQs
Does laser nail treatment hurt?
Most patients only feel warmth during HyperBlue 1530 laser treatment without pain. There is no anesthesia or recovery time required.
How long does a laser nail treatment session take?
Treatment of all of your nails usually takes about 20 minutes.
How does the laser kill nail fungus?
The laser energy passes through the nail and is absorbed by the pigment in the fungal organisms. This heats and damages or kills the fungus so a healthy nail can grow out.
Are there side effects from laser nail treatment?
Laser treatment involves no drugs and no liver enzyme testing, and it has no significant side effects for most patients. You can return to normal activities right away.
When will I see results?
Toenails grow slowly, so it can take several months for the healthy nail to grow out and replace the infected portion. Results become more visible as the nail grows.
Can toenail fungus come back after treatment?
Yes, reinfection is possible. Keeping feet clean and dry, wearing moisture-wicking socks, treating athlete’s foot promptly and disinfecting shoes can help prevent recurrence.
Is laser treatment better than antifungal pills?
Laser treatment is a drug-free option that avoids the side effects and liver testing associated with oral medications. Dr. Motran will help you choose the best treatment for your situation.