03/04/2013    

PODIATRISTS IN THE NEWS

 Laser Treatment Success Depends on Patient Compliance: MD Podiatrist

Nail fungus is disfiguring to the toe nail and a tough infection to kill, according to doctors. For many, it is a source of embarrassment. Podiatrist Dr. Kelly Geoghan said the Pinpointe laser that she uses seems to work best for ridding the nails of fungus, which lives on the skin. She said through even minimal trauma to the nail bed, enough of an opening is created for the fungus to get under the nail, and once it's in there, the infection wreaks havoc.

Dr. Kelly Geoghan

"Because it's under the toenail, most of the topical medications don't get under the nail and get rid of the fungus," Geoghan said. "It heats up and kills the fungus," Geoghan explained. "The specific temperature of the laser is heating up that specific type of cell." The procedure requires three treatments, but the success of the treatment depends on the patient's compliance. "In between visits, patients apply a topical for the nail -- something for the skin and that's prevention on the skin if they have a fungal infection," Geoghan said.

Source: Lisa Robinson, WBAL-TV [2/27/13]