I’d like to share my experience on the use of
lasers with nail fungus. I use my laser as one
segment of my treatment protocol to clear and
maintain a healthier nail plate. I also address
the surrounding skin. I have found that to take
a dystrophic nail plate and convert it to a
healthy nail plate is a long-term process. I
inform all my patients they must be very patient
and compliant. We discuss a custom pathway and
treatment plan that will address their
condition, providing the patient with the most
optimal results available.
In moderate to severe cases, my treatment
consists of the use of the laser and topical
medications. We do employ an oral medication.
Once the treatment plan has been made, the
process of removing the fungus and
reconstructing the nail plate can begin. Our
results are impressive, which I can share with
you with our before and after photos.
I also want to state that you must be passionate
in getting rid of the nail fungus. If you are in
it to just make a financial gain you most likely
will fail. I perform the procedure myself. I
have been doing this for many years. As with
any part of your practice, it takes time to get
good. Unfortunately, with nail fungus, your
results usually cannot be seen within 6 months
and sometimes a year.
It took me 20 years to become a good podiatrist.
How can someone expect to be great with a laser
within his or her first year? If it takes
roughly a year to see your first results, it
takes 2 to 3 years to modify your procedures to
perfect them. I follow my patients monthly for
roughly 1 year. By following the patient
thoroughly, you can make sure they are following
your instructions and if re-lasering is needed
it can be performed.
Keith D. Sklar, DPM, Schaumburg, IL,
keithsklar@footfirst.com
