Laser therapy uses the high intensity light to try and destroy the fungal elements in toenail onychomycosis.

Laser therapy for onychomycosis—a fungal infection of the nail—is an increasingly popular treatment option, especially for individuals who either can’t tolerate antifungal medications or have not responded well to them. Onychomycosis typically causes thickened, discolored, and brittle nails, and it can be persistent and difficult to treat due to the hard-to-penetrate structure of the nail plate. Laser treatment works by emitting focused light energy that penetrates the nail and heats the underlying fungal pathogens, effectively damaging or killing them without harming the surrounding tissue.

There are different types of lasers used for this therapy, with the Nd:YAG 1064 nm laser being the most common. Some systems use pulsed lasers, while others use continuous light; both aim to raise the temperature of the fungal cells to a point where their structure breaks down. Treatments are typically painless or only mildly uncomfortable, and sessions last about 20–30 minutes depending on how many nails are involved. Most patients require multiple sessions, spaced a few weeks apart, to see noticeable improvement. The biggest advantage of laser therapy is that it’s non-invasive and drug-free, with minimal side effects compared to oral antifungals, which can cause liver toxicity or interact with other medications.

However, laser therapy is not a guaranteed cure, and results can vary widely depending on the severity of the infection, the type of fungus, and how strictly post-treatment care is followed. Clinical studies show moderate to good success rates, especially when combined with good hygiene and preventive practices like keeping feet dry and trimming nails regularly. It’s also worth noting that while the nail may appear healthy after treatment, regrowth can take several months, and reinfection is possible if proper precautions aren’t taken. Overall, laser therapy offers a promising alternative or adjunct to traditional treatments, but it’s best viewed as part of a broader treatment plan, not a one-time fix.

Most Useful Resources:
Laser treatment for nail fungus (Podiatry Arena)
Laser Therapy for Onychomycosis (PodiaPaedia)
Laser Therapy (Podiatry TV)
Laser treatment for toenail fungus (Podiatry Update)
New Laser for fungal nails (Foot Health Friday)
My Advice for Nail Laser Treatment (Running Injury Advice)
What is everyone opinion of laser treatment for nail fungus? (Podiatry Experts)
Laser Onychomycosis (Foot Health Forum)