How Does Laser Therapy Help Toenail Fungus?

Toenail fungus has a way of sticking around longer than you expect. What starts as a small discoloration can turn into thick, brittle nails that are difficult to manage and even harder to treat with drugstore products.

If you’ve been covering it up, trying different remedies, or hoping it will go away on its own, you’re not alone. About 35% of adults over the age of 65 struggle with toenail fungus, but the reality is that toenail fungus often requires more than just OTC remedies.

That’s where laser therapy comes in. 

Board-certified podiatrist Gaston Mike Liu, DPM, specializes in laser therapy for toenail fungus here in Commack, New York. Laser therapy is designed to reach the source of the infection beneath your nail without the hassle of daily treatments or oral medications.

The Gaston Mike Liu LLC team explains what causes toenail fungus and how laser therapy can help.

What causes toenail fungus?

Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is caused by fungal organisms that thrive in warm, moist environments.  In fact, the majority of toenail fungi (90%) are caused by two types of dermatophytes: Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Trichophyton rubrum.

It often develops when fungi enter through small cracks in your nail or surrounding skin. You might suspect you have a toenail fungus if you spot:

• Yellow, white, or brown discoloration
• Thickened or brittle nails
• Distorted nail shape
• Nail separation from the nail bed

While these symptoms are often indicative of fungal infections, Dr. Liu can test toenail clippings to confirm the diagnosis before recommending treatment. (That’s because other podiatric conditions, like traumatic nail dystrophy, eczema, and nail psoriasis, can share some of these symptoms.) 

Once Dr. Liu confirms that your symptoms are caused by a fungal infection, he reviews your treatment options, including oral antifungal medications and laser therapy. 

Regardless of which treatment you choose, Dr. Liu can also recommend lifestyle modifications to reduce your risk of future fungal infections.

How does laser therapy work?

Laser therapy uses focused light energy to penetrate your nail and target the fungus underneath. 

Dr. Liu uses the Remy Laser system. This is a Class IV FDA-approved laser that uses near-infrared light waves to deliver energy to your nail. 

The light energy:

• Penetrates your nail bed 
• Heats and destroys fungal cells
• Disrupts the fungus’ metabolic processes 
• Reaches areas that topical treatments often can’t
• Leaves surrounding tissue unharmed

Keep in mind that laser therapy targets the fungus directly, which is why laser therapy can be more effective than surface-level treatments alone.

What to expect during treatment

Your laser treatment is performed right here in our Commack, New York, office. Dr. Liu follows a protocol of four 15-minute treatments spread out over four months. 

You may feel a warming sensation during the procedure, but most people tolerate it well and don’t require anesthesia.

There is no downtime after laser therapy. You can return to your normal activities right away.

When will you see results?

Toenails grow slowly, so improvement takes time. Most people begin to see visible changes as new, healthy nail growth replaces the infected nail over several months.

Take the next step toward healthier nails

You don’t have to live with discolored or damaged nails.

Call 631-634-5448 or use our online booking system to schedule your appointment today to learn how laser therapy can help you restore clear, healthy nails.