If you’ve noticed your toenails becoming thick, yellow, or crumbly, you’re not alone. One of the first questions patients ask us is: “How long will it take to get rid of this toenail fungus?” It’s a fair question, and the honest answer is that toenail fungus is stubborn. Treatment takes time, and understanding why can help you feel prepared and stay motivated as you work toward clear, healthy nails.
Why Toenail Fungus Takes Time to Clear
Toenail fungus lives underneath the nail, in the nail bed, and at the base of the nail, making it difficult for treatments to reach. Even after the fungus is killed, the damaged, discolored portion of the nail needs to grow out. Toenails grow slowly, about 1–2 millimeters per month. It can take 12–18 months for a toenail to grow out completely. This means that even with the best treatment, visible improvement happens gradually as a healthy nail replaces the infected nail.
How Long Does It Take to Get Rid of Toenail Fungus? Comparing Treatment Options:
1. Laser Therapy (PinPointe™ FootLaser®)
At our clinic, we use the PinPointe™ FootLaser®: a safe, FDA-cleared laser. This device is designed to treat toenail fungus by sending focused light through the nail to kill the fungus underneath. This process does not harm any surrounding tissue.
Why patients love laser therapy:
✅ Non-invasive and painless, with most patients feeling only slight warmth during treatment.
✅ Quick treatments (usually under one hour).
✅ No medication interactions or side effects.
✅ No downtime — you can resume normal activities immediately.
How long until the results?
After treatment, you will begin to see a new, clear nail grow out as the fungus is cleared. Most patients see a noticeable improvement after 6–12 months. Of course, this depends on how quickly your nails grow and the severity of the infection. While it may not be an instant fix, it is a highly effective, safe, and medication-free option.
2. Oral Antifungal Medications
Prescription oral medications like terbinafine (Lamisil) are commonly used to treat nail fungus. These medications circulate in the bloodstream, reaching the fungus through the nail bed.
Pros:
✅ Often effective, with higher cure rates than most topical treatments.
✅ Typically taken daily for about 3–4 months.
Considerations:
⚠️ Requires liver monitoring and can interact with other medications.
⚠️ Some patients experience side effects like headaches, rashes, stomach problems, or even liver failure.
How long until the results?
Even after the medication course is completed, it can still take 6–12+ months for the nail to grow out fully and appear clear.
3. Topical Treatments
Topical antifungal treatments (like medicated nail lacquers and creams) are applied directly to the nail.
Pros:
✅ Safe with minimal risk of side effects.
✅ No interactions with other medications.
Considerations:
⚠️ Requires daily application for up to 48 weeks.
⚠️ Less than 10% success rate since the medication struggles to penetrate the thick nail to reach the fungus underneath.
How long until the results?
Expect a gradual process, often taking 12–18 months to see full improvement. These results vary depending on the severity of the infection.
We Offer Free Consultations to See If Laser Therapy Is Right for You
At our clinic, laser nail therapy with the PinPointe™ FootLaser® is our specialty. We focus on this treatment because it offers a safe, effective, and medication-free solution for stubborn toenail fungus. We understand how frustrating it can be to deal with thick, discolored nails and how overwhelming it is to sort through different treatment options.
That’s why we offer free consultations with our medical doctors. During this consultation, they will evaluate your nails, discuss your health history, and determine whether laser treatment is the best choice. During your consultation, we will:
✅ Examine your nails to confirm the diagnosis and assess severity.
✅ Explain exactly how the PinPointe™ FootLaser® works and what you can expect during and after treatment.
✅ Give you a realistic timeline for seeing clearer, healthier nails.
✅ Answer any questions you have about nail care and preventing reinfection.
Our goal is to help you confidently move forward with a treatment plan that finally addresses your toenail fungus safely and effectively, without the side effects or drug interactions of oral medications.
Ready to see if laser nail therapy is the right fit for you?
Contact us today at 800-672-0625 to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward clear, healthy nails.
