Are you feeling embarrassed by thick, discolored, or damaged toenails? Many people with nail fungus avoid sandals, hide their feet, or even sleep with socks on. Fortunately, you don’t have to live with it anymore.

At Laser Nail Therapy, we help patients find a trusted toenail fungus specialist in Gulfport, MS, and get real results using advanced PinPointe laser technology. Our providers use the FDA-cleared PinPointe FootLaser. Our laser is a safe and effective option designed to kill fungus hiding under the infected nails. Unlike many traditional treatments, laser therapy is quick, painless, and often requires only one session.

During your free consultation, our nail doctor will examine your nails and confirm whether you have a fungal infection. Then, they’ll explain your best treatment options based on your condition. Many patients choose laser therapy because it avoids the long treatment timelines and side effects associated with other methods.

If nail fungus is affecting your confidence, comfort, or daily life, now is the time to take action. Call today to schedule your free consultation in Gulfport and start your journey toward clearer, healthier nails.

Toenail fungus (onychomycosis) develops when fungal organisms enter the nail through small cracks in the nail plate, nail bed, or surrounding skin. This often happens after minor trauma, repeated pressure from shoes, or when athlete’s foot spreads into the toenails.

Fungus thrives in warm, dark, and moist environments, which is why sweaty feet inside closed-toe shoes create the perfect setting for infection. Public areas such as pools, locker rooms, and gym showers also increase exposure risk, especially when walking barefoot.

Common risk factors include:

• Nail damage or repeated toe injuries
• Walking barefoot in public places
• Smoking and poor general health
• Medications that weaken the immune system
• Poor foot hygiene or contaminated nail tools

Additionally, medical conditions like diabetes and poor circulation can make fungal infections harder to fight and raise the risk of secondary infections. If you have ongoing health conditions, early treatment is especially important.

Toenail fungus usually starts small and worsens over time. Many people don’t realize they have an infection until the nail becomes very thick, discolored, or distorted. Left untreated, toenail fungus can cause permanent nail changes and interfere with walking, sports, and daily comfort.

Common toenail fungus symptoms include:

• Yellow, white, brown, or dark discoloration
• Thickened nails that are hard to trim
• Brittle nails that crack or break easily
• Nail lifting or separation from the nail bed
• White streaks or cloudy patches
• Dull nails that lose shine
• Powdery or soft nail texture
• Debris buildup under the nail
• Misshapen or distorted nail growth
• Splitting nails

In severe cases, nails may become painful inside shoes or begin to separate, making them more vulnerable to injury and infection. If you notice these changes, it’s best to schedule a consultation before the infection spreads to other nails.

There are several treatment options for toenail fungus, but not all provide reliable results. The right choice depends on the severity of the infection and your overall health.

Topical solutions (creams, polishes, and liquids) are often the first treatment people try because they’re easy to purchase at your local pharmacy. However, they typically have a very low cure rate (around 5%) because they can’t penetrate through thick nails to reach the fungus underneath.

Oral antifungal medication has a higher cure rate (around 60%), but it comes with major drawbacks. These medications can cause liver toxicity, interact with other prescriptions, and require regular blood testing. For these reasons, many nail doctors do not recommend oral medication.

Because of these limitations, many patients prefer a safer and more effective alternative laser therapy.

For patients looking for a fast and safe treatment, our PinPointe laser treatment is one of the best options available. The FDA-cleared PinPointe FootLaser targets the fungus beneath the nail using focused light energy, killing fungal organisms at the source without damaging healthy tissue.

Key benefits include:

• Most patients require only one treatment
• No pain
• No side effects
• No downtime or recovery period
• Safe for most patients

Compared to other lasers that require 4+ sessions, PinPointe stands out for its convenience and high success rate. After treatment, you can return to normal daily activities immediately.

If you have signs of nail fungus, call 800-672-0625 to schedule your free consultation at our Gulfport, MS location, or visit our website to learn more about our doctors and 150+ locations.

If you’re visiting Gulfport for treatment or planning a weekend getaway, you’ll find plenty to enjoy along Mississippi’s beautiful Gulf Coast.

Start with Gulfport Beach and Jones Park, where you can relax by the water, walk the marina, or enjoy coastal views. For a memorable day trip, take the Ship Island Excursion ferry to the Gulf Islands National Seashore for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring historic Fort Massachusetts.

Families love attractions like the:

• Mississippi Aquarium

• Institute for Marine Mammal Studies (IMMS)

• Lynn Meadows Discovery Center (hands-on kids museum)

• TrainTastic & Model Railroad Museum

For nightlife and entertainment, the Island View Casino Resort offers dining, gaming, and live events. You can also explore Downtown Gulfport and Fishbone Alley, known for murals, art events, and weekend markets.

History lovers can visit nearby Biloxi to tour Beauvoir, the former home of Jefferson Davis, or explore local landmarks that highlight Gulfport’s heritage.

Whether you want beach relaxation, family fun, or cultural experiences, Gulfport delivers the perfect mix of Southern charm and coastal adventure.