Toenail fungus can be frustrating, embarrassing, and surprisingly difficult to get rid of. What may start as a small white or yellow spot on one toenail can gradually become thicker, discolored, brittle, or distorted. For some people, toenail fungus can eventually make wearing certain shoes uncomfortable or even make walking and standing painful.

The good news is that you do not have to simply live with unhealthy and discolored toenails. There are several treatment options available, including laser treatments such as the PinPointe FootLaser, which is offered at Laser Nail Therapy.

Laser treatment has become an option for people who are looking for an alternative to traditional approaches. PinPointe uses laser energy directed at affected toenails.

This guide explains what toenail fungus is, who is most likely to develop it, how PinPointe laser treatment works, the advantages of laser treatment, other treatment options, and the steps you can take to reduce your chances of developing toenail fungus again.

Toenail fungus, medically known as onychomycosis, is a fungal infection that affects the nail. It is much more common in toenails than fingernails.

The fungi responsible for toenail infections tend to thrive in warm, damp environments. That makes feet particularly vulnerable because shoes and socks can trap moisture and warmth around the toes.

Toenail fungus can begin when fungi enter through a small opening in or underneath the nail or through tiny breaks in the skin surrounding the nail. You may pick up the fungus from another person, a contaminated surface, or a shared personal item.

Common signs of toenail fungus include:

• Yellow, white, brown, or discolored nails
• Thickened toenails
• Brittle or crumbly nails
• Nails that split or crack
• Nails that begin separating from the nail bed
• Distorted toenails
• Discomfort or pain in more advanced cases

The big toe and second toe are particularly common locations for toenail fungus.

Not every discolored or thickened toenail is caused by fungus, however. Nail trauma, psoriasis, and other nail conditions can sometimes look similar. That is why an appropriate evaluation is important before beginning treatment.

One reason toenail fungus can be so frustrating is that the infection is not simply sitting on the surface of the nail.

Fungi can live within the nail and in the tissue underneath it. Simply scraping or filing the visible buildup away does not necessarily eliminate the underlying infection.

Toenails also grow slowly. Even after the infection has been treated, the nail needs time to grow forward.

Think of your toenail as a slowly moving record of what has happened to the nail. The damaged portion does not instantly disappear when treatment begins. Instead, new nail gradually grows from the base and pushes the affected portion toward the end of the toe. This is why patience is an important part of any toenail fungus treatment plan.

For people who have struggled with recurring toenail fungus, laser treatment can be an appealing option. At Laser Nail Therapy, the PinPointe FootLaser is used as a treatment option for toenail fungus infection. Rather than relying on a cream or medication that is applied directly to the nail, laser treatment uses targeted light energy delivered to the treatment area.

For many patients, one of the most attractive aspects of this approach is that it is a procedure performed directly on the affected nail. However, it is important to have realistic expectations. Laser treatment should not be marketed as an instant cure or guaranteed solution for everyone.

The PinPointe FootLaser delivers laser energy to the affected toenail. The goal of treatment is to address the affected nail area and encourage the development of a clearer, healthier-looking nail as the toenail grows. At Laser Nail Therapy, patients can discuss their individual nail concerns and determine whether PinPointe laser treatment is an appropriate option.

Laser treatment may offer several advantages for people considering options for toenail fungus.

1. It Is a Targeted Treatment: One of the biggest advantages of laser treatment is its targeted nature. The laser is directed toward the affected toenail rather than requiring medication to be taken throughout the body. For patients who prefer a localized approach, this can be an appealing feature.
2. No Daily Prescription Pill Is Required: Some people are hesitant about oral antifungal medications. Oral medications can be effective for appropriate patients, but they are not suitable for everyone and can have important considerations, including potential medication interactions and side effects. A laser-based approach gives patients another option to discuss with a qualified provider.
3. Treatment Is Focused on the Toenail: PinPointe is designed specifically for treatment of the toenail area. For people who have one or several visibly affected toenails, having a treatment directed at the nail can be attractive.
4. It Can Be an Alternative for People Who Do Not Want Oral Medication: Not everyone wants to take prescription medication for toenail fungus. Some patients may prefer to discuss non-oral approaches with their healthcare provider. Laser treatment can be one of the options considered depending on the individual’s situation.
5. It Can Fit Into a Broader Nail-Care Plan: Laser treatment should not necessarily be viewed as the only step. Healthy foot habits are important before, during, and after treatment. Keeping feet dry, changing sweaty socks, wearing breathable footwear, and treating athlete’s foot can all help reduce fungal exposure and reinfection.

Like any treatment option, laser treatment has limitations. The most important thing to understand is that laser treatment is not an instant fix. Toenails grow slowly. Even when a treatment produces an improvement, the nail may take many months to grow out.

Another consideration is that results can vary. There is no treatment that guarantees every patient will achieve the same outcome. For these reasons, patients should have a clear understanding of the expected benefits, limitations, cost, and treatment plan before moving forward.

Anyone can develop toenail fungus, but some people have a higher risk. It is important to know if you are at high risk of getting a toenail fungus infection and to be aware of symptoms if you do get infected.

Age is one of the biggest risk factors. Toenail fungus becomes increasingly common as people get older. The American Academy of Dermatology reports that about 50% of people over age 70 develop nail fungus. Slower nail growth and changes in the body’s ability to fight infections may contribute to this increased risk.

Athlete’s foot and toenail fungus are closely related. Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection of the skin. It can cause itching, peeling, cracking, or scaling, particularly between the toes. The fungus can spread from the skin to the toenail. In fact, some people may have mild athlete’s foot without realizing that they have a fungal infection.

Fungus loves warm and moist environments. People whose feet sweat heavily may therefore have a greater risk of developing fungal infections. Wearing sweaty socks for long periods or repeatedly wearing shoes before they have dried can create an environment where fungi thrive.

Shoes that squeeze the toes can contribute to nail trauma while also limiting airflow. Repeated pressure on the toenails can make them more vulnerable, while warm, enclosed shoes can trap moisture.

People who regularly participate in sports may spend a lot of time in sneakers, use communal locker rooms, or shower in shared facilities. These environments can increase exposure to fungi.

Public showers, locker rooms, swimming pool decks, and similar environments can be warm and moist. Walking barefoot in these areas can increase your exposure to fungi.

Unfortunately, having toenail fungus once does not make you immune to getting it again. People who have previously experienced nail fungus need to be particularly careful about prevention and reinfection.

A damaged toenail may be more vulnerable to fungal infection. Repeated trauma from shoes, sports, accidents, or improper nail trimming can create opportunities for fungi to enter.

The risk of toenail fungus can also be higher among people with certain health conditions, including diabetes, poor circulation, peripheral artery disease, obesity, psoriasis, excessive sweating, and some conditions that affect the immune system. If you have a medical condition that affects your feet or immune system, it is especially important to discuss nail changes with your healthcare provider.

Laser treatment is not the only option. Depending on the severity of the infection and a person’s overall health, other approaches may include oral medications, topical medications, nail debridement, or a combination of treatments.

Oral antifungal medications are among the established medical treatments for toenail fungus. One advantage is that the medication travels through the body and reaches the developing nail.

However, oral medications are not appropriate for everyone. A healthcare professional may need to consider a person’s medical history, medications, and other factors before prescribing them. Patients should never take prescription antifungal medication without appropriate medical guidance.

Topical medications are applied directly to the affected nail. These treatments can be useful for some patients, particularly when the infection is mild or when oral medication is not preferred.

The downside is that topical treatments generally require patience and consistent use. It can be difficult for some people to remember to apply medication according to the prescribed schedule for months.

Removing excess thickness from an infected nail can make the nail more comfortable and easier to manage. However, trimming or filing alone does not eliminate toenail fungus. The fungi can exist within the nail and tissue beneath it, meaning that simply removing the visible portion does not address the entire problem.

There are many home remedies promoted online for toenail fungus. These may include tea tree oil, vinegar, essential oils, mentholated ointments, and other household products. The problem is that popularity does not equal proven effectiveness.

Some small studies have investigated certain home remedies, but evidence remains limited for many of these approaches. The American Academy of Dermatology notes that larger studies are needed to determine how effective some commonly promoted remedies are.

Toenail fungus can be particularly stubborn because the infection may extend into the nail and underneath it. A product may improve the color or appearance of the nail temporarily without addressing the underlying problem. This can lead people to believe the fungus is gone when it has simply become less noticeable.

Another common issue is inconsistent treatment. People may stop using a topical treatment once the nail begins to look better. However, the visible improvement does not necessarily mean the entire infection has been resolved. Toenails also grow slowly, so judging a treatment after only a few weeks can be misleading.

If you notice a toenail becoming yellow, white, brown, thick, brittle, or misshapen, it is worth having the nail evaluated. Toenail fungus generally does not disappear simply because you ignore it. The AAD notes that nail fungus rarely goes away on its own and can spread.

Early attention may make management easier. An untreated infection can gradually affect more of the nail. It can also spread to other toenails or to the skin. In addition, an infected toenail can become increasingly thick and difficult to trim.

After treatment, taking care of your feet is an important part of maintaining healthy nails:

• Keep your feet clean and dry.
• Change your socks regularly, especially if your feet become sweaty.
• Choose shoes that allow your feet to breathe.
• Avoid wearing the same pair of shoes repeatedly without giving them enough time to dry.
• Keep your toenails trimmed appropriately and avoid cutting them too aggressively.
• If you have athlete’s foot, treat it promptly. Athlete’s foot can spread to the toenails and contribute to recurring nail fungus.

It is also important to remember that a treated nail may continue to look abnormal for some time. The damaged nail has to grow out.

Prevention is one of the most important parts of maintaining healthy toenails.

1. Keep Feet Clean and Dry: Wash your feet regularly and dry them thoroughly, particularly between the toes. Moisture left between the toes can create an environment where fungi thrive.
2. Change Your Socks: Wear a clean pair of socks every day. If your feet become sweaty, change your socks sooner. Moisture-wicking socks can help reduce the amount of moisture against your skin.
3. Wear Shower Shoes in Public Areas: Wear flip-flops or shower shoes in public showers, gyms, locker rooms, pool decks, and spas. This simple habit can reduce direct contact between your feet and contaminated surfaces.
4. Do Not Share Nail Tools: Never share nail clippers, files, or other nail-grooming tools. Fungal infections can spread through contaminated grooming equipment.
5. Disinfect Your Nail Clippers: Cleaning your nail tools regularly is another important prevention step. The AAD recommends cleaning clippers with soap and water before disinfecting them and allowing them to dry completely.
6. Be Careful at Nail Salons: If you receive professional pedicures, pay attention to sanitation practices. Tools and foot baths should be properly cleaned and sanitized between clients. Do not be afraid to ask how equipment is cleaned.
7. Avoid Tight, Uncomfortable Shoes: Choose footwear that provides enough room for your toes. Shoes that repeatedly press against your toenails can contribute to nail damage.

If something looks different and does not improve, have it evaluated.

One of the most important things patients should understand is that toenail treatment requires patience. A toenail cannot transform overnight. The nail grows slowly, and the rate of growth varies from person to person.

You may begin to see healthier-looking nail growing from the base while the older damaged portion remains visible farther toward the tip. This can be frustrating if you expect immediate cosmetic results. Instead, think about the process as a gradual transition from damaged nail to healthier-looking nail. Your provider can explain what to expect based on your nails and treatment plan.

There is no single treatment that is perfect for every person with toenail fungus. The best approach depends on factors such as the appearance and extent of the nail changes, your health history, previous treatments, medications, and personal preferences.

The PinPointe laser treatment may be worth discussing if you:

• Have visible signs of toenail fungus
• Prefer a localized treatment approach
• Do not want to rely on oral medication
• Have tried other approaches without the results you wanted
• Want to explore laser treatment options
• Are willing to be patient while the toenail grows

Before treatment, it is important to confirm that the nail changes are actually caused by fungus. Other nail conditions can resemble fungal infections.

As you can see, tips for healthy feet without nail fungus can be easy to find. If you have caught nail fungus, it can be easily treated using the FDA-approved PinPointe laser. It typically only takes one treatment. Other treatments, like topical solutions and oral medication, are not as effective. Topical solutions have a very low cure rate. This is because the solution does not penetrate all the way through the nail bed. Oral medication is not recommended by our nail doctors. This is because it can lead to liver toxicity. You would need to have consistent blood tests throughout the course of taking the medication.

Our nail doctor in Scottsdale, AZ, recommends this treatment for toenail fungus. The PinPointe Laser treatment has the highest cure rate on the market. It has no side effects and no recovery period. As a result, you can go about your daily activities right after the treatment. Also, there’s no pain.

If you have any signs of nail fungus, call us at (800) 672-0625 at our Scottsdale, AZ location. Visit our website for more information on our doctors at one of our over 150 locations.

Scottsdale is a beautiful desert destination known for its warm weather, outdoor adventures, art, shopping, dining, and relaxing resorts. Whether you are visiting for a weekend or live in the area, there are plenty of fun things to do in Scottsdale.

One of the best places to start is Old Town Scottsdale, where you can stroll through charming streets filled with restaurants, art galleries, boutiques, and local shops. The area is especially enjoyable in the evening when you can grab dinner, enjoy a drink, or explore the vibrant nightlife.

Art lovers can spend an afternoon at the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art, which features modern and contemporary artwork, architecture, and design. Its changing exhibitions make it a great stop for visitors interested in creative and unique experiences.

Scottsdale is surrounded by beautiful Sonoran Desert scenery. McDowell Sonoran Preserve offers miles of hiking trails with spectacular views of the mountains and desert landscape. Early morning and late afternoon are ideal times to explore, especially during warmer months.

Scottsdale is also a popular shopping destination. Scottsdale Fashion Square features a wide variety of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options. For a more upscale experience, explore the boutiques and galleries around Old Town and Scottsdale’s luxury shopping districts.

Sometimes the best activity is simply relaxing. Scottsdale is famous for its luxurious resorts and spas, making it easy to spend an afternoon enjoying a massage, pool, or other wellness experience.

From outdoor adventures and art to shopping, dining, and relaxation, Scottsdale offers something for almost everyone. Whether you’re planning a quick getaway or looking for something new to do locally, Scottsdale is a fun destination to explore year-round.