Toenail fungus is a common and often stubborn condition that affects many adults. Left untreated, it can cause thick, discolored, brittle nails, discomfort, and in severe cases, separation from the nail bed. Fortunately, modern treatments—especially FDA-approved laser therapy—offer safe, effective, and painless solutions. At our Westlake Village, CA clinic, our nail doctors specialize in diagnosing and treating toenail fungus so you can regain healthy, clear nails.
Recommended Treatments for Toenail Fungus
When it comes to toenail fungus treatment, consulting a nail doctor is critical. After a thorough examination, the doctor will recommend the best course of action based on your specific condition. Treatment options include:
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Topical Medications: While available, topical solutions only have a 5–10% cure rate because they cannot penetrate the nail bed to fully eradicate the fungus. Using topical creams for months or even years often yields little to no results.
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Oral Medications: Oral antifungal pills are somewhat more effective, with cure rates around 60%. However, they carry significant risks, including liver toxicity and potential complications for patients with underlying health conditions. Frequent blood tests are required to monitor safety, which is why our doctors generally do not recommend this approach.
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Laser Treatment: FDA-approved PinPointe laser therapy is the safest and most effective option. It typically requires only one treatment, has no side effects, no recovery period, and allows you to resume normal activities immediately. The laser targets the fungus beneath the nail using precise heat, killing it while leaving surrounding tissue unharmed.
How Laser Treatment Works
During your appointment, your nail doctor will examine your nails to confirm the diagnosis. The PinPointe laser is then applied across each affected nail, effectively eliminating the fungus in the nail bed. Since there is no radiation or invasive surgery involved, the treatment is painless.
After the procedure, your doctor will provide post-treatment care instructions to prevent reinfection. This may include antifungal creams or sprays and guidance on foot hygiene to maintain your results.
Toenail Fungus Signs and Symptoms
Early detection is key. Toenail fungus may initially present subtle changes that are easy to overlook:
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Discoloration: White, yellow, or brown spots on the nail.
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Thickened Nails: Nails may become hard, brittle, or flake easily.
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Nail Lifting: Nails may start separating from the nail bed, which can be painful.
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Odor: Fungal infections can sometimes cause a mild, unpleasant smell.
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Pain or Discomfort: Usually develops as the infection worsens.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult a professional promptly to prevent the fungus from spreading or worsening.
Prevention and Post-Treatment Care
Even after treatment, toenail fungus can return if proper preventive measures are not taken. Follow these steps to protect your nails:
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Foot Hygiene: Wash and dry your feet thoroughly, especially between toes.
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Avoid Barefoot Walking in Public Areas: Pools, gyms, and locker rooms are common sources of infection.
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Wear Breathable Footwear: Avoid tight or synthetic shoes that trap moisture.
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Do Not Share Personal Items: Shoes, socks, nail clippers, and files should remain personal.
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Regularly Clean Shoes and Socks: Use antifungal sprays or powders if recommended.
Proper post-treatment care ensures your new nails grow healthy and reduces the risk of reinfection.
Why Not Nail Removal?
Some patients consider removing the nail entirely to eliminate fungus. While surgical nail removal is sometimes necessary in extreme cases, it does not treat the underlying infection in the nail bed and requires a long recovery period. Complete nail regrowth may take up to 18 months, while laser treatment allows a new, healthy nail to grow in 6–9 months.
Toenail Fungus Laser Treatment – The Best Option
The PinPointe laser is the preferred method for toenail fungus because it:
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Has the highest cure rate on the market
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Requires only one session
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Has no side effects
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It ispainless and non-invasive
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Has no downtime, allowing immediate return to daily activities
Our Westlake Village, CA nail doctors have successfully treated thousands of cases using the PinPointe laser. This method ensures the most reliable, long-term results for toenail fungus.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you have signs of toenail fungus or want to prevent reinfection after previous treatment, contact our Westlake Village, CA clinic today. Our experts provide personalized care and guidance to restore your nails to full health.
📞 Call us at 1-(800) 672-0625 or visit Laser Nail Therapy to schedule your free consultation.
