Does Laser Therapy for Toenail Fungus Hurt? Myths and Facts

Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a horrible and stubborn condition that affects millions, approximately 6 million to 7 million worldwide. Laser therapy is something you’ve likely come across if you’re tired of hiding your feet or using other solutions that don’t seem to work. However, there is one question that keeps coming up: Does laser therapy hurt?

There are certain truths about laser treatment for toenail fungus and some misconceptions we will debunk as we look at the subject.

Understanding Laser Therapy for Toenail Fungus

Laser therapy is a type of noninvasive therapy that aims to destroy the fungus under the nail without damaging the tissue all around it. The way the device works is to send out pulses of energy that penetrate the nail and kill the fungal cells.

Topical creams that don’t get in far enough to the nail or oral medications that have side effects are becoming passed by laser therapy, which is safe and effective.

But does it hurt? Let’s address that next.

Myth 1: Laser Therapy is Extremely Painful

Many people hesitate to try laser treatment because they think it will be painful. However, this is a huge misconception.

The Reality

The feeling is usually described as a feeling of mild warming or slight tingling in the affected area. It is generally very tolerable, and some people can feel a small pinching sensation.

The reason? Toenail fungus treatment lasers are low-intensity and targeted specifically to the fungus and not the skin or the nail bed.

Still unsure? Picture the feeling of a warm light shining on your skin—that’s how laser therapy typically feels.

So, if you’re worried about pain, rest assured—it’s not as bad as you think!

Myth 2: Laser Therapy Burns Your Skin

Another common fear is that the laser will burn your skin or nail. This misunderstanding likely comes from the word “laser”, which makes people think of heat or cutting tools.

The Reality

The toenail fungus treatment lasers are cold lasers or low-level lasers that do not produce enough heat to cause burns.

They are intended to pass through the nail and kill fungus at a cellular level and not to burn or cut anything.

Therefore, now that you’ve been avoiding laser treatment because you’re afraid of burns, you no longer need to be afraid —it’s safe for your skin.

Myth 3: Laser Treatment is a One-Time, Instant Cure

Wouldn’t it be great if one laser session instantly removed all fungus? Unfortunately, that’s not the case.

The Reality

Laser therapy is very effective; however, several sessions are needed to get the best results. The fungus under the nail can be hard to get rid of and toenails can take several months to grow out to full healing.

The length of treatment is 2 to 4 sessions, a few weeks apart, depending on how bad the infection is.

Also, for it to work, you have to take care of the feet, as it needs to prevent one from reinfection after laser therapy such as:

Wearing breathable shoes
Keeping feet dry
Using antifungal sprays
Practicing good foot hygiene

So, while laser treatment works, patience is key!

Myth 4: Laser Therapy is Not Scientifically Proven

Some skeptics believe laser therapy is just a marketing gimmick with no real scientific backing.

The Reality

Laser therapy is backed by clinical use and positive patient outcomes. It effectively targets fungal infections by penetrating the nail without harming surrounding tissue.

A study found that laser therapy significantly reduced fungal infections in 87% of patients after multiple sessions. These results show that laser treatment is not a myth—it’s backed by research.

Myth 5: Laser Therapy is Too Expensive

Some people don’t try laser treatment because it’s too expensive compared to topical treatments or home remedies.

The Reality

Laser treatment is certainly more expensive upfront, but let’s focus on the bigger picture:

Topical creams and over-the-counter treatments generally don’t work at all or may require months or even years before working.
Antifungal medications can be taken orally and are effective, but there can be bad side effects like liver damage.
Laser therapy is a one-time investment that offers long-lasting results with minimal risk.

So, while the initial price may seem high, you save money in the long run by avoiding continuous purchases of ineffective treatments.

Why Choose Laser Therapy Over Other Treatments?

Treatment Option	Effectiveness	Side Effects	Time to See Results
Topical Medications	Low	None	6-12 months, often ineffective
Oral Medications	Moderate	Possible liver damage, nausea, interactions with other drugs	3-6 months
Laser Therapy	High	None	Visible improvement within months

As you can see, laser therapy is one of the safest and most effective treatments available today.

What to Expect During a Laser Therapy Session

If you’re considering laser therapy, here’s a quick rundown of what to expect:

Preparation: No special prep is needed—just clean feet and trimmed nails.
Procedure: A trained specialist will direct the laser at your nails for about 10-30 minutes.
Sensation: You might feel warmth or slight tingling, but no significant pain.
Post-Treatment Care: You can go back to your daily activities immediately—no downtime required!

Who Should Consider Laser Therapy?

Laser therapy is a great option for people who:

Have tried other treatments without success
Want a safe, non-invasive alternative to oral medications
Prefer a fast and effective approach to treating toenail fungus.
Don’t want to deal with the mess of topical creams

However, it’s always best to consult with a toenail fungus laser expert to see if laser therapy is right for you.

Final Verdict: Does Laser Therapy Hurt?

No, it doesn’t!

Laser therapy for toenail fungus is a painless, safe, and effective treatment with minimal discomfort. Most people feel nothing more than a slight warmth during the procedure.

If you’ve been holding back due to fear of pain, it’s time to put those worries to rest and take a step towards healthier, fungus-free nails.

Don’t let toenail fungus hold you back. Restore, renew, and regenerate your nails with our advanced laser treatment at Restore Podiatry & Laser Center!

Book Your Appointment Today!