Laser for Toenail Fungus: Does It Work? What Phoenix Patients Should Know

Sondema Tarr
3 days ago
3 min read

Toenail fungus is one of the most common foot problems we see at Direct Podiatry AZ. If you’ve tried over-the-counter creams or home remedies with little success, you may be wondering: laser for toenail fungus — does it work? Let’s explore how this newer treatment works, what the studies say, and why many Phoenix patients are choosing it as a safe, convenient option.

How Laser Treatment Works for Toenail Fungus

Laser therapy uses focused light to penetrate the nail and the skin of your toe. This light, at a certain frequency, stimulates your immune system to start to fight and kill the fungus.

This targets the fungus where it lives—under the nail plate—without damaging the surrounding skin or tissue. Over time, as your nail grows out, the clear, healthy nail replaces the infected area.

Key benefits of laser treatment:

Non-invasive: No injections, cutting, or pills.
Minimal downtime: You can return to your daily activities immediately.
Safe & effective: Designed to kill the fungus, while leaving your skin healthy

Laser for Toenail Fungus: Does It Work?

For many patients, yes. Clinical studies and real-world experience show that laser treatment for toenail fungus can significantly reduce fungal infection and improve the appearance of the nail. Success rates are even higher when the fungus is treated early and when patients follow a complete care plan, including topical treatment, supplements, and an integrative podiatry protocol.

At Direct Podiatry AZ, we use the Remy Laser, a state-of-the-art system that allows us to customize treatment intensity to your comfort and needs. Most patients require a series of 6 sessions to see the best results.

How Does Laser Compare to Pills?

One of the most common questions patients ask is how laser stacks up against medications like terbinafine (often known as Lamisil®).

Here’s what recent research shows:

A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis found that laser therapy had higher rates of both lab-confirmed fungal clearance and visible improvement compared to terbinafine.

Another review in Frontiers in Medicine (2024) concluded that laser treatment is as effective as terbinafine with fewer systemic side effects, although the authors noted that more high-quality studies are still needed.

Earlier data suggest oral terbinafine remains highly effective — a 2019 meta-analysis reported mycological cure rates around 84.8% for terbinafine versus about 63% for laser therapy.

Importantly, some studies show that combination therapy — using both laser and oral antifungals — achieves the highest success rates, particularly for advanced or stubborn fungal infections (MDPI, Journal of Fungi, 2022).

Why an Integrative Podiatry Approach Matters

While laser therapy is powerful, clearing toenail fungus isn’t just about treating the surface. Fungus thrives when the nail environment is compromised—whether that’s from moisture, shoe choices, a history of toenail trauma, or other underlying health problems.

That’s where integrative podiatry comes in. At Direct Podiatry AZ, we combine laser treatment with:

Nutritional support: Taking a look at your diet and hydration, in addition to providing supplements, strengthens your immune response and supports your body while clearing your toenail fungus.

Whole body focus: Addressing underlying conditions (like diabetes or circulatory changes), stress, sleep, other factors that can weaken your immune system, and also fungus harder to treat.

This type of approach not only improves laser results but also reduces the chance the fungus will come back.

Why Choose Direct Podiatry AZ in Tempe/Phoenix?

Physician-directed care: Your treatment is always supervised by me, Dr. Sondema Tarr, DPM.
Advanced technology: Our Remy Laser is designed specifically for use in podiatry.
360° care: Root cause medicine, looking at all health factors to get rid of your toenail fungus for good.

Ready to Find Out If Laser Works for Toenail Fungus?

If you’ve been asking “laser for toenail fungus — does it work?”, the answer is yes—especially when it’s paired with integrative podiatry care tailored to your needs.

At Direct Podiatry AZ in Tempe, we’re here to help you achieve clear, healthy nails with modern, patient-centered treatment. Click here to book your 15-minute free consultation.