It began as a strange yellow or white spot under the tip of a toenail. Because it didn’t hurt, you brushed it off. Over time, the discoloration spread, the nail thickened, and it became brittle. Eventually, even slipping on a shoe felt uncomfortable, and wearing sandals no longer felt like an option.
This is the typical progression of toenail fungus. The bacteria and yeast responsible for the infection thrive in warm, moist conditions. Public pools, sweaty shoes, and wet locker rooms make El Paso's active population particularly susceptible. Athletes, weekend hikers, and anyone who spends long hours standing or walking in the heat may find themselves dealing with an unpleasant fungal infection at some point.
The real problem with toenail fungus isn't just how it looks. A fungal infection weakens the nail structure itself, creating an entry point for bacteria. Unfortunately, for patients with diabetes or circulatory issues, even a minor secondary infection can escalate quickly. Because fungal spores are contagious, an untreated nail could spread the infection to other toes, fingernails, or even the people you live with.
How Laser Therapy Targets Toenail Fungus
Traditional treatments for fungal nails have significant drawbacks. Topical antifungal creams don’t always penetrate the thick nail plate. That’s why many over-the-counter options fail to clear the infection entirely. Oral antifungal medications are more effective than creams, but they require months of daily use and may carry potential risks, including liver-related side effects.
Laser toenail fungus treatment works differently. During a session at The Foot Institute, our experienced podiatrists use a focused beam of energy that passes through the nail plate. The Multiwave Locked System (MLS) laser penetrates the nail bed where fungal organisms live.
Our modern lasers’ wavelength is specifically calibrated to destroy fungal cells without harming the surrounding skin or healthy tissue. That means you don’t need any incisions, anesthesia, or prescription medications.
Most patients describe the sensation as a gentle warming feeling. Sessions typically last between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on the number of nails being treated. The best part? You can return to your normal activities immediately afterward with no downtime required. In a matter of minutes, you can get back to hiking the Thousand Steps trail or off-roading at Red Sands.
What to Expect From Laser Fungus Treatment
Your laser toenail fungus treatment at The Foot Institute begins with a thorough evaluation. Our compassionate El Paso podiatrists inspect the affected nails, go over your medical history, and confirm whether a fungal infection caused your nail changes. This step matters because conditions such as nail psoriasis or trauma-related damage can appear like fungus but require different treatments.
After diagnosis, we'll schedule your treatment sessions. While some patients see improvement after a single session, most benefit from a series of treatments spaced several weeks apart. Although the laser procedure destroys the fungus, you won't see the full cosmetic results right away. That's because the damaged portion of the nail needs time for new, healthy growth. Between sessions, our team also provides prevention tips to help you avoid reinfection.
Am I a Good Candidate for Laser Toenail Fungus Therapy?
Laser therapy is a strong option for patients who have tried topical treatments without success or who cannot take oral antifungal medications. Good candidates for this enhanced type of treatment include:
- Patients with mild to moderate fungal nail infections
- Patients with diabetes or compromised immune systems
- Active individuals who want minimal disruption
- Patients dealing with recurring infections
At your initial consultation, our experienced podiatrists help you determine whether laser treatment is the right approach based on the severity of your infection, your health history, and your foot health goals.
Don't Let Unsightly Toenail Fungus Hold You Back From What You Love
Toenail fungus usually won't resolve on its own, so there’s no reason to wait for treatment. The longer it goes untreated, the harder it becomes to eliminate. If discolored, thickened, or crumbling toenails have kept you from enjoying your favorite activities, The Foot Institute wants to help you get back to feeling confident in your own skin.