Laser fungal nail treatment aftercare

Fungal nail infections can be longstanding and difficult to treat. Laser may be considered in some cases, but clearing the infection is not guaranteed. In addition to laser treatment, it’s important to reduce opportunities for fungal re-growth and re-infection by practising good nail hygiene.

“In addition to laser treatment, it’s important to reduce opportunities for fungal re-growth and re-infection by practising good nail hygiene.”

What to expect after treatment

There’s no need for any particular medications or creams unless you have tinea of the skin on your fingers or toes. Focus on keeping the area clean and dry so it’s difficult for fungi to grow there.

• Apply clean socks after your treatment.
• Avoid sun exposure on the treated area.
• Keep your nails and the skin between your fingers/toes as clean and dry as possible.
• Dry your toes thoroughly after showering, and wash your towel after every use. Don’t re-use your towel, as this may cause re-infection.
• If there is tinea of the skin between your toes, use an antifungal cream such as terbinafine (Lamisil). Apply twice daily for 14 days.
• If your nails are very thick, file them to make them thinner before treatments. This helps the laser energy penetrate the nail bed more efficiently.

It will take some time for your nails to improve. If treatment has helped, clearer nail should gradually grow from the base. It may take many months for healthy new nails to displace the old abnormal nails.

Spot Check Clinic patient with a fungal nail infection, before treatment and three months after a series of four laser treatments. Individual results vary.

Your next appointment

Follow the treatment schedule agreed with your clinician and bring clean socks. We review the response over time, including new nail growth, before recommending further treatment. Nails grow slowly and visible improvement may take months.