Does Laser Treatment Work for Fungal Nails?

Updated 19 October 2026 · Reviewed by the Flawless Feet podiatry team

Short answer: laser treatment can help clear fungal nail infections for many people, but it is not a guaranteed or instant cure. Healthy nail only grows back as the nail grows out — typically over 6–12 months — and some infections need a combination of laser, topical and/or oral treatment. Here is an honest look at how it works, what the evidence says, and who it suits best.

How laser treatment works on fungal nails

Laser devices deliver concentrated light into the nail plate and nail bed, where it targets the fungal cells living in and under the nail, while sparing the surrounding tissue. Because the laser light passes through the nail, it can reach fungus that topical paints and drops often struggle to penetrate.

Laser does not remove the damaged nail. The existing nail stays in place, and the visible results build as the healthy nail grows out and is trimmed away over the following months.

S30 Podylas vs Lunula: the two lasers we use

At Flawless Feet we offer both leading technologies, and as of October 2026 we are the only clinic in London offering both:

S30 Podylas (thermal)	Lunula (cold laser)
A "hot" 1064nm laser. Sessions are quick and it is well established for thick, stubborn nails.	An FDA-cleared "cold" laser using two wavelengths with no heat, so the session is pain-free and touchless.
Sensation: brief warming during treatment.	Sensation: none — many patients read or relax during it.

Using both devices lets us match the technology to your nail — and in some cases combine them in one plan.

What the evidence says

An honest summary:

The NHS currently recommends oral antifungal tablets (such as terbinafine) as the main treatment for fungal nail infections, because they have the strongest evidence base. Tablets work well for many people but are not suitable for everyone, and they require liver-function monitoring.
Laser is a good option if you can't take, or don't want, antifungal tablets. The Lunula device is FDA-cleared for the temporary increase of clear nail in patients with onychomycosis, and published studies report meaningful improvement rates — though results vary between individuals.
Some infections need a combination of laser, topical and/or oral treatment. Severe or long-standing infections, or nails with more than roughly 50% involvement, are harder to clear with any single method.
No clinic can honestly promise a 100% cure rate — fungal nails can also re-infect, which is why prevention and aftercare matter as much as the treatment itself.

What results should you realistically expect?

Timeline: you will not see clear nail immediately. Results build as the healthy nail grows out over 6–12 months — toenails grow roughly 1–1.5mm per month.
Course: we typically recommend a course of four sessions, and we review your progress at every visit so the plan can be adjusted.
Topicals: most laser plans are combined with a topical antifungal (we often recommend Emtrix) to reduce the risk of re-infection while the nail grows out.

Is laser right for you?

Laser suits people who want a drug-free option, cannot take oral antifungals, or have had no success with topical treatments alone. If your infection is severe, your podiatrist may recommend combining laser with tablets or topicals rather than laser alone. During your consultation we assess the nail — sometimes with dermatoscopy or laboratory testing — before recommending anything.

How much does it cost?

Initial consultation: £90 (Sydenham & Croydon) or £110 (Covent Garden)
Course of four laser sessions, 1 foot or 1 hand: £550
Course of four laser sessions, 2 feet or 2 hands: £650

Exact pricing is confirmed at your consultation, once we have assessed the nail.