Nail Fungus (Onychomycosis) Treatment Laser and medication combined for onychomycosis care

We confirm it with a fungal test along with an examination by a board-certified dermatologist. Thickened or discolored nails can also result from causes other than fungus, so distinguishing it from look-alike conditions comes first. We explain the testing method and when results will be available at your visit.

If improvement has been slow with topical medication alone, we recommend a consultation to check the cause and the extent of infection. This is because the nail may have thickened, or it may be a condition other than fungus. Based on the findings, we redesign the treatment approach, such as grinding, laser, or adding oral medication.

After the thickened nail is ground down with a grinder, laser is applied to the infected area to deliver heat. The principle is that this heat reduces fungal activity, and 1 session takes about 10-20 minutes. Sessions then continue at 2-4 week intervals.

It depends on the degree of infection. For limited infection we may recommend laser together with topical medication, and for extensive infection, adding oral medication. Whether to use laser alone or combine it with medication is decided based on the test results and the condition of the nails.

Yes, for those who find it difficult to take medication due to liver function or other reasons, laser-centered treatment can be considered. Topical medication is used alongside it when needed. However, if the infection is extensive, laser alone may have limits, so we explain the available options after consultation. If you are taking any medication or have a liver-related diagnosis, please tell us at your visit.

You should think in terms of months. Laser is performed over several sessions at 2-4 week intervals, and at around 2-3 months we check whether a new nail has started growing from the base. Nails grow slowly, so improvement is judged after the new nail has grown in, and the duration varies by individual.

Pain is low, and you mostly feel a warm sensation. No anesthesia is needed, and you can return to daily life right after treatment. How it feels varies by individual, so please tell us during treatment if it feels hot.

Yes, reinfection is common with nail fungus, so daily care is essential alongside treatment. Keep your feet dry, change your socks often, and rotate your shoes so they can dry out. If reinfection is suspected while we monitor your progress, we adjust your care and treatment plan.

Because it is a fungal infection, it can spread among family members who share living spaces. Use separate nail clippers, and after using shared facilities such as public bathhouses, wash and dry your feet well. If a family member has similar symptoms, having them examined as well can help reduce reinfection.

The treatment approach is decided after consultation, and if either applies, be sure to tell us at your visit. Pregnancy is information needed to decide whether medication can be combined, and underlying conditions such as diabetes and any medications you take are also reflected in the treatment plan. If there is acute inflammation or severe pain in the treatment area, we check that condition first before deciding whether to proceed.

Insurance coverage varies depending on the tests and treatment components, so we explain it item by item after consultation. Consultations and tests may have different coverage criteria from laser treatment. Before starting treatment, we first explain which items are not covered by insurance and their costs.

You can book via Naver Booking, our KakaoTalk channel, or phone (+82-51-710-1891), and consultations are also available via LINE; Grays Dermatology is located at L Tower 10F, 6 Jwadongsunhwan-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan (near Jung-dong Station on Busan Metro Line 2). The cost depends on the tests, treatment components, and number of sessions, and insured items are listed separately, so we explain it after consultation. Please also refer to the price list on our website.