Problem Toenails Need Treatment, Not Just Care.

Don’t just live with it.

Recurring pain and inflammation are easy to dismiss — but home remedies and cosmetic care can cost you the best window for treatment. Effective care starts with an accurate diagnosis.

What Are Problem Toenails?

Problem toenails are nails that can no longer keep their normal shape or function, causing pain, inflammation, deformity or damage that affects daily life and overall health. At Obliv Clinic, our physicians diagnose and treat two main conditions: toenail fungus and ingrown toenails.

Toenail Fungus (Onychomycosis)

Toenail fungus is an infection caused by dermatophytes — fungi that invade the hard keratin layer of the nail. It can spread quickly to other nails and nearby skin, so early diagnosis matters. Left untreated, nails become increasingly discolored, thick and hard, and in severe cases the infection can even lead to an ingrown toenail.

See a Doctor If You Notice These Signs

Changes in shape

• Split or crumbling nail edges
• Nails that break easily
• Thick, uneven nail surface

Changes in color

• Yellow or dark discoloration at the tip
• Loss of shine and clarity across the nail
• White powdery patches or streaks

Other changes

• Slow nail growth
• Rough texture and odor
• Pain or a foreign-body sensation in the affected area

※ Untreated, the infection can spread quickly and treatment may take longer. If you have symptoms, early care is the safest choice.

Stages of Toenail Fungus and How We Treat Them

Toenail fungus is classified into five stages, from Stage 1 (early) to Stage 5 (advanced). Treatment depends on the stage.

Stage 1 · Early

• Symptoms: Nail remains clear and glossy; no visible changes
• Treatment: Oral antifungal medication, if needed

Stage 2 · Mild

• Symptoms: Yellow or white spots at the tip, surface or cuticle; nail clear but less glossy
• Treatment: Topical antifungal · Oral antifungal · Dual-wavelength laser

Stage 3 · Moderate

• Symptoms: Loss of shine and clarity; white or yellow spots; nail thinning or lifting in places
• Treatment: Thermal + dual-wavelength laser · Podologe medical device · Topical/oral antifungals and recurrence prevention

Stage 4 · Severe

• Symptoms: Entire nail yellow and cloudy; partial cracking or breaking
• Treatment: Same as Stage 3

Stage 5 · Advanced

• Symptoms: Entire nail thickened and heavily discolored; nail crumbles and falls off in pieces
• Treatment: Same as Stage 3

• Treatment may vary depending on each patient’s condition.

Toenail Fungus Treatment at Obliv

Toenail fungus is hard to treat because medication struggles to penetrate a thickened nail. We first trim and soften the nail, then target the infection directly with a dual-wavelength laser — reaching fungus that medication alone can’t, while supporting healthy nail regrowth. Laser treatment is recommended based on your condition; after consultation, we’ll suggest medication, laser or a combined plan.

01 Pre-conditioning

We reduce the thickened nail to an even thickness to improve absorption before laser treatment.

02 Medical Laser Treatment

A dual-wavelength laser targets fungus deep within the nail. A thermal laser may be added to widen the treatment area.

03 Lifestyle & Home Care Guidance

To prevent recurrence, we review your walking habits, footwear, hygiene and nail-trimming technique, and provide a personalized home care guide.

04 Personalized Medication

Topical or oral antifungals are prescribed alongside treatment, with dosage and duration adjusted to your nail condition and overall health.

Dual-Wavelength Laser for Nail Fungus

Using two wavelengths — 635 nm and 405 nm — the laser generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) to destroy fungus and increases ATP to boost immune activity, circulation and cell renewal. It targets the fungus selectively, without damaging surrounding skin and tissue.

• ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species): eliminates nail fungus
• ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate): supports immunity, blood flow and cell regeneration

Why Patients Choose It

• MFDS-approved medical device (Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety)
• No downtime — return to daily activities right away
• Suitable for patients with high blood pressure, diabetes or other chronic conditions
• An option for those who can’t take oral medication due to liver or kidney conditions
• An option during pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Eligibility is determined after consultation with your physician.

*You may feel warmth, mild stinging, dryness or itching after treatment; these usually subside quickly. Responses vary, so please review the pre-treatment guidelines carefully.

Before & After Laser Treatment

Before · During · After

FAQ

How many sessions will I need?

It depends on your nail condition and diagnosis. A healthy nail takes several months to grow out, and your physician will adjust the number and frequency of sessions accordingly.

Does it hurt?

Most treatments are done without anesthesia, and pre-conditioning and laser treatment cause little to no discomfort. We can adjust to your sensitivity, so there’s no need to worry.

Will my nail be removed?

No. Obliv follows a non-surgical, nail-preserving approach, combining correction devices, medication and lifestyle guidance for a natural, safe recovery.

Can I file an insurance claim?

We can provide receipts and medical documents for your claim. Coverage depends on your insurer and policy.

How is clinic-based treatment different?

Obliv takes a medical approach that addresses the root cause through a structured program — with clinical hygiene standards, a personalized treatment plan, MFDS-approved devices and tailored prescriptions.

Obliv Clinic · Problem Toenail Clinic

Obliv Songdo Horizon Clinic

2F–3F, 34 Incheon Tower-daero 132beon-gil, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon (Songdo-dong), Korea

Tel. +82-32-851-9119 · obliv.contact@gmail.com