Photodynamic Antimicrobial Therapy (PACT)
Fungal Nail Treatment

Photodynamic Antimicrobial Therapy, or PACT, is a modern, drug-free laser treatment for fungal nail infections that offers a gentle alternative to long courses of oral medication. A light-activated gel applied to the infected nail targets the fungus that traditional treatments often struggle to reach.

This page covers how PACT works, why it beats other options, and what your treatment timeline looks like.

What Is PACT Treatment?

PACT combines a photosensitising gel with a specific wavelength of light. The gel is applied to the infected nail and left to absorb, then a light source activates it to produce a reaction that destroys the fungal cells, all without needles, surgery, or the side effects of systemic medication.

It can also help clear surface bacteria that sit alongside fungal infections, which is why it is called antimicrobial rather than just antifungal.

How Is PACT Performed?

The treatment is straightforward and comfortable.

First, the podiatrist trims away as much of the infected nail and debris as possible. A photosensitiser gel is then brushed over the nail bed and left for a short activation period. Finally, a light source is directed at the nail for a few minutes per toe.

There is no downtime, so you can walk out and return to your day immediately.

Why Use PACT Therapy?

This is where PACT stands apart from the two most common options, such as oral medication and nail avulsion:

Option

How it works

Drawbacks

Oral antifungal tablets

Systemic drugs over weeks to months

Liver monitoring, drug interactions, side effects

Nail avulsion (surgical removal)

Nail removed to expose the bed

Painful, long recovery, visible nail loss

PACT

Light-activated gel targets fungus directly

Minimal — no pills, no surgery, no downtime

PACT delivers the effectiveness of a targeted treatment without the burden of tablets or the recovery of surgery, especially valuable for patients who cannot take oral antifungals due to liver concerns or other medications.

Why Use PACT Therapy?

This is where PACT stands apart from the two most common options, such as oral medication and nail avulsion:

Sessions and Treatment Timeline

Because nails grow slowly, results take time regardless of the method. A typical course involves a series of PACT sessions scheduled a few weeks apart, with visible improvement as the healthy nail grows out from the base, usually around 3-6 months depending on the toe and severity.

Your podiatrist will map out a timeline tailored to your infection at the initial assessment.

Say Goodbye to Stubborn Nail Fungus — The Gentle Way

We provide PACT fungal nail treatment at our clinic, starting with a full assessment of the infection. Each session is comfortable, quick, and requires no recovery time, so you can get back to your day the moment you walk out.