Fungal Nails Treatment

The clinical term for fungal nails infection is "onychomycosis." If your nails become brittle or discoloured, it might be caused by a fungal infection. The big toenails are usually affected but the infection can spread to all of the nails. Finger nails can also be affected but this is less common.

Fungal nail infections are hard to get rid of as our toenails grow slowly and treatment can take a long time requiring patience. It can take several months for medication to eliminate the fungus and new healthy nail to return. 

Unfortunately, a lot of people give up before the treatment is complete, resulting in further spreading infection, or the belief that 'nothing works'.

Normally, the big toenails are infected and develop a white/yellow or brown discoloration. The fungus develops at the front or side edge of the nail. It is less common for the infection to start at the base of the nail which may become brittle, thicker, change shape and can be painful.  The affected part of the nail may separate from the nail bed. 

Infections occur when microscopic fungi enters the nail through abrasions caused by trauma. They spread through the nail consuming it. The fungi thrives in dark, moist environments as provided by socks and shoes and damp feet. In the first instance, the best course of action is to see your Podiatrist. 

Treatments rely on management and encouraging nail growth through cutting and shaping the nails along with changing behaviour and routines to make the foot environment more hostile to the fungus. Reinfection and cross infection are problems occurring from not treating footwear or not treating the nails long enough.

A Podiatrist will visit you at home to carry out an assessment of your feet to diagnose a fungal infection and rule out other possible conditions. Ideally, a sample of the nail will be removed and retained for testing.  Your nails can be shaped  and thinned using electric burring, clipping and filing to make medication application easier, improve the appearance and managing them easier. 

Your Podiatrist will discuss the suitable options with you from simple cosmetic management of the nails, self treatment with pharmacy medication, testing and GP prescribed medication to nail bed treatment. Please refer to our price list for more information.

Depending on the result of the test, a number of further options are available including oral medication prescribed by your GP.

For single nail infections, a simple and relatively painless procedure with positive results involves making small holes or `fenestrations' in the nail plate to allow access to the skin under the nail where the fungus resides. 

The skin is then treated with a liquid anti fungal medication and dressed with an occlusive dressing.  The treatment is charged per session and more than one session may be required. Please refer to our price list for more information.

We can provide you with a range of anti fungal medication, creams and sprays suitable for self treatment at home. Speak to one of our Podiatrists for more information.