About Fungal Nail Infections
A fungal nail infection (Onychomycosis) is a common infection that can involve any part of the nail. It is most common in toenails, but can rarely occur in fingernails as well.
- Thickening of the nail.
- Discolouration of the nail.
- Distortion of the shape of the nail.
How Are They Treated?
Your Podiatrist will assess the nail. If it looks like a fungal nail, a sample will be taken for you to take to the GP for testing. This is to confirm that it is a fungal infection, as there are lots of other issues that can cause thickening or discolouration of the nail.
If/when the fungal nail diagnosis is confirmed, you return to have the nail/nails cleaned up. This is where all the excess/thickened nail tissue can be trimmed and filed to thin the nail, which makes the infection easier to treat.
Once the nail has been tidied up, your Podiatrist will apply an anti-fungal lacquer to treat the infection. You will take this away with you to continue to reapply. They will give you advice on how to look after the nail and stop it thickening again as regular care of the nail makes it easier for the anti-fungal to reach the infection.
You return in 6-8 weeks time to check your progress.
More severe or persistent infections may require treatment with oral anti-fungal medications, your Podiatrist will advise and refer you if this is the case.
