Fungal Nail: The Facts

Fungal Nail: The Facts

Ever found yourself hesitant to flaunt your sandals, fearing judgment over your less-than-perfect toenails? Or perhaps you've shied away from going barefoot with friends, worried about their reaction to your toenail troubles – the yellowness, thickness, or the unpleasant odour and pain that accompany them?

If so, you might be grappling with a common woe – a fungal nail infection. Today, let's wade into the realm of fungal nails and explore how a trip to Ramsbottom Foot Clinic can transform your toes into foot model material!

So, what exactly is a fungal nail infection? Envision your toenails as an upscale garden party and fungi as unwelcome gatecrashers. Normally, your nails act as robust barriers against bacteria and fungi. However, factors like damp conditions, improper footwear, or minor injuries can weaken your nail defences, allowing fungi to sneak in.

Scientifically termed "Onychomycosis," let's keep it simple and call it a fungal nail infection. Symptoms include discolouration, thickness, and even crumbling at the edges. While it's often more of an aesthetic concern than a severe health issue, neglecting it can lead to discomfort, pain, and potential spreading – and nobody wants fungal issues spreading elsewhere!

It's time to step confidently into a solution: Consult us at Ramsbottom Foot Clinic

When your toenails start resembling crushed digestive biscuits rather than polished gems, it's high time for a visit. Following a foot examination, we'll tailor a treatment plan just for you.

What treatments can you expect?

• The Consultation: We'll ask questions, examine your feet, and use our 5-minute fungal testing kits to check a tiny nail sample. Dead, infected fungal nails can also be filed away comfortably – like a CSI episode, but for your feet!

• Anti-fungal Medications: If the diagnosis confirms fungi, we might recommend  discussing anti-fungal medications with your GP. However these medications can be potentially toxic and are not for everyone. Blood tests will need to be carried to make sure that there isn’t any issues with Liver and/or Kidney function.

• Clearanail Nail Treatment: Technically called Fenestration. This method is a treatment for fungal nails which involves makes lots of micro holes in the nail plate, this allows an anti fungal solution such as lamisil AT 1% spray to be transported to the area of infection directly. Your practitioner will advise you on the frequency and duration of the application of the spray.

• As the nail is ‘dead’ the holes will remain and will grow out naturally. Review appointments are recommended on average every 8 weeks;

• This is a relatively new treatment and although short-term studies have been very encouraging, no treatment can be guaranteed to be 100% successful.

• The podiatrist will often take pictures of the nails to track progress. You should notice the fungal infection slowly grow out of the nail.  

• Toenail Removal: In stubborn cases where the infection clings, toenail removal might be the last resort. A simple procedure under local anesthesia offers your nail a fresh start.

Aftercare and Prevention:

Your treatment extends beyond the clinic:

• Keep Them Dry: Dry your feet thoroughly after showering to thwart fungi that thrive in damp, dark places.

• Choose Proper Footwear: Opt for breathable shoes, and if socks are on the agenda, go for moisture-wicking ones.

• Practise Good Hygiene: Keep your feet clean, and avoid sharing nail clippers or shoes.

• Regular Check-ups: Regular visits ensure your feet remain fungi-free and fabulous.

So, there you have it – our take on tackling fungal nail infections. Don't let this fungal woe develop into a bigger problem! Take your literal first steps and visit us for happy, healthy feet you'll be proud to flaunt. After all, our feet carry us through life; it's high time we gave them the TLC they deserve!

If Fungal Nails are bothering you and you need some help, give us a call 01706 595770 or book online through our website