Fungal Nails

The most common cause of yellowed, thick and/or deformed toenails is a fungal infection of the toenail. The fungus that infects the nail, most commonly, is the same fungus that causes athletes foot. It tends to be slowly progressive, damaging the nail to a greater and greater degree over time.

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Causes

Fungal infections are by nature very strong and resilient. Our Laser is able to target areas of infection directly without any of the risks or side-effects associated with oral medications. It also reduces the time and effort taken when applying topical creams and ointments, many of which are unable to draw through the nail to eradicate the infection in any case.

Lasers do not have any side-effects and patients are able to walk-in and walk-out of the treatment without any recovery time.

Treatment

  1. Leave the nail ‘as is’ and don’t seek any professional advice.
  2. Basic Podiatry care
    Podiatrists are the professionals in managing untreated fungal infections. Podiatrists use specialised drills to reduce thickened nails which can improve the aesthetic look of the nail.
  3. Creams/Liquids and Ointments
    You can obtain a number of topical medications either through a podiatrist/G.P or pharmacist. These topical applications include Terbinafine1%, Loceryl, Canestan and Daktarin. Other home remedies include peroxide and tea-tree oil.
  4. Oral Treatment
    The most common oral tablet for nail fungus is medically referred to as terbinafine (Lamisil). These are often taken for between 3-6 months and sometimes longer. Terbinafine oral treatment has many and varied side-effects. The most notable side-effect is liver damage. Often blood tests are required to keep close tabs on the liver function.
  5. Surgical Intervention
    Unfortunately surgical removal can cause further nail damage and most often the fungal infection remains and re-infects as the new nail grows.
  6. Laser Treatment
    The most recent technology to combat nail fungal infection is the use of medical laser. At Werribee Foot Clinic we specialise in this treatment. Laser is being used in medicine to treat a variety of conditions. In particular, medical professionals are turning to laser as the preferred choice of treatment for many skin and nail disorders.
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