Fungal Toenails

Fungal toenails generally coexist with a chronic fungal skin infection often referred to as Athletes foot.

At Feet First Podiatry, we have a range of treatment options including topical applications and how to maximise their benefits, as well as laser therapy –  a quick and easy way to treat fungal toenails.  Sometimes oral medication will be recommended but it is best to consult a podiatrist to find out about the best and most suitable treatment options for you.

Toenail fungus is known medically as onychomycosis.  Nails that are discoloured, thickened, damaged and crumbly are clear signs of fungal infection.

To be sure, visit your Podiatrist to detect if your nails are infected. For an accurate diagnosis, nail clippings can be taken from you to be cultured/ tested by a pathology lab.  Your social and sports activities together with your medical history, should be considered as well.

There are various topical preparations that can be applied for low grade fungal infections. These have the best results when the fungal nail is thinned back to allow for adequate absorption.

Laser treatment works by heating the nail bed (where fungus is generally located). By heating the nail bed, the cell structure, cell enzymes and proteins of the fungus are destroyed, killing the fungus and clearing the nail.

Laser is a great alternative to taking oral medications. This treatment is quick and improvement in nail health is generally seen after 6 weeks. There are no side effects to this treatment and no recovery time is needed after treatment. At least 2 laser treatments will be needed.  Laser therapy for fungal toenails is available at our Leichhardt clinic.

Oral medication can also be a successful way to treat to treat fungal toenails however it is not always suitable if there are underlying medical contraindications.

Whilst all these treatments are effective, it is important to note foot fungus can return if proper foot care is not maintained.