Fungal Nails

• Chiropody & Podiatry
• Nail Surgery
• Verrucae
• Fungal Nails
• Biomechanics & Gait Analysis
• Orthotic Treatment
• Children & Biomechanics
• Referrals

Signs and symptoms of a fungal nail infection

Onychomycosis is the medical name for a fungal nail infection. It destroys the keratin that makes up nails and it can affect part or all of the nail, including the nail plate, nail bed and the nail matrix. The infection develops slowly and causes the nail to become discoloured, thickened and distorted. Toenails are more frequently affected than the fingernails. It often starts as a small patch and then slowly spreads down the nail with time. The nail can turn white, black, yellow or green and often becomes crumbly or brittle in texture.

Fungal nail infections are usually painless; however the nail can look unsightly. In most cases, a fungal nail infection won't cause any further complications. However, it may cause pain and discomfort if the infection distorts the nail and there is a build-up of dead tissue under the nail or the thickened nail irritates the skin around the nail.

Most fungal nail infections are caused by dermatophyte fungi, which also cause athletes foot or fungal infection of the skin. Fungal nail infections can also be caused by other types of fungi, such as the yeast Candida. Several factors increase the risk of a fungal nail infection developing. For example:

• wearing shoes that cause your feet to get hot and sweaty
• being in a humid environment
• regular damage to the nail or skin
• poor health or certain health conditions, such as diabetes or psoriasis

Treatments

At the Brightwell clinic we are able to offer a number of treatments for fungal nail infections. We can conservatively manage the nails to improve their appearance with chiropody treatment. For mild cases or for those who have had no treatment previously we recommend using Nourish your nails, an aromatherapy blend that helps to improve nail quality in conjunction with an antifungal cream such as Canestan or Lamisil. This needs to be applied daily for at least six months. We also now provide the revolutionary Clearanail treatment.

Clearanail

This is a breakthrough in the treatment of fungal nails. Using advanced controlled micro penetration to allow access to the areas of infection without destroying the nail. It is a one off and painless clinically proven treatment which allows the following application of Terbinifine to be 1000 times more effective than taking the oral tablets. Following the Clearanail treatment Terbinifine spray is applied daily to the affected nails for at least 3 months. Find out more about Clearanail from their website:

FAQ | Clearanail