Fungal Toenails

What is a fungal toenail?

Despite generally causing no pain, fungal toenail infections are one of the most frustrating foot problems. A fungal toenail infection can cause nails to break easily and often spreads to the skin around the nail. Common signs on the nail include:

• Discolouration (e.g. yellow, brown and/or white)

• Thickening

• Crumbling

• Lifting

What causes fungal toenails?

Just like the skin, fungi can take advantage of the smallest nick in a toenail. This may result from a single traumatic episode, like stubbing your toe, or chronic microtrauma, like wearing shoes that are too tight.

Treatment for fungal toenails

Compared to fungal skin infections, fungal toenail infections generally take a lot longer to resolve once treatment starts. Fungal toenail infections that have been present for a long time are generally more resistant to treatment. And treatment options require the affected part of the toenail to grow out — ever watched your toenail grow?!

Many people see Doctor Google and start treatment before seeking advice. This may work out fine, but booking an appointment with one of our experienced podiatrists will ensure that the best treatment plan is put in place from the get-go. This could save you time, frustration and money.

For those wanting to treat fungal toenails at home, antifungal lacquers, available at all pharmacies, are usually the first treatment option — although they have a low cure rate. The method and frequency of application varies. Antifungal lacquers that require less frequent application tend to be more expensive.

Oral Lamisil (terbinafine) is a prescription-only medicine used for cases that are severe or didn’t respond to antifungal lacquers. While Oral Lamisil is generally more effective than antifungal lacquers, the potential adverse effects and drug interactions may prevent some people from taking it.

Laser has recently become a popular treatment option for fungal toenail infections. We can coordinate this effective, safe and painless procedure with an appropriate local clinic.