Fungal Nail Treatment in Perth
Nail fungus is a common fungal condition that begins as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. As the fungal infection goes deeper, nail fungus may cause your nail to discolour, thicken and crumble at the edge (See Figures 1, 2 and 3). It can affect one or several nails.
Symptoms Fungal Nail:
You may have nail fungus if one or more of your nails are:
- Thickened & rough
- Whitish to yellow-brown discoloration
- Brittle, crumbly or ragged
- Distorted in shape
- A dark colour, caused by debris building up under your nail
- Smelling slightly foul
Do come to see us if you have diabetes and think you’re developing nail fungus.
Causes of Fungal Nail:
Fungal nail problems are caused by a fungus spreading under the nail into the nail bed. The fungus may infect a broken or injured nail or may spread to the nail from a nearby skin infection like athlete’s foot (tinea).
Risk Factors:
Factors that can increase your risk of developing nail fungus include:
- Being older, owing to reduced blood flow and greater exposure to fungi and slower growing nails
- Heavy sweating
- Having a history of athlete’s foot (tinea)
- Walking barefoot in damp communal areas, such as swimming pools, gyms and shower rooms
- Having a minor skin or nail injury or a skin condition, such as psoriasis
- Having diabetes, circulation problems or a weakened immune system
Self-care and prevention for Fungal Nail:
To help manage or prevent a fungal nail infection (and prevent further infections from developing):
- keep your nails short;
- dry your hands and feet, including between the fingers and toes, after washing; and
- use a separate pair of nail scissors for infected nails
- wear waterproof shoes when doing wet work
- wear open-toed shoes or shoes with plenty of room for your toes
- wear clean, dry socks that absorb moisture, especially if your feet sweat a lot
- change your socks when they are damp from sweat, and
- do not walk barefoot in public change rooms, pools or showers
Fungal Nail Treatment:
Oral Antifungal Drugs – can clear the infected area faster than topical drugs but it needs to be taken for 6-12 weeks or until the nail grows back. Let one of our podiatrists advise whether this is appropriate as there are potential side effects. Should this treatment me chosen then it is imperative that you understand how to prevent it from occurring again.
Medicated Nail Cream – this works better if you have thin your nails. This helps the medication get through the hard nail surface to the fungus under the nail. Our podiatrist can help with the nail thinning and the best cream / solutions to use. Again, it is important that you understand how to prevent the condition reoccurring again.
Or a combination of the above therapies!
Fungal Nail Surgery:
If the other antifungal medications do not work, then surgery could be an option if the infection is severe or very painful. We have a Podiatry Surgeon who specialises in this area.
Fungal Nail Faqs
Nail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, can be a persistent condition that may require medical treatment. It’s best to consult with a healthcare professional, such as a podiatrist or dermatologist, who can evaluate your specific condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan for you. They may recommend antifungal medications, topical treatments, or other interventions based on the severity of the infection. Additionally, practicing good foot hygiene, keeping your nails clean and dry, and avoiding sharing personal items like nail clippers or shoes can help prevent the spread of nail fungus.
1. Oral antifungal medications: Prescription medications such as terbinafine or itraconazole are often prescribed to treat nail fungus. These medications work by targeting the infection from within the body.
2. Topical antifungal treatments: Over the counter or prescription-strength antifungal creams, ointments, or nail lacquers can be applied directly to the affected nails. These treatments may take longer to show results compared to oral medications.
3. Nail debridement: In some cases, a podiatrist or healthcare provider may trim, file, or remove the infected nail to reduce the amount of fungus present and improve the effectiveness of other treatments.
4. Laser therapy: Laser treatment is a newer option that uses focused light to target and destroy the fungus. It may require multiple sessions and is typically used in combination with other treatments.
5. Surgical nail removal: In severe cases or when other treatments fail, surgical removal of the infected nail may be considered. This allows for direct treatment of the nail bed and can promote the growth of a healthy nail.
It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable treatment option based on the severity of your nail fungus and your overall health. They can provide a personalized treatment plan and monitor your progress.
Nail fungus can be a stubborn condition that often requires consistent treatment over a period of time. There is no guaranteed quick fix, but some treatments may help in addressing nail fungus:
1. Oral antifungal medications: Prescription medications like terbinafine or itraconazole are often effective in treating nail fungus. They work from within the body to target the infection. However, they may take several months to fully eliminate the fungus as the nail needs time to full grow out. It is generally recommended to also use topical antifungal treatment as well to prevent reinfection while the nail grows out.
2. Topical antifungal treatments: Over the counter or prescription-strength antifungal creams, ointments, or nail lacquers can be applied directly to the affected nails. While they may take longer to show results compared to oral medications, they can be effective when used consistently.
3. Laser therapy: Laser treatment is a newer option that uses focused light to target and destroy the fungus. It may require multiple sessions and is typically used in combination with other treatments.
It’s important to consult with a podiatrist or healthcare provider to determine the most suitable treatment option for your specific case. They can provide guidance on the best course of action based on the severity of the infection and your overall health. They can also advise on proper usage and duration of treatment to achieve the best results. It is important to follow the recommended treatment plan and maintain good foot hygiene to maximize the chances of successful treatment. Consulting with a healthcare professional will provide you with the most appropriate treatment options for your specific situation.
Treating nail fungus (onychomycosis) can be challenging, and it is important to consult with a podiatrist or healthcare professional for personalized advice. The following suggestions are treatment options but may not guarantee a permanent solution:
1. Oral antifungal medications: Prescription oral medications, such as terbinafine or itraconazole, are often considered the most effective treatment for nail fungus. These medications work by targeting the infection systemically. However, they may have potential side effects and require monitoring by a healthcare professional.
2. Topical antifungal treatments: Over the counter or prescription antifungal creams, ointments, or nail lacquers can be applied directly to the affected nails. However, topical treatments may have limited effectiveness, especially for severe or deep infections.
3. Nail debridement: Trimming, filing, or removing the infected nail material by a podiatrist can help reduce the fungal load and improve the effectiveness of topical treatments.
4. Laser therapy: Certain types of laser treatments are available for nail fungus. However, the efficacy of this approach is still being studied, and it may not be covered by insurance.
5. Good foot hygiene: Keeping your feet clean and dry, wearing breathable socks and shoes, and regularly changing socks can help create an environment less favourable for fungal growth.
It is important to note that nail fungus can be stubborn and may require long-term treatment. Consulting with a healthcare professional, such as a podiatrist or dermatologist, can help determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your specific situation.
Tea tree oil is often considered as one of the best essential oils for nail fungus due to its antifungal properties. It has been studied for its potential effectiveness in treating fungal infections, including nail fungus. However, it is important to note that individual results may vary, and it is advisable to consult with a podiatrist or healthcare professional, for a proper diagnosis and guidance on the most suitable treatment options for your specific case of nail fungus. They can provide recommendations based on the severity of the infection and your medical history.
It is important to consult with a podiatrist or healthcare professional for personalized advice. The choice of antifungal treatment for nail fungus (onychomycosis) depends on various factors such as the severity of the infection, the type of fungus involved, and individual medical history. Common antifungal treatments for nail fungus include:
1. Topical antifungals: These are applied directly to the affected nail and surrounding skin. Examples include ciclopirox and amorolfine (Loceryl). Topical treatments are generally more effective for mild to moderate cases.
2. Oral antifungals: These are prescription medications taken orally. Examples include terbinafine, itraconazole, and fluconazole. Oral antifungals are often recommended for more severe or widespread infections and have to be managed by a doctor or dermatologist
3. Combination therapy: In some cases, a healthcare professional may recommend a combination of topical and oral antifungal treatments for better efficacy.
It is important to note that the treatment duration for nail fungus can be lengthy, often lasting several months. Additionally, treatment outcomes can vary, and recurrence of the infection is possible. It is advisable to consult with a podiatrist or healthcare professional, who can evaluate your specific condition and recommend the most appropriate antifungal treatment for you.