Toenail Fungus. One Step Ahead
Fungal nail infections are very common in daily podiatric practice, and it is very hard to eradicate.
Toenail Fungus. One Step Ahead. There are plenty of home remedies, but they don’t seem to work. And a true nail fungus doesn’t just go away on its own.
Fortunately, the team at Medipod Clinics can address any nail fungus issue you may have with a diverse menu of treatment options. We customize our approach to your infection’s history and severity.
How fungi infect the nail?
Toenail fungal infection, or onychomycosis, is an invasion by a microscopic organism that thrives in damp and warm environments. Fungal spores are in the air, and they can easily grow if they land on a surface like your toenail. They feed off the nail tissue, burrowing into the skin under the nail. Over time, the nail thickens and may lift off the nail bed as fungal debris accumulates. Once your nail is raised off the nail bed, it won’t reattach, and it becomes even harder to get rid of the fungal infection.
But is it fungal or not?
Several different conditions can masquerade a fungal infection. As we get older, the nails thicken and become more yellow. Psoriasis can cause pitting and flaking of the nails. Injuries can create bruising under the nail. Even chemicals in nail polish can discolour and damage the nail. But you don’t want to wait until your nail is gnarly and raised off the nail bed. You should see a podiatrist as soon as you notice your nail changing.
At Medipod Clinics, we can successfully test and diagnose the presence of fungal infections. The Dermatophyte Test Strip (DTS) is simple, accurate and shows results in just under 5 minutes! It can be performed as part of your podiatry appointment and offers a reliable diagnosis. This will enable your podiatrist to start the right antifungal treatment immediately without having to send clippings to an external laboratory. Your GP will also be informed of your results as systemic medication may be needed.
Toenail Fungus Treatments
There are numerous treatments for fungal infections, which vary widely in cost and effectiveness. To be fully effective, the antifungal agent must penetrate the nail and often the nail bed as well.
Over the counter products
These are widely available. They don’t promise a cure but some of them can certainly improve the appearance of the nail by changing the pH of the nail, therefore making it difficult for the fungus to survive.
Prescription topical treatments
Effective products include Tolnaflate, Clotrimazole, Terbinafine and Amorolfine. All require daily applications, and it may take as long as 1-2 years to see noticeable results. These products may work for early, superficial fungal infections, because they kill the fungi on the surface of the nail. Reducing the thickness of the nail regularly may enable them to penetrate more deeply into the nail or the nailbed. Even then, the success rate is quite low.
Oral medications
Intraconazole (Sporanox) and Terbinafine (Lamisil) are usually considered for extensive fungal infections. Either of these drugs are very potent and may harm the liver, therefore your doctor will check your liver at the beginning of the treatment and again after a few months. Intraconazole interacts with several other drugs. If you take one of these drugs, you’ll also need to avoid drinking alcohol and stay out of the sun. It is best to discuss your individual case with your doctor before you decide to take oral antifungals.
But it is not all doom and gloom! Lacuna Method can help!
Have you heard of the Lacuna Method for the treatment of fungal nail infections? At Medipod Clinics, “we have had some amazing results in just under a year”, Faye says. Lacuna method is all about making tiny holes along the surface of the nail so that the antifungal agent (Lamisil spray) can successfully penetrate and reach the nail bed, where the active infection is. The Lamisil Spray will spread under the nail as you walk and with daily application the fungus is stopped from spreading and the damaged nail grows out.
The process is safe and pain-free! Review appointments are recommended on an average 6-8 weeks; however, this may vary, and your practitioner will advise you.
Have realistic expectations
Don’t expect any product to give you toenails like those in the advertisements. However, if you adopt a daily routine of washing and drying your feet thoroughly, and follow the advice given from your podiatrist, you should see a distinct improvement.
If you are experiencing any discomfort in your feet, we are more than happy to help. Give us a call today on 01455 246100 to chat through your needs.
We also offer treatments for nails, hard skin, ingrown toenails, and advice for people with Diabetes. With our expertise and experience, you will have full peace of mind when it comes to your foot health.
For more information about our range of treatments, please contact us on 01455 246100. We would love to help you with any foot health issues you may have.
Thank you for reading – Toenail Fungus. One Step Ahead,
Faye Vogiatzoglou