Fungal Toenails
Distal fungal nail infection
Fungal toenails are a widely seen problem caused by an fungal organism which infects the nail plate. It can affect from only one to all of the toenails, and sometimes even fingernails.
The infection usually starts on the furthest edge of the nail and progressively works its way along the nail towards the base.
Fungal infections usually thrive in warm, moist and dark environments such as closed footwear.
Severe whole nail fungal infection
Whilst it is rare to get an infection from someone else, sharing footwear or hoisery is not recommended.
If left untreated, the infection can spread to skin and other nails, including fingernails.
Anyone can get a fungal toe nail including people with Diabetes, immune compromised, athletes foot, smokers. Trauma to a nail can also increase your chances of a fungal infection.
Common signs and symptoms
Thickened nail
Distorted shape
Crumbly or brittle texture
Yellow/Greenish colour
Can become loose and separate from the nail bed
Treatment of Fungal Toe Nails
Range of Anti-fungal treatments available from the Chemist or in clinic for topical application. (5% effective)
Lunula Laser (above 80% effective)
Nail Surgery without Phenolisation
Oral prescription pills available from the GP in severe cases, if suitable (requires regular blood tests to make sure the medication is not damaging your liver function).
Lunula Laser Treatment
Lunula Cold Laser is our preferred treatment option for fungal toenails, as it is highly effective, has no side effects, and causes no pain or discomfort.
Painfree and no side effects.
Only takes minutes and treats the whole foot
An instant pathology test is available in our clinic to confirm fungal specimen.
Upon confirmation of a fungal nail, the nail is debrided and prepared for laser therapy ($ to 8 sessions, depending on degree of nail affected.
Clinical assessments and reviews are at 3, 6 and 12 months.
Nail Surgery
Please see Surgical Treatments
If you think you have a fungal toenail or would like to confirm if you have one, we can help to diagnose and providing the most suitable and appropriate treatment options available to you.