Fungal Nails
Fungal nail infections are caused by dermatophyte fungi that naturally live on our skin. When trauma to the nail occurs i.e. micro trauma from footwear, the fungi can invade under the nail plate. In the moist warm environment of socks and shoes the fungi thrive, causing damage, thickening and discolouration to the nail. This most commonly affects the big toes; however, all nails are vulnerable.
Treatment is notoriously difficult as the nail acts as a barrier, shielding the nail bed where the anti fungal treatment is needed.
How do I know if I have Fungal Nails?
You may have noticed changes in the texture, quality and colour of your nails. Sometimes it is noticed after nail varnish or gels have been removed. Typical first signs are a yellowing or brown discolouration, nails may become thick, crumbly or brittle. Nails can become distorted, misshapen and may lift from the nail bed or loose their healthy shine.
We offer a five minute in house fungal nail test which is 98% accurate meaning you don't have to go to your GP and the results are known straight away.
Fungal nail infections are caused by dermatophyte fungi that naturally live on our skin. When trauma to the nail occurs i.e. micro trauma from footwear, the fungi can invade under the nail plate. In the moist warm environment of socks and shoes the fungi thrive, causing damage, thickening and discolouration to the nail. This most commonly affects the big toes; however, all nails are vulnerable.
Treatment is notoriously difficult as the nail acts as a barrier, shielding the nail bed where the anti fungal treatment is needed.
How do I know if I have Fungal Nails?
You may have noticed changes in the texture, quality and colour of your nails. Sometimes it is noticed after nail varnish or gels have been removed. Typical first signs are a yellowing or brown discolouration, nails may become thick, crumbly or brittle. Nails can become distorted, misshapen and may lift from the nail bed or loose their healthy shine.
We offer a five minute in house fungal nail test which is 98% accurate meaning you don't have to go to your GP and the results are known straight away.
Treatment
We use the Lacuna Method to treat fungal nails.
This treatment involves drilling multiple micro holes through the nail plate, allowing an antifungal solution to penetrate through the nail to the skin on the nail bed where it can fight the infection.
We will advise you on the frequency and duration of application of the antifungal solution. Pressure applied to the toe when walking will aid to spread the medicament under the nail.
As the nail is ‘dead’ the holes remain and will grow out naturally. Review appointments are recommended on average every 6 weeks; however, this may vary.
This is a relatively new treatment and although short-term studies have been very encouraging, no treatment can be guaranteed to be 100% successful.
We use the Lacuna Method to treat fungal nails.
This treatment involves drilling multiple micro holes through the nail plate, allowing an antifungal solution to penetrate through the nail to the skin on the nail bed where it can fight the infection.
We will advise you on the frequency and duration of application of the antifungal solution. Pressure applied to the toe when walking will aid to spread the medicament under the nail.
As the nail is ‘dead’ the holes remain and will grow out naturally. Review appointments are recommended on average every 6 weeks; however, this may vary.
This is a relatively new treatment and although short-term studies have been very encouraging, no treatment can be guaranteed to be 100% successful.
