Fungal Nail Treatment
Fungal nail treatment in Horsforth, Leeds at The Yorkshire Foot Clinic can help with thickened, discoloured or damaged toenails. Fungal toenails are a common infection that can cause the nail to become yellow, white or brown, as well as thick, brittle, crumbly or lifted from the nail bed.
What are fungal nails?
Fungal toenails, also known as onychomycosis, are a common nail infection that usually affects the toenails rather than the fingernails. At The Yorkshire Foot Clinic in Horsforth, Leeds, we often see fungal nail infections causing nails to become yellow, white or brown in colour, as well as thickened, brittle, crumbly, distorted or lifted from the nail bed.
Fungal nail infections often develop in warm, damp conditions and may occur when athlete’s foot spreads into the nail. They are especially common in older adults and in people with certain risk factors, including diabetes, poor circulation, nail trauma or a weakened immune system. If left untreated, fungal toenails can become increasingly thick, uncomfortable and difficult to manage, which is why professional assessment and fungal nail treatment can be an important step towards improving both the health and appearance of the nail.
What types of treatments are there?
Not every fungal toenail is alike. Recognising the specific type is essential for deciding on the most effective treatment.
Topical Treatment
Topical antifungal treatments include medicated nail lacquers or solutions that are applied directly to the nail. These are usually best for milder infections where the fungus has not affected too much of the nail. They can help, but they tend to be less effective than tablets and usually need to be used for many months
Toenail Removal
If a nail is very thick, damaged, or uncomfortable, nail removal can sometimes be the best way to give the toe a fresh start. This can help improve comfort and make it easier to manage the area while healthy nail regrows. Although toenails do take time to grow back, this can be a very effective option in the right cases.
Lights and Laser therapy
Light and laser treatments are an exciting option that some clinics offer for fungal toenails. These treatments are designed to target the affected nail in a modern, non-invasive way, and many patients like them because they can be quick and convenient. They can be a helpful choice for some people, depending on the nail and the type of infection.
Oral Medication
Oral antifungal tablets are often one of the most effective ways to treat fungal toenails, especially when the infection is more established. They work from the inside out to target the infection as the new healthy nail grows through. For many people, this can be a very successful treatment option.