Fungal Infection

What You Need to Know

A fungal nail infection, also known as onychomycosis, is a common condition that can affect one or more toenails.

It develops when fungi infect the nail, which can cause the nail to become:

• Thickened
• Discoloured
• Brittle
• Crumbly
• Misshapen
• Partially detached from the nail bed

Although fungal nail infections are not usually serious, they can become uncomfortable, affect the appearance of the nail, and may become more difficult to manage if left untreated.

What Does a Fungal Nail Infection Look Like?

Common signs can include:

• Yellow, white, or brown discolouration
• Thickened toenails
• Brittle or crumbly nail texture
• Debris collecting underneath the nail
• Changes in nail shape
• Rough or uneven nail surfaces
• Partial or complete separation of the nail from the nail bed

It is important to remember that not every thickened or discoloured nail is caused by fungus.

Trauma, psoriasis, and other nail conditions can sometimes look very similar, so a professional assessment can help identify the likely cause before treatment is started.

How Is a Fungal Nail Infection Treated?

Treatment will depend on:

• The appearance of the nail
• How many nails are affected
• The severity of the infection
• Your general health
• Any medication you are taking
• Previous treatments you may have tried

Your podiatrist will assess your nails and discuss the treatment options considered most appropriate for you.

Nail Reduction and Debridement

Thickened and damaged nail can be carefully reduced and thinned by your podiatrist.

This can help:

• Improve comfort
• Reduce excessive nail thickness
• Improve the appearance of the nail
• Make footwear more comfortable
• Allow topical treatments to reach the affected nail more effectively

Regular nail reduction may form part of an ongoing management plan for some patients.

Topical Antifungal Treatment

Topical antifungal treatments are applied directly to the affected nail.

These treatments usually need to be used consistently over a prolonged period, because toenails grow slowly.

Your podiatrist can advise you on how to use topical treatment correctly and what results you can realistically expect.

Prescription Treatment

For some patients, oral antifungal medication may be considered.

This would normally need to be discussed with your GP or another appropriate healthcare professional, because oral antifungal medicines are not suitable for everyone and may require medical assessment or monitoring.

How Long Does Treatment Take?

Treating fungal toenails requires patience and consistency.

Toenails grow slowly, so even when the fungal infection has been successfully treated, it may take several months for healthier nail to grow through.

The overall treatment time varies from person to person depending on:

• How much of the nail is affected
• How quickly the nail grows
• How consistently treatment is used
• Whether one or several nails are affected
• Your overall health

Your podiatrist can monitor your progress and advise whether any changes to the treatment plan are needed.

Can Fungal Nail Infections Come Back?

Yes. Even after successful treatment, fungal nail infections can return.

Your podiatrist can provide practical advice to help reduce the risk of reinfection.

This may include:

• Keeping your feet clean and dry
• Changing socks regularly
• Allowing shoes to dry thoroughly between use
• Avoiding sharing nail clippers or foot-care tools
• Avoiding sharing towels or footwear
• Looking after the skin between the toes
• Monitoring your nails for early changes

Good foot hygiene can form an important part of preventing future infection.

Is Treatment Suitable for Everyone?

Before recommending treatment, your podiatrist will consider:

• Your general health
• Medical history
• Current medications
• The condition of your nails
• Other possible causes of nail changes

This is particularly important because some treatment options may not be appropriate for everyone.

When Should I Have My Nails Checked?

A professional assessment may be helpful if you notice:

• Persistent nail discolouration
• Thickened toenails
• Brittle or crumbly nails
• Changes in nail shape
• Nail discomfort
• Debris underneath the nail
• Changes that are not improving
• Nail problems that keep returning

At The Dene Podiatry, we can assess your nails, discuss whether a fungal infection is the likely cause, and explain the treatment and management options available to you.