Fungal Nails

Fungal nail infections can be embarrassing, unsightly and impact on your self-esteem as well as your quality of life. They can also be painful, odorous and you can pass the infection on to others.


Time to get them treated!

Fungal Nail Diagnostic Test

We now offer The Dermatophyte Test Strip (DTS) - or the 'Five Minute Fungal Nail Test' - which is a new technology, transforming the way we can diagnose dermatophyte nail infections. The kit rapidly and accurately allows us to identify a fungal nail infection.


Are you struggling with a fungal nail infection and want a clear diagnosis and effective treatment plan? Get in touch to chat through your options.




5-Minute Fungus Test - £45

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Treatments

Here at Plymouth Podiatry we have several treatment options which may be available to you following an initial consultation to assess your suitability.

Burring

 The most basic of all the treatments involves burring back of the damaged nail in order to expose the infected nail bed and allow topical treatments to be applied by you.

Clearanail


This treatment involves the painless drilling of tiny holes into the nail plate so that topical anti-fungal preparations can penetrate to the site of infection.

By safely removing the nail under local anaesthetic we can either use a chemical to stop the nail regrowing or try to remove all nail fungi from the nail to allow a new healthy nail to grow back.

Oral Antifungal Tablets

 Obtainable from your GP oral anti fungal tablets can be a suitable option for some people - dependant on the results of a liver function test.

Clearanail


Clearanail is a treatment available from Podiatrists which involves the painless drilling of tiny holes into the nail plate so that topical anti-fungal preparations can penetrate the nail to the infection site.

  • How Does it Work?

    Clearanail allows topical treatents to access the most active portion of fungal infection at the nail bed. Many over the counter topical antifungal solutions often fail to provide significant improvement as they are unable to penetrate the nail. 


    The micro-holes drilled into the nail plate act as capilaries for antifungal solutions. This solution is then able to spread across the nail bed killing the infection. The fungal infection is prevented from spreading further and allows a new healthy nail to grow through.


    As with any fungal nail treatment there is no quick fix, the infection only clears as fast as the nail grows, and this can take up to 18 months.

  • Does Clearanail hurt?

    No.  Clearanail is a painless treatment.   


    For this treatment we use a specialised drill which can detect precisely when it breaks through the nail. The drill peice moves very slowly and retracts as soon as it detects that it has drilled through the nail.  It is very rare for patients to feel anything at all.  

  • What does Clearanail involve?

    • A thorough initial assessment is required prior to commencing treatment – this is to enable your Podiatrist to examine the nail and your suitability for the treatment. 
    • Advice is given regarding foot hygiene, and how to prevent future recurrence.
    • A photo is taken of the nail, so that progress can be monitored.
    • The nail is thoroughly cleansed.
    • Micro-holes are drilled across the infected portion of nail using the Clearanail drill.
    • Dust collected from the holes is tested in clinic to identify which treatment should be applied. 
    • Appropriate topical anti fungal treatment is applied in clinic.
    • You are given the anti fungal treatment to apply at home 3 times a week.
    • Review appointments are booked in 8 and 16 weeks, where further holes will be drilled if necessary. 

  • How much is Clearanail?

    Clearanail Fungal Nail Treatment (involve 3 treatments at 8 weekly intervals) - start from £400

FAQs

  • What is a Fungal Nail Infection?

    Fungal infections of the nail are normally caused by one particular fungus called Trichophyton Rubrum. Fungus is naturally present within the flora of our skin and it is normally controlled by a very weak acid secreted by our sweat glands. However, the fungus will overwhelm these natural defences when conditions on the skin are right. 


    In these circumstances the fungus proliferates and develops into a fungal infection of the skin: athlete’s foot.  Around 30% of the population will develop athletes foot and it is this fungal infection that spreads into toenails. 


    Research suggests that approximately 25% of the adult population under 60 years of age will have a fungal nail infection increasing to 50% of adults over 60 years of age.

  • What causes fungal nail infections

    Fungal nail infections develop when fungal skin infections remain untreated allowing the infection to spread into the nail at sites of micro trauma.


    You are more likely to get a fungal infection if your feet are particularly dry or if they remain damp for long periods of tme.

  • What are the Symptoms of a Fungal Nail?

    Symptoms of a fungal nail include:


    • Crumbly nail texture
    • A thickened nail plate
    • Discoloration - yellow/brown/dark/white
    • White patches on the nail plate
    • Lifting of the nail
    • A build up of debris beneath the nail
    • A mouldy odour 

  • Will the Infection Clear up Without Treatment?

    In short, no.  


    Fungal nail infections thrive between the underside of the nail and the nail bed (an ideal warm, moist area).  


    The infection if left untreated can spread to your other nails. 

Make an Appointment

Contact Us

For further information on the services we offer or to book your appointment today please call, alternatively you can email the clinic any time of the day.


Please be aware that we ask our patients to give a minimum of 24 hours notice if you would like to cancel or change an appointment, otherwise a cancelation charge will be incurred.