Fungal Nail Infection

Onychomycosis is a stubborn fungal nail infection that can damage both the nail plate and the nail bed, causing thickening, discoloration and in some cases when untreated - complete nail dystrophy.

Due to the location of the infection, the nail bed itself can be damaged and treatments that focus on the surface of the nail are often inefficient. Thus it is important to treat fungal infections early on to prevent permanent structural changes to the nail.

Treatment

Depending on the stage of the nail infection treatments and their effectivity vary. Please consult with an experienced podiatrist to determine this and the best treatment path.

Treatment options:

Over the counter antifungal solutions

(low to medium effectivity when used on thickened nails. This can be boosted with podiatric treatment and reduction of nail plate)

Laser treatment

(effectivity varies depending on the stage of fungal growth)

Oral antifungal medications

High rate of effectivity, however, associated with the risk of liver damage.

Regardless of which treatment methodology one chooses, nail infections can take 6 to 12 months to clear up. The most common mistake in treatment is stopping treatment too soon before the infected nail has grown out, meaning the infection spreads right back in.