Fungal toenails, also known as onychomycosis, are one of the most common nail conditions seen by podiatrists. This slow-growing infection can cause the nail to become thickened, discoloured, brittle, or crumbly. It’s caused by fungi that thrive in warm, moist environments such as inside shoes and socks, and is often the same fungus responsible for tinea.
A toenail fungal infection usually begins under the nail and spreads deeper into the nail bed. In some cases, the infection appears as white patches or a powdery surface on the nail. While not dangerous, fungal toenails can become painful, unsightly, and difficult to manage without professional help. We offer practical and safe treatment for fungal toenails, combining clinical care with expert advice to help restore healthy nails.
Benefits of Our Fungal Toenail Treatment
Thick, discoloured nails that don’t respond to pharmacy treatments can be frustrating. We start by confirming the diagnosis, then tailor a fungal toenail plan that combines clinic care and at-home guidance to achieve clear, lasting results.
Benefits of our care include:
- Reduction in nail thickness, discolouration, and brittleness
- Improved appearance and comfort when walking or wearing shoes
- Prevention of infection spreading to other nails or skin
- Enhanced effectiveness of topical antifungal medications
- Professional monitoring to support healthy nail regrowth
We focus not only on improving how your nails look, but on treating the underlying cause to prevent the infection from returning.
What You Need to Know About Fungal Toenails
Who benefits most?
Anyone experiencing nail discolouration, thickening, or flaking can benefit from treatment. Fungal toenails are more common in people who:
- Wear enclosed shoes for long periods
- Walk barefoot in public showers, pools, or gyms
- Have diabetes, circulation problems, or a weakened immune system
- They are older, as nail growth slows and immunity decreases
- Experience repeated nail trauma or poorly fitting shoes
Early treatment offers the best outcome, mainly before the infection spreads to multiple nails.
Symptoms and diagnosis
Common symptoms of a toenail fungal infection include:
- Yellow, white, or brown discolouration under the nail
- Thickened, brittle, or flaky nail texture
- White debris or crumbling material under the nail edge
- A distorted or lifted nail plate
- Mild odour or discomfort when pressure is applied
One of our podiatrists will examine the nail and, if needed, collect a small clipping for lab analysis. Knowing the exact fungus helps choose the most effective treatment.
Fungal toenail treatment
If you’re wondering how to treat a fungal toenail infection, the best results come from combining podiatric care with ongoing home management. We offer several evidence-based options, depending on severity:
- Professional debridement: We gently thin the infected nail to reduce pressure and allow antifungal medications to penetrate deeper.
- Topical antifungal lacquers: Prescription lacquers target fungal growth at the surface and nail bed.
- Oral antifungal medications: In some cases, a doctor may prescribe tablets for more extensive infections.
- Laser treatment: A modern, non-invasive option that targets fungal spores under the nail.
- Foot care education: Guidance on hygiene, footwear, and moisture control to prevent re-infection.
Avoid cutting or filing thick nails at home, as this can worsen the infection or cause injury.
How It Works
- Consultation: We assess your symptoms, nail appearance, and any health factors contributing to infection.
- Diagnosis: If necessary, a sample is sent for lab testing to confirm fungal involvement.
- Treatment plan: A tailored approach using debridement, topical or oral medication, and ongoing care.
- Follow-up: Regular appointments to monitor improvement and adjust your treatment as needed.
- Prevention: Advice on keeping nails dry, clean, and protected to stop the infection from returning.
Treatment duration depends on the extent of infection and nail growth rate; clear, healthy regrowth can take several months.