The most common infection to occur in the toenails is caused by fungal organisms. This can result in the nail becoming thickened, discoloured and unsightly.
Nail Infections
Fungal nail infections are most commonly caused by the dermatophyte fungi that naturally love on our skin. When trauma to the nail occurs ie. damage and pressure from footwear, the fungi can invade under the nail plate. This commonly affects the big toes, however all nails are vulnerable.
LACUNA METHOD
The Lacuna Method is a treatment for fungal nails which involves drilling multiple micro holes through the nail plate. This allows an anti-fungal solution to be transported to the area of infection.
Review appointments are recommended on average every 6 weeks. Depending on the extent of nail infection, treatment can take up to 12 months to clear the nail and nail bed of infection. This treatment requires daily, quick applications of anti-fungal spray by the patient at home.
FIVE MINUTE FUNGUS TEST
Traditionally a fungal nail infection could only be confirmed by sending nail clippings to a lab for culture, usually via your GP. This lengthy process can now be avoided with the use of a simple fungal nail test strip that can be carried out while you wait in our clinic here at Ashtead Podiatry.
“Being a podiatrist myself I am very, very fussy with whom I let treat my feet. With Emma, you can be sure you are putting your feet in a skilled, gentle pair of hands.”
