Fungal Nail Treatment in Malvern
Fungal nail infections can cause toenails to become thick, discoloured, brittle or distorted. Although fungal nails are often viewed as a cosmetic concern, they can also cause discomfort, make nail cutting difficult and increase pressure inside footwear.
Heeling Your Soles provides professional fungal nail care during home visits throughout Malvern and the surrounding area.
What Are the Symptoms of a Fungal Nail Infection?
Common symptoms include:
- Yellow, brown or white discolouration
- Thickened toenails
- Brittle, split or crumbling nails
- An irregular or distorted nail shape
- Debris beneath the nail
- Separation of the nail from the nail bed
- Discomfort when wearing shoes
- Difficulty cutting the affected nail
Fungal nail infections may affect one or several toenails and can occur alongside athlete’s foot.
What Causes Fungal Toenails?
The fungi responsible for many nail infections thrive in warm, moist environments such as socks and enclosed footwear.
Infection may spread from the surrounding skin or through contact with contaminated surfaces. Risk can be increased by:
- Athlete’s foot
- Swimming pools and communal changing areas
- Persistently damp footwear
- Nail trauma
- Increasing age
- Diabetes
- Reduced circulation
- Smoking
- A weakened immune system
How Can Professional Foot Care Help?
Treatment may include:
- Assessment of the affected nail
- Safe reduction of excessive nail thickness
- Removal of loose or damaged nail material
- Advice on suitable topical treatments
- Guidance on foot and footwear hygiene
- Monitoring the growth of the new nail
- Identification of symptoms requiring medical review
Reducing the thickness of the affected nail can relieve pressure and may help topical antifungal products reach the nail more effectively.
How Long Does Fungal Nail Treatment Take?
Toenails grow slowly, and growth becomes slower with age. Even when treatment is successful, it can take many months for a new, healthy nail to replace the infected nail.
Regular care and consistent use of the recommended treatment are usually required. Improvement should be judged by the appearance of healthy new nail growth rather than an immediate change to the damaged part of the nail.
Are Antifungal Medicines Available?
Topical antifungal products may be suitable for some infections. Oral antifungal medication may also be prescribed by a GP in appropriate cases.
Oral medicines are not suitable for everyone and may cause side effects or interact with other medication. Medical advice should therefore be sought before using them.
Can Fungal Nails Spread?
Fungal infection can spread to other toenails or to the surrounding skin. Treating athlete’s foot, keeping footwear dry and following good foot hygiene can help reduce reinfection.
Treatments
Professional mobile foot care treatments in Malvern, delivered in the comfort of your own home.
