What is the best fungal nail treatment?

What is a fungal nail infection?

Fungal nails are fingernails or toenails that have been infected with a fungus.

Over time, the nails become thickened, discoloured, and brittle.

They usually turn white, yellow or brown. And they become prone to splitting, breaking, and crumbling, leaving the skin underneath them open to infection.

On the feet, the condition typically affects the nail on the big toe, but the other nails can also be infected.

What causes fungal nail infections?

Fungal nail infections are caused by contagious fungi, which infect the nail by entering through tiny cracks in the surface.

The most common cause of fungal nail infections are dermatophytes. These fungi also cause athlete’s foot: a contagious skin infection which, if left untreated, can spread to the toenails.

Like all fungi, dermatophytes thrive in warm, damp conditions. For example, you’ll be more at risk if you wear non-breathable footwear that makes your feet sweat. And if you don’t dry your feet properly after bathing or showering.

There’s also a risk of contagious infection if your skin makes contact with infected surfaces. This can happen if you walk barefoot in shared spaces, like communal showers or swimming pool changing rooms.

Will a fungal infection clear up on its own?

No. Fungal infections, like athlete’s foot and fungal nails, usually only get worse without treatment. In the most severe cases, the infected toenail may need to be permanently removed.

The best thing to do is seek treatment at the first sign of athlete’s foot or when you first notice changes in your nails.

What are the risk factors for getting a fungal nail infection?

You’re more likely to get a fungal nail infection if you:

• Have untreated athlete’s foot
• Don’t wash your socks regularly
• Wear footwear that makes your feet warm and sweaty
• Walk barefoot in communal showers and changing areas
• Share towels or other items that have touched the feet of an infected person.

When should you see your GP?

You should see your GP if you have a fungal nail infection and:

• You have diabetes
• You have a compromised immune system
• The infection is severe and is spreading
• The treatments you’ve tried haven’t worked.

How are fungal nail infections usually treated?

There are a few ways to treat a fungal nail infection.

Most people start by visiting their pharmacist for an over-the-counter antifungal treatment. Typically, these are applied directly to the infected nails, either daily or weekly, over 6-12 months.

If the over-the-counter treatment doesn’t work, your GP can prescribe antifungal tablets. This treatment can take up to six months, but it’s not suitable for everyone and it has some unpleasant side effects.

What is the best fungal nail treatment?

If you’re looking for the best fungal nail treatment, Hatt Clinic’s podiatrists recommend Clearanail.

Why is Clearanail the best fungal nail treatment?

We believe Clearnail is the best treatment for a fungal nail infection because:

• It’s non-invasive and pain-free
• There are no nasty side-effects
• It only needs two sessions of in-clinic treatment
• It’s around 80% effective in clearing mild to moderate infections.

What is Clearanail?

Clearanail is an advanced antifungal treatment, which is dispensed by a podiatrist in a foot clinic.

How does Clearanail work?

The treatment starts with in-clinic session, which involves micro-drilling the infected nail with tiny holes. You’ll then be given an antifungal spray to apply.

The holes allow the spray to penetrate deep into the nail, where it will be most effective.

How long does Clearanail treatment take?

The treatment comprises two 30-minute micro-drilling appointments and three 15-minute follow-up appointments over a period of 32 weeks.

In practice, that looks like this:

• First in-clinic micro-drilling treatment (30 mins)
• Eight-week interval
• Second in-clinic micro-drilling treatment (30 mins)
• Eight-week interval
• First follow-up appointment (15 mins)
• Eight-week interval
• Second follow-up appointment (15 mins)
• Eight-week interval
• Final follow-up appointment (15 mins)

What if the Clearanail treatment doesn’t work?

Clearanail works best on mild to moderate fungal nail infections.

If the infection is more advanced, your podiatrist may recommend Clearanail is used alongside a course of antifungal tablets prescribed by your GP.

Book a podiatry appointment at Hatt Clinic

If you have a fungal nail infection — or you have athlete’s foot and you’re worried it might spread to your toenails — it’s best to get the treatment you need straight away.

You can book an appointment with a podiatrist at all three of our clinics, in Devizes, Frome and Marlborough.

If you have athletes foot or a fungal nail infection, but feel too embarrassed to see a podiatrist, this article should give you the reassurance to book an appointment and get the treatment you need.

To book an appointment online, visit our online booking page and select initial chiropody/podiatry from the menu.

Alternatively, you can email us at: enquiries@hattclinic.co.uk

Or call your nearest clinic:

Devizes: 01380 730473

Frome: 01672 516580

Marlborough: 01373 452604