Fungal Nail Treatment
A considered approach to discoloured, thickened or damaged nails, starting with an assessment of the cause.
What Is A Fungal Nail Infection?
Fungal infection can affect the nail and the skin beneath it, causing thickening, discolouration or crumbling. Other nail conditions can look similar, so we assess your nails first and discuss testing or referral where appropriate.
The Treatment, Step By Step
- Reduce The Thickness: We carefully file down thickened, affected nail to make it easier to manage and prepare it for topical treatment.
- Create Tiny Channels: Where suitable, we make very small holes through the nail plate, known as nail fenestration. These provide a route for antifungal treatment towards the affected area beneath the nail. We do not drill into the living nail bed.
- Apply Antifungal Lacquer: You can purchase the lacquer from us. We explain how to apply it, prepare the nail and follow the product’s recommended schedule.
- Review Nail Growth: Follow-up care allows us to manage thickness and monitor progress as the nail grows.
What Does It Feel Like?
The procedure is generally comfortable and should not involve sharp pain. Tell us if you feel discomfort so we can stop or adjust treatment. We check suitability first, particularly if you have reduced sensation, diabetes or circulation concerns.
What Results Should I Expect?
Damaged nail does not instantly become clear. With successful treatment, healthier nail gradually grows from the base while the affected portion grows out. Toenails grow slowly, so treatment and monitoring take months. Results vary and some infections need a different treatment or GP review.
Helping Prevent It Coming Back
- Keep feet clean and dry, including between the toes.
- Change socks daily and after sweaty activity; wash them according to their care instructions.
- Rotate shoes and allow them to dry thoroughly between wears.
- Ask us about cleaning footwear and suitable antifungal shoe products.
- Address athlete’s foot promptly and avoid sharing nail tools, socks or footwear.
We discuss a practical shoe, sock and nail-care routine at your appointment.
Further Information
British Association Of Dermatologists: Fungal Nail Infections
Research On Nail Fenestration And Antifungal Penetration — laboratory research explains the delivery principle; it does not guarantee clinical clearance.
Clear pricing for your care.
| Appointment or treatment | Fee |
|---|---|
| New patient appointment | £50 |
| Return appointment | £45 |
| Antifungal nail lacquer | £20 |
Lacquer is purchased separately from the appointment fee. An appointment plus a lacquer purchase totals £70 for a new patient or £65 for a returning patient.
Take the next step.
Let’s look after your feet.
Personal podiatry care in the heart of Bolton.