Fungal Nail
Fungal nail infections are common and can be slow to improve, so it helps to understand the condition and all your options. This page explains what fungal nail is, what causes it and when to involve your GP or a podiatrist.
Quick answer
Fungal nail infection is a common condition in which a fungus infects the nail, often causing thickening, discolouration and brittleness, most often in the toenails. Options include advice and treatments from a pharmacist, GP or podiatrist, and at Naomi Waite Aesthetics in Lancaster laser treatment may be considered where suitable, following assessment.
What is fungal nail infection?
Fungal nail infection, sometimes called onychomycosis, happens when a fungus gets into the nail. It most often affects the toenails, although fingernails can be affected too. It usually starts at the edge of the nail and can gradually spread. Fungal nail infections are common, and they can take a long time to improve because nails grow slowly.
An affected nail may become discoloured (often white, yellow, green, brown or black), thickened, brittle or crumbly, and it can lift away from the nail bed. Without treatment, the infection can gradually affect more of the nail or spread to other nails. It is not usually serious, but it can be uncomfortable, make shoes feel tight and affect how confident people feel about their feet or hands.
Other conditions, such as psoriasis or damage from an injury, can cause similar nail changes, so it is important to know what you are treating. A pharmacist, GP or podiatrist can help confirm whether an infection is present, which also helps you choose a suitable route, whether that is a pharmacy treatment, medical care, clinic treatment or a combination. If you have diabetes, circulation problems or a weakened immune system, speak to your GP or podiatrist before seeking any cosmetic treatment.
What causes fungal nail infection?
Fungal nail infections are caused by fungi that thrive in warm, damp places. They often develop when athlete's foot, a fungal skin infection, spreads to the nails. These fungi can be picked up from floors, shoes and shared towels, especially in communal areas.
You may be more likely to develop a fungal nail infection if you:
Keeping feet clean and dry, changing socks regularly, not sharing towels or nail clippers and treating athlete's foot promptly can all help lower the risk of infection or reinfection. Wearing flip-flops in communal showers, choosing breathable footwear and replacing old shoes are also sensible steps.
- Wear shoes that make your feet hot and sweaty
- Walk barefoot in communal showers, changing rooms or swimming pool areas
- Have had athlete's foot or a previous nail infection
- Have a damaged nail, for example after an injury
- Have diabetes, poor circulation or a weakened immune system
Frequently asked questions
Fungal nail infections are caused by fungi that thrive in warm, damp conditions, and they often start when athlete's foot spreads to the nails. Hot, sweaty footwear, walking barefoot in communal areas, nail damage and some health conditions, such as diabetes, can increase the risk.
There is no single best treatment for everyone. A pharmacist, GP or podiatrist can advise on medical options such as antifungal treatments, and at Naomi Waite Aesthetics laser treatment may be considered where your practitioner assesses it as suitable. Sometimes the most sensible plan involves your GP or podiatrist alongside any clinic treatment.
This varies from person to person and depends on how much of the nail is affected and how it responds. Nails grow slowly, so any visible change takes time to show, and your practitioner will explain what to expect at consultation rather than promise a set number of sessions.
Comfort varies between people, and your practitioner will explain what the treatment feels like before you begin. If the nail or surrounding skin is already painful, swollen or broken, let the clinic know, as it may need checking by your GP or podiatrist first.
Your practitioner will explain what to expect after treatment and give you aftercare advice, including how to look after your feet to help reduce the risk of reinfection. How you feel afterwards can vary, so ask any questions at your consultation.
Yes, fungal nail infections can come back, even after treatment. Keeping feet clean and dry, avoiding walking barefoot in communal areas and treating athlete's foot promptly can help reduce the risk of reinfection.
Suitability depends on your nails, your skin and your general health, so it is always decided at consultation. If you have diabetes, poor circulation or a weakened immune system, speak to your GP or podiatrist before any cosmetic treatment on your feet.
Current prices are listed on our prices page. Your practitioner will confirm whether treatment is suitable and what a plan may involve before anything is booked.
At Naomi Waite Aesthetics, fungal nail treatment uses the clinic's Q-switched Nd:YAG laser, offered as an option where your practitioner assesses it as suitable. Laser treatment cannot guarantee that an infection will clear and is not a replacement for medical advice, so your practitioner may suggest involving your GP or podiatrist alongside it.
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