Fungal Nail Infection: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment

Are you suffering from some less-than-perfect looking nails? Are you too embarrassed to wear those gorgeous sandals you picked up in the sales?

A fungal nail infection usually occurs in toenails, but it’s also possible to get it in your fingernails too. If you’re worried about this condition and you want to get it cleared up as fast as possible so you can get your feet in those sandals again, read on to discover how to sort out those tricky little condition.

What is a Fungal Nail Infection?

A fungal infection in the toe nail (or finger nail) is called onychomycosis. If you’re experiencing fungal nail infection symptoms such as -

• Brittle, discoloured nails
• Ragged nails
• Nails that crumble
• A distorted nail shape

You are probably suffering from a fungal nail infection.

What Causes Fungal Nail Infection?

A fungal nail infection occurs when too much fungi is able to grow under your nail, in it, or on it. Fungi really love warm, cosy, moist environments, so if you like to wrap your feet up in slightly-wet socks after a full-on workout at the gym, and then stuff them into your favourite trainers to really get toasty, you might not be doing your feet the best of favours.

How to Get Rid of Fungal Nail Infection</h2>

No one feels great about having a fungal nail infection, so it’s wise to deal with it as soon as you’ve discovered that’s what’s making your nails looks so unappealing. Fortunately, there are numerous fungal nail infection treatment options available to you. They include -

1. An anti-fungal nail cream that your GP will be able to prescribe you

2. An over-the-counter treatment for fungal nail infection such as Once Weekly Fungal Nail Treatment by SchollMed

3. An oral anti-fungal treatment

4. Laser treatment for fungal nail infection

Laser Treatment for Fungal Nail Infection

If you’ve tried various medication for your fungal nail infection and you aren’t seeing any improvement, then you may want to consider laser treatment. At Este, we use the Alma laser and ClearChoice machine to deliver a two-pronged approach to fighting fungal nail infections.

This treatment uses a 1064nm Q-switched laser that heats up the bed of the nail to destroy the yeast that’s causing the nail infection. The second laser uses light to target the fungal infection. This light is absorbed by the yeast and turns into heat, which then works to further clear up the infection.  

Laser treatment for fungal nail infection is an effective method of tackling a condition that is often incredibly difficult to get rid of. You’ll need multiple treatments, but there is zero downtime with this procedure and you’ll experience minimal discomfort. The best bit of all though is that you should see an improvement in your nail after the first treatment.

Is Fungal Nail Infection Contagious?

Unfortunately, yes, fungal nail infections are contagious and that is why they are so common. It is estimated that around one in four people will be suffering from a fungal nail infection at any given time. They are hard to treat and easy to pick up, which makes them a tricky customer when it comes to treatment options. You are more likely to get a fungal nail infection if you -

• Don’t keep your feet dry
• Walk barefoot in communal areas such as gyms, changing rooms, and shared showers
• Wear shoes or trainers that make your feet very hot and clammy
• Have managed to damage your nails

The Next Step

There’s no need to suffer in silence when it comes to a fungal nail infection. At Este, we’re used to treating this condition and have seen great results with our Alma laser and ClearChoice machine.

If you’re fed up of getting nowhere with topical or oral medication, get in touch with us today and find out how we can help you. With treatment clinics all over the UK, we’re confident we’ll be able to help give your feet a new lease of life and get them looking their best again.