Fungal Nails

Fungal Nail Infections

Fungal nail infections are one of the most common foot conditions we treat at Sydney Podiatry Co. They affect people of all ages and are more common than most patients realise — largely because they develop slowly and are easy to dismiss in the early stages as simply a discoloured or thickened nail.

What Causes Fungal Nail Infections?

Fungal organisms thrive in warm, moist environments. Common sources of infection include:

• Sweaty socks and enclosed footwear worn for long periods
• Communal areas such as swimming pools, gym showers and change rooms
• Nail salons using inadequately sterilised equipment
• Prolonged use of nail polish, which traps moisture beneath the nail
• Minor nail trauma creating an entry point for fungal spores
• Direct contact with an infected person or surface

Fungal nail infections can also develop as a secondary complication of tinea pedis (athlete's foot), where the fungus spreads from the skin to the nail.

How Do I Know If I Have a Fungal Nail?

Fungal nail infections can cause:

• Discolouration — yellow, brown or white patches in or under the nail
• Thickening of the nail
• Crumbling, splitting or cracking at the nail edge
• Lifting of the nail away from the nail bed
• An unpleasant odour in more advanced cases
• Occasional pain or discomfort, particularly in footwear

Because several other nail conditions including nail trauma, psoriasis and certain skin conditions — can look similar to a fungal infection, professional diagnosis is important before starting treatment. If there is any uncertainty, our podiatrists can send nail clippings for pathological examination to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment Options

Treatment for fungal nail infections requires patience — because the nail must grow out, even a successful treatment takes time to show full results. Starting treatment early and getting the right plan from the beginning saves significant time, frustration and expense.

At Sydney Podiatry Co our podiatrists will assess the severity and duration of your infection and recommend the most appropriate treatment approach, which may include:

• Topical antifungal therapy — medicated nail lacquers or solutions applied directly to the affected nail, most effective for mild to moderate infections caught early
• Oral antifungal medication — prescribed in conjunction with your GP for more severe or resistant infections, offering systemic treatment through the bloodstream
• Nail debridement — regular reduction and thinning of the infected nail by your podiatrist to improve the penetration of topical treatments and relieve discomfort
• KeryFlex nail restoration — once the infection is under control, KeryFlex can restore the cosmetic appearance of damaged nails while the healthy nail regrows beneath
• Footwear and hygiene advice — reducing the environmental factors that allow fungal infections to persist or recur

Can I Prevent Fungal Nail Infections?

Reducing your risk involves a few simple habits:

• Keep feet clean and thoroughly dry, particularly between the toes
• Change socks daily and rotate footwear to allow shoes to dry fully between wears
• Wear thongs or sandals in communal wet areas
• Avoid sharing towels, nail clippers or footwear
• Ensure nail salons use properly sterilised instruments
• Treat tinea pedis promptly before it spreads to the nails
• Allow nails to breathe periodically by going polish-free

Fungal Nail Treatment in Balgowlah and the Northern Beaches

Sydney Podiatry Co is located at Shop 1, 398 Sydney Road, Balgowlah, with street frontage and easy parking. We see patients from across the Northern Beaches, including:

• Manly
• Seaforth
• Mosman
• Cremorne
• Brookvale
• Dee Why
• Freshwater
• Narrabeen

Book Online — or call us on (02) 9949 3327