Fungal nail infections
Fungal nail infections are unsightly, they can be smelly and also painful when you wear closed-in shoes.
For the best chance to fix this troublesome condition you need the right advice to get your nails back to their most beautiful again.
Fungal nail infections damage your toenails
A fungal nail infection (onychomycosis) is an infection within the nail that causes it to gradually break down.
It often starts subtly, a small area of discolouration, but over time, the nail can become:
- Thickened
- Yellow, white or brown
- Brittle or crumbly
- Distorted in shape
For some people, this causes pain in shoes or during activity. For others, it’s the appearance of the nail that becomes the biggest concern.
Fungal nail infections are not usually dangerous in otherwise healthy people, but they don’t improve on their own and tend to worsen over time.
Certain medical conditions can increase your risk of fungal nail infections, as can certain environmental conditions and trauma.
The podiatrists at Complete Podiatry will review your nail problem and can test your nail in the clinic to confirm you have a fungal infection. Once we clarify the cause of your nail problems, we can offer you the right treatment options.
Why fungal nails are hard to treat.
Fungal nails are frustrating because the infection sits under the nail, not just on the surface.
By the time you notice changes:
- The fungus is already established
- The nail has thickened
- Treatments struggle to penetrate deeply enough
This is why many people:
- Try multiple over-the-counter products
- See little or no improvement
- Feel stuck with the problem
There is no single quick fix. Anything promising fast results is usually oversimplifying the problem.
Effective treatment depends on:
- How severe the infection is
- How long you have had the infection
- How many nails are involved
- Your overall health
- How consistent the treatment is over time
A clear, evidence-based approach to fungal nails
At Complete Podiatry, we focus on treatments that give you the best chance of long-term improvement.
Your treatment plan may include:
Nail reduction and care - Reducing the thickness of the nail helps:
- Improve comfort
- Reduce fungal load
- Allow treatments to work more effectively
Topical antifungal treatments - Useful in mild to moderate cases, particularly when combined with regular nail care.
Oral antifungal medication - Often the most effective option for more established infections (when appropriate), working from within the nail as it grows.
Prevention and long-term management - We help reduce the risk of recurrence through practical advice on footwear, skin care and hygiene.
What about laser treatment?
You may have seen laser treatments advertised for fungal nails.
While they are marketed as a simple solution, results are inconsistent, and in our experience, they do not reliably deliver the outcomes most people are hoping for.
We prioritise treatments that are proven, practical and effective.
What to expect
Fungal nail treatment takes time:
- Improvement is gradual
- Nails grow slowly
- Full regrowth can take 9–12 months or more
We guide you through this process so you know exactly what to expect.
Book your fungal nail assessment
If your toenails are changing, thickening or discoloured, the earlier you address it, the easier it is to manage.
Book an assessment with our team and get a clear plan tailored to you.