Fungal nail infections
The medical term for fungal infection of the nails is onychomycosis. This is primarily caused by microscopic fungi called dermatophytes, but also candida and various yeast infections. In 90 per cent of cases the dermatophyte ‘Tricophytum Rubrum’ is responsible for the infection of the nails. The active infection feeds on the keratin in the nail tissues and burrows under the skin in the nail bed. The dermatophytes produce waste products, which build up under the nail, causing the familiar, yellow, white and brown discolouration, which is reflected through the nail plate.
Fungal nail infections can be very stubborn to get rid of, the problem being that the nail presents a barrier, which topical treatments cannot penetrate to get to the underlying infection. If you have tried one of the many anti fungal topical agents available from the chemist and had no success, then you are not alone. Oral prescription medication, such as Terbinafine, is best avoided as it can have side effects and prolonged use can have toxic effects on the liver. Even though oral antifungal medications attack the infection from inside of the body, there is still a high reoccurrence rate.
There are much safer ways of treating fungal nail infections, including laser treatments and also a technique known as ‘the Lacuna Method,‘ which allows access to the nail bed by drilling tiny holes in the nail plate. This process is known as ‘fenestration’. Although the idea of having holes drilled in your nails will not be very appealing, it is entirely painless as the nail has no nerve supply. Once the holes are made it is then possible to place an antifungal agent through the nail to get at the infection.
It is then necessary to make new holes in the nail at regular intervals as the nail grows out, whilst applying the anti fungal treatment on a daily basis. The treatment is still not a quick fix, as the nail does take time to grow out and clear, however it is a tried and tested method that will achieve the ultimate of objective of clearing the infection.
Pricing
£50 – £200
(Depending on the number of nails treated)
