Fungal Nail (Onychomycosis) Treatment
Fungal nail infections are extremely common and can be stubborn to treat without professional help. At Footsteps Treatment Clinic in Tamworth, we offer effective, evidence-based treatments to restore the health and appearance of your nails, including medical-grade solutions, laser therapy, and ongoing care advice.
What Is a Fungal Nail Infection?
A fungal nail infection (onychomycosis) occurs when fungi infect the toenail, usually entering through small cracks or lifting of the nail.
It can affect one or multiple nails and typically causes:
- Thickened or brittle nails
- Yellow, brown or white discolouration
- Crumbling or flaky edges
- Nail lifting or distortion
- Odour or debris under the nail
- Difficulty trimming or discomfort when wearing shoes
Fungal nails do not usually clear on their own and tend to worsen without treatment.
What Causes Fungal Nails?
Common contributing factors include:
- Athlete’s foot (fungal skin infection)
- Hot, humid or sweaty environments
- Wearing shoes without socks
- Shared changing rooms or swimming pools
- Reduced circulation
- Nail trauma
- Diabetes or weakened immunity
How We Diagnose Fungal Nails
At our Tamworth clinic, diagnosis includes:
- Clinical examination of the nail
- Assessment of foot hygiene and skin health
- Discussion of your symptoms and medical history
- Optional laboratory testing (if confirmation is required)
Accurate diagnosis helps ensure the most appropriate treatment plan.
Treatments We Offer
We provide a comprehensive range of fungal nail treatments based on how advanced the infection is.
1. Medical Debridement (Nail Reduction)
We carefully trim, thin and remove infected nail material to:
- Reduce thickness
- Improve comfort
- Allow treatments to penetrate more effectively
- Improve cosmetic appearance
Often used alongside other therapies.
2. Laser Therapy for Fungal Nails
At Footsteps we use advanced laser systems (including Podylas and MLS) that target fungal cells without damaging surrounding tissue.
Benefits include:
- Non-invasive, painless treatment
- No downtime
- Kills fungus under the nail
- Helps stimulate clearer nail growth
- Often faster results compared to topical-only treatments
Laser therapy is ideal for mild to moderate infections or for patients who cannot use oral antifungal medication.
3. Topical Antifungal Treatments
We recommend high-quality, clinically effective topical medications that penetrate deeply into the nail.
We advise on correct application and provide ongoing review to track improvement.
4. Oral Antifungal Medication
In stubborn, severe or multiple-nail infections, we may recommend seeing your GP for prescription tablets if appropriate.
5. Foot Hygiene & Prevention Advice
We teach you how to prevent reinfection, including:
- Footwear sanitising
- Sock and shoe management
- Reducing moisture and sweat
- Treating athlete’s foot if present
- Routine nail care
Preventing reinfection is just as important as treating the nail.
How Long Does Treatment Take?
Because toenails grow slowly, treatment typically requires:
- 3–12 months depending on severity
- Regular appointments for nail care
- Consistent home treatment
Clear results take time, but with the right plan, fungal nails can be effectively managed and improved.
Why Choose Footsteps Treatment Clinic?
- HCPC-registered, experienced clinicians
- Advanced laser therapy for fungal nails
- Safe and effective treatments
- Modern, comfortable clinic in central Tamworth
- Tailored treatment plans
- Clear, honest guidance on what to expect
Patients Testimonials