We treat many types of nail problems, but the three most common are:
Ingrown toenails
An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge or corner of the toenail grows into the skin, causing pain, swelling, redness, and sometimes infection. It most often affects the big toe, but it can happen to any toe. Common causes include:
- Genetics
- Broad Nail Plate
- Incorrect toenail cutting technique
- Trauma
- Tight-fitting shoes
- Excessive sweating
- Poor foot hygiene
What treatments are available?
Nail bracing: to retrain excessive curvature of the nail, this is similar to bracing teeth using the same wire type, it clips under each side of the nail to correct the curvature, an excellent solution to retrain the nail and for people who cannot have surgery eg. some diabetics or clients with poor blood supply to the extremities.
Nail surgery: reshaping of nails under local anaesthetic for permanent correction of chronic ingrowing nails. No cutting of skin or suturing is required, patients are completely mobile and back to normal activity within two days.
Thick and misshapen toenails
These are difficult to cut with ordinary nail clippers. Our podiatrists have specialised tools to make this process quick and pain-free. Common causes include:
- Trauma
- Aging
- Family history
- Fungal nails
- Poor blood flow to the feet
- Psoriasis
Fungal toenails
Fungal toe nails are common and can affect one or multiple toe nails. The infection is caused by fungi, most often dermatophytes, but sometimes yeasts or moulds. It usually starts as a small white or yellow spot under the tip of the nail and can spread deeper, leading to thick, discolored, and brittle nails. Common causes include:
- Walking barefoot in damp communal areas (showers, pools, gyms)
- Sweaty feet or poor foot hygiene
- Wearing tight or non-breathable shoes
- Previous nail trauma
- Pre-existing athlete’s foot
- Medical conditions: diabetes, poor circulation, weakened immune system, older age
| Fungal Symptoms | Description |
|---|---|
| Discoloration | Yellow, white, brown, or green nail |
| Thickened nail | Becomes difficult to trim |
| Brittle or crumbly | May break or split easily |
| Distorted shape | Curved or misshapen |
| Debris under nail | Buildup of keratin or dead skin |
| Separation from nail bed (onycholysis) | Nail lifts off the toe |
| Odor | Mild to strong foul smell (in some cases) |
What treatments are available?
PACT light treatment for fungal nails: This is a non-invasive light therapy which uses red or near-infrared, combined with a photosensitizing agent to destroy bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens. It is used as an adjunct therapy often in combination with an antifungal nail lacquer. The process includes:
- Filing or thinningg the toe nail
- Photosensitizing gel is applied to the infected toe nail
- A red light (usually LED) is used to activate the gel.
- The fungus is destroyed over multiple sessions