Fungal Treatments
Fungal skin and nail conditions can be frustrating and difficult to manage on your own. At Skin Soles, we offer a wide range of evidence-based management options for fungal foot conditions, including Athlete's foot and fungal nail infections. Because every condition is different, we take a tailored, combination therapy approach combining clinical modalities, targeted advice, and ongoing maintenance to help restore the health and appearance of your feet.
Effective treatments
Our Approach to Fungal Care
Fungal foot conditions vary significantly in how they respond to treatment. Fungal skin infections usually respond well to prompt care and targeted topicals, whereas fungal nail infections can be stubborn, meaning there is rarely a single "magic bullet" solution. Effective management requires an accurate diagnosis, realistic expectations, and consistent care.
Fungal Skin Infections (Tinea pedis)
Athlete's foot, or Tinea pedis, is a common fungal infection affecting the skin of the feet, often causing itching, redness, scaling, or peeling between the toes or on the soles. Because skin presentations can involve mixed aetiology where fungal infections coexist alongside or mimic other dermatological conditions like eczema or psoriasis an accurate clinical assessment is essential. While fungal skin conditions generally respond well to targeted topical care, ongoing skin maintenance and good footwear hygiene are key to clearing the infection and preventing recurrence or spread to the nails.
Fungal Nail Infections (Onychomycosis)
Fungal nail infections (onychomycosis) develop when fungi penetrate the nail plate, often following untreated athlete's foot or minor nail trauma. Symptoms include thickening, discolouration, brittleness, and structural changes to the nail.
Because complete nail regrowth takes time, successful management requires an accurate diagnosis and a consistent, multi-faceted approach. Where appropriate, we perform mycology sampling (nail clippings/scrapings) to confirm the presence of fungal pathogens before starting treatment. Depending on the type and severity of the infection, your care plan may combine topical therapies, conservative reduction, and advanced clinical modalities. Where oral anti-fungal medication is indicated, we work directly with your GP to request and coordinate prescriptions, ensuring a safe, fully integrated treatment plan.
Available Treatments
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Five-Minute Fungus Test
Discover rapid and reliable diagnosis with our Five-Minute Fungus Test at Skin Soles Skin and Foot Health Clinic. Our dermatophyte test swiftly identifies the presence of a fungal toenail infection, providing a convenient and efficient diagnostic solution.
Key features of our Five-Minute Fungus Test:
- Rapid and reliable results within five minutes
- Eliminates the need to send nail samples to a lab
- Detects the presence of all common dermatophytes
If a fungal infection is confirmed, our combined treatment approach offers an all-encompassing package designed to address the entire environment, minimizing the risk of recurrence and promoting overall foot and nail health.
Experience the convenience and effectiveness of our Five-Minute Fungus Test and take the first step toward optimal foot and nail care.
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Nail Debridement
Our pain-free debridement treatment involves the removal of infected nail material, aiming to enhance the effectiveness of other treatment methods. Recommended to be repeated every 2 months until nail regrowth is observed or a change in the treatment plan is necessary, debridement is often combined with other therapies to more effectively manage fungal nail infections.
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ToeFX
ToeFX is designed for the treatment of onychomycosis and is a non-invasive and painless approach that has gained attention as a potential alternative to traditional antifungal medications or oral therapies.
The ToeFX system consists of ClearToe Light Therapy using photo disinfection therapy. ToeFX's own clinical studies have shown a 76% success with no side effects. ClearToe therapy consists of two products: the ClearToe Serum and the ClearToe Therapy Light. The serum contains a non-toxic formulation with a blue dye molecule that targets fungal microorganisms. It is easily absorbed and applied with a single-use pen. After application, the feet are exposed to the Red LED therapy light for 15 minutes to complete the treatment. The therapy light triggers a reaction that disrupts the fungal cell membrane, effectively killing the fungal cells.
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Q-switched Nd:YAG Laser Treatment
The Q-switched Nd:YAG laser utilizes high-energy light to target and destroy diseased cells when focused on a specific skin condition without causing harm to the surrounding tissue. The energy from the laser is absorbed by the fungal cells, leading to their destruction, which can aid in clearing the infection.
The Q-switched mode of the Nd:YAG laser produces two wavelengths, including one in the infrared range (1064 nm) and a second beam of 532 nm wavelength. During the treatment, the affected nails are often thinned or debrided to facilitate better penetration of the laser energy. The Q-switched Nd:YAG laser delivers short, high-energy pulses of light, generating heat within the fungal cells. This process effectively disrupts their structure and function, potentially leading to the eradication of the fungal infection within the nail.
It's important to note that while the Q-switched Nd:YAG laser treatment holds promise for onychomycosis, the effectiveness of the procedure may vary from person to person. Multiple treatment sessions may be necessary to achieve the desired outcomes. Additionally, individuals considering this treatment will have a thorough consultation to evaluate their eligibility and discuss potential risks and benefits.
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Nail Fenestration
The Lacuna Method offers a distinct approach to addressing fungal nail infections by creating tiny micro holes in the nail. This technique aims to facilitate the penetration of active ingredients deeper into the nail bed, targeting the areas where they are needed most.
By creating these micro holes, the Lacuna Method enhances the delivery of treatment components, optimizing their effectiveness in combating the fungal infection. As with many fungal nail treatments, this method may require repeat visits to achieve the desired results.Individuals considering this treatment will have a thorough consultation to determine the suitability of the Lacuna Method for addressing onychomycosis. Expert guidance can provide valuable insights into the benefits, considerations, and potential outcomes associated with this treatment approach.
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Swift Microwave Therapy
Swift Microwave Therapy is an emerging, non-invasive technology that targets fungal infections deep beneath the nail plate.
While widely known for its high success with verrucas, its use for fungal nails is an evolving area of podiatric care. We use Swift primarily as part of a combination treatment plan to give your nail the best chance of clear, healthy regrowth.
How Swift Works
Unlike topical lacquers that struggle to penetrate the nail plate, Swift offers a targeted option:
- Deep Penetration: A single-use tip delivers focused microwave energy directly through the nail to the infected nail bed.
- Targeted Heat: The energy rapidly heats water molecules within the affected tissue, helping disrupt and break down the fungal structure.
- Immune Response: The brief thermal stimulus helps alert your body's natural immune response to assist in clearing the infection.
What to Expect
- Preparation & Treatment: Sessions take around 30 minutes. Your podiatrist will thin down the infected nail first to allow the energy to travel effectively.
- The Sensation: You will feel a brief, sharp warming sensation lasting just a few seconds per pulse. No numbing or dressings are needed.
- The Course: A standard plan involves 3 sessions spaced 2 to 4 weeks apart, combined with tailored home care or topical therapies.
- Zero Downtime: There are no open wounds or skin damage, so you can put your shoes back on and return to your day immediately.
Realistic Timeline (12 to 18 Months)
Toenails grow very slowly (around 1 to 2mm a month), so patience is essential. It typically takes 12 to 18 months for a great toenail to completely grow out from base to tip.
While Swift works during your appointments to disrupt the active infection, visual progress takes time. You will gradually see a healthy, clear nail emerge from the base, slowly replacing the damaged area over the course of a year or more.
Because clinical research for Swift on fungal nails is still evolving, honest expectations and a supportive combination care plan are key to achieving the best outcome.