Thickened nails and Fungal nail infections can be embarrassing, unsightly and impact on your self-esteem as well as your quality of life. They can also be painful and odorous, and you can pass the infection on to others.

Fungal infection in the nail is normally caused by a fungus called Trichophyton Rubrum. Our skin naturally has fungus on it and it is normally controlled by a very weak acid secreted by our sweat glands. The fungus will overwhelm these natural defences when conditions on the skin are moist and warm. In these circumstances we develop a fungal infection in the skin called “Athlete’s Foot”.

Around 30% of the population develops this condition and it is the fungus that is responsible for this infection that spreads into toe and fingernails.

Fungal nail infection is contagious and if left untreated can spread to other nails. Once the infection is in the nail it can cause the surrounding skin to become infected, this can cause tissue breakdown and a bacterial infection, which can become quite serious.

At Rose Hill Foot Health we use a method of fenestration (sometimes also referred to as the lacuna method) which involves drilling multiple micro holes through the nail plate allowing an antifungal solution to be transported to the area of infection. As the nail is already ‘dead’ the holes remain and will grow out naturally.

Review appointments are recommended on average every 6 weeks.

Thickened toenails can be reduced down using our high-speed water drill which is painless yet effective in improving the appearance and comfort of the nails.