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Fungal Nail Treatments 

Fungal nail test

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£48

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​You will be required to have an initial consultation before this treatment option. The fungal nail test may be done as part of your initial consultation but will be an additional cost to the consultation/new patient charge.

The Dermatophyte Test Strip (DTS) works by a process known as immune-chromotography, similar to that used in a pregnancy test. 

The DTS contains a monoclonal antibody (mAb) that specifically reacts with a polysaccharide that is present in the cell wall of dermatophytes (Dermatophytes are fungal spores). When an infected nail sample is added to the buffer solution the polysaccharide is released and picked up by the DTS. The fungal polysaccharide, if present, is absorbed into the test strip and then interacts with the mAb present in the strip. A pink line occurs in the test strip to confirm the test has worked whilst the appearance of a purple-brown line below it confirms the presence of dermatophytes in the sample.

 

Although this sounds like a simple test there is skill required by the podiatrist to collect the correct sample and amount of the nail sample to ensure an accurate result. This test is to only be performed by qualified health care professionals such as Podiatrists and Dermatologists. 

The DTS has been shown to have an accuracy of 97% - meaning you can be confident that the test will give results.

A full written report of clinical findings will be issued with each fungal nail test. This can support with further treatment options, such as if you need evidence to provide to your GP.

Clearanail for Fungal nails

 

30 min session £95 (includes a bottle of Lamisil spray)

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What is Clearanail?

Clearanail is a method used for a fungal nail treatment involving the drilling of very small holes in the nail plate to aid the penetration of antifungal solutions to the infection at the nail bed.

 

How does it work?

It is now understood that the active part of the fungal nail infection is actually on the nail bed (the skin beneath the nail) and not the nail itself. The nail plate acts as a barrier between the application of antifungal solutions purchased over the counter accessing this active portion of the infection.

Small holes drilled into the nail plate allow the antifungal solution to access the nail bed, therefore the active portion of infection. The pressure from footwear on the nail helps redistribute the treatment under the surface of the nail. This stops the fungus spreading and encourages the healthy nail to grow out, along with the holes. As with any antifungal treatment, this takes time, as the infection will clear only as fast as your toenails grow, which can take up to 18 months.

 

Who can benefit from the clearanail method?

People with a mild-moderate fungal nail infection - infection that doesn't reach past the cuticle, as antifungal solutions cannot access this portion of the nail.

Symptoms of a fungal nail infection include:

  • Nail thickening

  • Nail discolouration - usually either white/dark/yellow

  • Brittle nail texture

  • Build up of debris under the nail

  • White patches on the nail plate

  • Lifting of the nail

 

What does the clearanail Method involve?

Step 1

As with any nails that are suspecting of fungal spores all patients are required to have a fungal nail test to confirm the presence of infection before Clearanail treatment.

 

Step 2

A thorough assessment is required. A thorough examination of the nails, advice will be given regarding how to prevent future reinfection.

 

Step 3

A photo will be taken of the nail so progress can be monitored.

 

Step 4

The nail is cleaned and prepared.

 

Step 5

Micro holes are drilled into the nail plate around the infected portion of nail. This may feel like a hair being plucked.

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Step 6

Home care advice is given on what is required in between appointments.

 

Step 7

The nail will be reviewed around 6-8 weeks later, further holes are drilled if necessary. This will continue until the infection has cleared.

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If your podiatrist deems that the treatment is not effective for you, other methods of treatment will be discussed. Other fungal nail treatment options include:

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