Book a fungal nail appointment ↓
Fungal nails are common, and they are not always curable. Sometimes we aim to clear the infection. Other times the best plan is to manage it: keep the nails comfortable, stop it spreading and look after the health of your feet overall. We will talk through your options honestly and help you choose what suits you.
What is a fungal nail infection?
Onychomycosis is the medical name for a fungal nail infection. It is usually caused by fungi called dermatophytes, and it becomes more common as we get older. It can occur alongside athlete’s foot.
- Nails become thick, crumbly or brittle
- They change shape or lift off the nail bed
- They lose their shine and turn white, yellow, orange or brown
- Debris builds up under the nail
Your options
There is no single best treatment. We look at how severe the nails are, what bothers you most, and whether you want to try for a cure or keep things under control. Many people combine two or more of these.
1. Conservative nail care
Regular thinning and nail care, monitoring and prevention advice. It keeps thick nails comfortable and under control.
2. Topical treatments
Lamisil spray and amorolfine lacquer, alongside regular thinning of the nail.
3. Lunula laser
A non-invasive, painless laser that targets the fungus without medication.
4. Tablets
Terbinafine or itraconazole, prescribed by your GP. We can help with nail samples and liaise with your GP.
5. Cosmetic Pedique
A natural-looking restoration that covers a damaged nail while a healthy one grows out.
Always: prevention
Whichever route you choose, we look at your feet as a whole to reduce the chance of the infection returning.
Conservative nail care
Regular trimming and thinning by a podiatrist keeps thick nails comfortable, helps your shoes fit and reduces pressure and pain. It does not cure the infection, but it keeps it under control. We also monitor the nails over time, give advice on preventing reinfection and can take a nail sample if we need to confirm that it is a fungal infection.
Topical treatments
Antifungal treatments applied to the nail can help, especially when the nail has first been thinned down so that the treatment reaches the infection. We can recommend Lamisil spray or amorolfine lacquer, depending on your nails, and advise how to use them. Topical treatment works best alongside regular thinning of the nail.
Lunula laser therapy
Lunula uses specific light wavelengths to disrupt fungal growth without harming healthy tissue. It is non-invasive, painless and needs no medication. We see a success rate of around 60%, and our January 2024 survey found 64% of patients were happy with the healthy growth of the nail and would recommend the treatment to others.
- Consultation. We discuss your case and make sure Lunula is right for you.
- Treatment. Weekly for at least 4 weeks. We provide for you to come in weekly or as needed, depending on the severity, for the one fixed price, over a 6-month period of treatment.
- Monitoring. Nails grow about a millimetre a month, so we review every 2–3 months as the healthy nail grows out.
Patient W: before and after 6 laser treatments
Cost
| Initial consultation | £80 |
| Lunula treatment: one foot or hand (6-month plan) | £270 |
| Lunula treatment: both feet or hands | £540 |
| Lunula treatment: both big toes | £450 |
| Follow-up appointment | £35 |
We advise follow-ups every 2–3 months as the nail grows out. With that commitment, we will provide additional Lunula top-ups at no extra charge. Prices are subject to change without notice, and payment is due in full at the start of treatment.
Tablets (oral medication)
For more severe or stubborn infections, your GP can prescribe antifungal tablets such as terbinafine or itraconazole. We do not prescribe these ourselves, but we can help: we can take a nail sample to confirm the infection, liaise with your GP, and carry on with nail care, monitoring and prevention while you take the course.
Cosmetic option: Pedique nail restoration
You can improve how a nail looks while it is being treated, or afterwards if it stays damaged. We apply a specialised gel to the nail, mould and bond it for a realistic shape, then cover it with nail polish in the colour you want.
- Immediate result. A normal-looking nail straight away.
- Temporary. It lasts 3–6 months while your healthy nail grows.
- Versatile. Useful even when the infection has gone but the nail remains damaged.
Pedique is not suitable during active laser treatment, but it is a good option once the nail starts growing out. More about Pedique
Pedique restoration
Preventing fungal infection
Not sure what is best for your nails?
Come and talk it through. Contact our practice manager on 01923 856 235.