FUNGAL NAILS
Discoloured, thickened or crumbly toenails you'd rather hide?
Fungal nail infections (onychomycosis) are very common, especially when feet spend long hours in warm, damp footwear. Our podiatrists assess the infection and treat it with Class 4 laser, our first-choice treatment for fungal nails.
COMMON SYMPTOMS
Does any of this sound familiar?
Fungal nail infections develop slowly and often start at the edge of one nail. Common signs include:
- Yellow, brown, or white discolouration of one or more toenails
- Nails becoming unusually thick, difficult to cut, or misshapen
- Brittle, crumbly, or ragged nail edges
- Debris accumulating beneath the nail plate
- A dull ache or pressure under the nail when wearing shoes
- Spread of discolouration across multiple toenails over time
Fungal nail infections rarely clear on their own without active treatment.
Class 4 laser targets the fungus through the nail, without the need for tablets.
POSSIBLE CAUSES
What causes fungal nail infections?
Fungi thrive in warm, damp environments. Several factors increase the likelihood of infection:
Ireland's damp climate
Humidity and warmth create ideal conditions for dermatophyte fungi to proliferate.
Untreated athlete's foot
Fungal skin infections between the toes can easily spread into the adjacent nail beds.
Communal wet areas
Walking barefoot around swimming pools, gym locker rooms, or hotel showers.
Nail micro-trauma
Repeated stubbing or tight footwear creates microscopic openings for fungi to enter.
WHEN TO SEEK ASSESSMENT
When should you consider getting fungal nails checked?
Consider arranging an assessment if:
- Over-the-counter lacquers have made no noticeable difference
- Nails are too thick or tough to trim with standard clippers
- The infection is spreading to adjacent toenails
- You have diabetes or compromised circulation
- You want a professional clinical debridement and targeted plan
YOUR APPOINTMENT
What happens when you come to see us?
We assess the nail health, reduce thickness clinically, and advise on effective solutions
We assess
Your podiatrist checks the depth, pattern, and extent of the nail discolouration.
We thin the nail
Painless burring reduces thickness so the laser can work effectively.
We check the skin
We examine the surrounding skin for concurrent athlete's foot.
We treat & plan
Class 4 laser treatment, plus a clear plan and footwear hygiene advice.
Before and after Class 4 laser fungal nail treatment at Achilles Foot Clinic. Individual results vary.
OUR PREFERRED TREATMENT
Class 4 laser fungal nail treatment
Class 4 laser is our first-choice treatment for fungal nails. The laser passes through the nail to target the fungus underneath, without damaging the surrounding skin. Treatment is done in clinic, with no tablets and no daily paints.
Why we recommend it
- Targeted — It goes straight to the infection under the nail.
- No tablets — Avoids the side effects of oral antifungals.
- Comfortable — Most patients feel only warmth.
- Better results together — Combined with nail thinning and simple home care.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Treatment depends on what we find
Fungal nail management requires consistency. Possible approaches include:
Not every treatment is appropriate for every patient. Your podiatrist will discuss suitable options after assessment.
- Class 4 Laser Fungal Nail Treatment
- Clinical nail debridement & thinning
- Targeted topical antifungal regimens
- Concurrent athlete's foot skin treatment
- Footwear hygiene & shoe sanitisation advice
- Routine podiatry maintenance visits
FREE INFORMATION PACK
Free Fungal Nails Information Pack
Practical, plain-English advice from our podiatrists you can start using at home today. Download your free guide in seconds.
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FAQ
Fungal nail FAQs
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Book online at a time that suits you, or request a callback if you're unsure which appointment is right for you.