Preparing Fungal Toenails for Treatment

Let's talk about something more common than you might think, and you're definitely not alone in dealing with fungal toenails. This condition, also known as onychomycosis, is an infection that affects your toenails, making them look and feel different.

• Discolouration: Your nails might turn various colours, such as white, yellow, brown, or even black.
• Thickening: The nail often becomes much thicker than usual.
• Brittleness: Infected nails can become brittle and crumble easily.
• Odd Shapes: The nail might start to look misshapen or distorted.
• Separation: Sometimes, the nail can lift away from the nail bed.
• Smell: There might be a slight, unpleasant smell.

Fungal toenail infections are typically caused by:

• Fungi: Dermatophytes are the most common culprits and love warm, moist environments.
• Yeasts and Molds: These can also cause infections, especially if your immune system is weakened or you have other health issues.

Some factors can make you more likely to get a fungal toenail infection:

• Age: Older adults are more at risk.
• Sweaty Feet: If your feet sweat a lot, it creates a perfect environment for fungi.
• Tight Shoes: Wearing shoes that don't breathe well can trap moisture and heat.
• Foot Hygiene: Not keeping your feet clean and dry can increase your risk.
• Health Issues: Conditions like diabetes or poor circulation can make you more susceptible.

Here are some tips to help prevent fungal toenail infections:

• Dry Feet: Keep your feet and nails dry, especially between your toes.
• Good Footwear: Wear shoes that allow your feet to breathe and socks that wick moisture away.
• Foot Hygiene: Regularly wash and dry your feet, and keep your nails trimmed and clean.
• Avoid Contaminated Surfaces: avoid walking barefoot in public places like pools and locker rooms.

Treating a fungal toenail infection is important to prevent pain, further nail damage, and secondary infections. Plus, healthy nails feel and look better!

Remember, taking care of your feet is an essential part of your overall health. If you notice any changes in your nails, it's a good idea to get them checked out and remember, you're not alone in this journey!

If you're gearing up for a visit with Bespoke Feet to prepare a fungal toenail for treatment, here's an overview of what to expect. This will help you feel more at ease and ensure you know exactly what's happening every step of the way.

1. Initial Chat and Check-Up

• Health History: the practitioner will start by chatting with you about your medical history, previous fungal infections, treatments you've tried, and current medications.
• Nail Examination: The practitioner will examine your toenails closely to determine the severity of the fungal infection and check for any other foot health issues.

2. Cleaning Up

• Foot Cleaning: Your feet will be cleaned with an antiseptic solution to remove dirt and reduce the risk of spreading the infection.
• Tool Disinfection: All tools and instruments are sterilised to ensure everything is clean and safe.

3. Nail Trimming and Filing

• Trim Time: the practitioner will carefully trim your toenails straight across to remove as much of the infected nail as possible without causing discomfort.
• Smooth and Thin: Then, gently file the surface of the infected nail to thin it out. This helps the antifungal treatment work better if the patient chooses to treat the affected toenails afterwards.

4. Debridement

• Clearing Debris: Any loose or thickened nail material will be carefully removed. This process, called debridement, is essential for reducing the fungal load and making the treatment more effective.

1. Applying Treatment

• Topical Meds: The patient is then advised to speak with a pharmacist for fungal topical medication treatment, which the patient needs to apply according to the pharmacist’s instructions. The pharmacist will provide detailed instructions on how to apply the medication, potential side effects, and how to monitor the progress of the treatment.
• Oral Medication Discussion: If the infection is severe and the topical medication is not effective, the patient will be then advised to seek the GPs advice

2. Foot Care Tips and Prevention

• Healthy Foot Care: You’ll get advice on how to keep your feet clean and dry, why it’s essential to change socks regularly, and tips for wearing breathable shoes to avoid reinfection.
• Follow-Up Plan: The practitioner will outline a follow-up plan, including how and when to return for a re-evaluation.

Wrapping Up

Bespoke Feet is there to help you every step of the way. Regular follow-ups and adhering to your treatment plan are key to eliminating the fungal infection and keeping your nails healthy.

* Preparation of fungal toenails for treatment: Some fungal toenails take around 9-12 months to heal, so it is very important to be patient. Some might need specialised treatment, such as from a podiatrist.

Bespoke Feet is there to help you every step of the way. Regular follow-ups and adhering to your treatment plan are key to eliminating the fungal infection and keeping your nails healthy.

* Preparation of fungal toenails for treatment: Some fungal toenails take around 9-12 months to heal, so it is very important to be patient. Some might need specialised treatment, such as from a podiatrist.