Fungal nail infection, medically known as onychomycosis, is a common condition that can affect both fingernails and toenails, though toenails are more frequently impacted. This stubborn infection occurs when microscopic fungi penetrate the nail bed through tiny cuts or separations between the nail and nail bed. It’s important to understand that early intervention with professional medical nail fungus treatment in Singapore can:
- Prevent permanent nail damage
- Stop the infection from spreading to other nails
- Reduce risk of bacterial complications
- Avoid the need for more aggressive treatments later
- Improve the cosmetic appearance of affected nails
Causes of Fungal Nail Infection (Onychomycosis)
Fungal nail infections develop when microscopic fungi invade through cracks in your nail or surrounding skin. The primary causes include
- Underlying health conditions: Conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or a weakened immune system can increase the risk of infection.
- Nail injuries: Minor skin or nail injuries can provide an entry point for fungi.
- Environmental exposure: Walking barefoot in damp public areas like swimming pools, communal showers, or gyms can increase exposure to fungi.
- Wearing tight and non-breathable shoes: Shoes that cause excessive foot sweating create a warm and moist environment that promotes fungal growth.
Common Symptoms of a Fungal Nail Infection (Onychomycosis)
Paying attention to subtle changes in your nails’ appearance, texture, or smell can help detect the infection before it becomes severe. Here are some signs to watch for that may indicate a fungal nail infection:
- Discoloration: The nail may turn white, black, yellow or green, often one of the first signs of infection.
- Thickening: The nail may become thicker than usual, making it harder to trim and maintain.
- Brittleness: Infected nails often become brittle, crumbling or breaking easily.
- Separation from the Nail Bed: The nail may detach from the underlying skin, creating a gap between the nail and nail bed.
- Foul Odour: A foul smell may develop from the infected nail.
- Redness and Swelling: The skin around the nail may become red, sore, or swollen.
Fungal Nail Infection Treatment Options
- Antifungal Medication
Antifungal nail creams are applied directly to the affected nail. These are often used for milder cases or in combination with oral medication.
- Nail Removal
In severe infections, removing the affected nail may be necessary. This procedure exposes the nail bed, allowing targeted antifungal treatment and promoting the growth of a healthy new nail.
- Treatment by Podiatrist
Personalised debridement and advanced light therapy are used to manage infections, enhance nail health, and prevent the spread of the fungus.
How Can a Podiatrist Help?
At Physio & Sole Clinic, we offer effective nail fungus treatment in Singapore. Our team of podiatrists is trained to diagnose fungal infections as well as recommend and administer different types of toenail fungus management. We offer a conservative approach including advanced, pain-free light therapy.
During your podiatry appointment, our podiatrist will trim and thin the nails to physically remove affected areas of fungi, allowing better penetration of the antifungal gel. It effectively kills fungi while preventing the infection from spreading to neighboring nails. The nail fungus treatment may require 3 months or longer, depending on the severity of the infection.At Physio & Sole Clinic, Photodynamic Antimicrobial Therapy (PACT®), the latest state-of-the-art antifungal light therapy, is available. This painless method has no adverse side effects. It is scientifically proven to be extremely effective in destroying fungal cells, and our clinic has had great success with fungal nail treatment.
How Does Photodynamic Antimicrobial Therapy (PACT®) Work?
Photodynamic Antimicrobial Therapy (PACT®) involves the interaction of light, a photosensitive agent, and oxygen to produce a localised chemical effect. This photochemical reaction induces fungal cell death without affecting surrounding tissue, which means it is a completely safe nail fungus treatment method!
A single PACT session involves the following:
- The podiatrist will confirm diagnosis of nail fungus and check for suitability of Photodynamic Antimicrobial Therapy (PACT®).
- All affected fungal nail areas will be trimmed and filed down with sterile, specialised podiatry instruments.
- A gel is then applied to the nail and left to absorb for 5-10 minutes. This gel stains the fungal cells, making them sensitive to the light emitted by the PACT LED lamp.
- The PACT LED light is subsequently applied to penetrate the nail and destroy fungal cells.
How Is It Different From Going For A Pedicure?
Our Podiatrists are trained medical professionals in managing nail conditions. We use sterilised and specialised medical instruments when removing affected fungal nails. We often attend to patients who developed fungal infection on their nails due to pedicure parlours not sterilising their equipment. We will be able to provide permanent long-term nail fungus treatment solutions.
Our Success Cases in Relieving Fungal Nail Infection
Our patients typically come in after trying various toenail fungus approaches but had no significant improvement. Their fungal problems have plagued them for many years.
20-year-old fungal nail issue after nail fungus treatment
Podiatry Charges
| Podiatry Consultation | $80 – $120 |
| Follow-Up Podiatry Consultations | $50 |
| Nail Treatment | $90-150 |
| Photodynamic Light Therapy (1 Nail) | $80 |
All prices are before GST.
Please note that charges may vary depending on the treatment plan prescribed by your Podiatrist. Our charges are transparent, and rest assured, there are no hidden charges. A podiatry session will last for 30-45 minutes. There are no surcharges if your session exceeds 45 minutes.
For more information on podiatry charges, visit here or get in touch with us here.
Contact us
If you’re suffering from fungal nails and seeking effective nail fungus treatment in Singapore, we offer professional nail fungus treatment at convenient locations across Singapore. Book an appointment here.
Frequently asked questions on Fungal Nail Infection
Fungal infections rarely clear up without treatment. They often require antifungal therapy and diligent foot care to fully resolve. Untreated infections may worsen over time and spread to other nails.
Over-the-counter antifungal products may work for mild infections but are often less effective for severe cases. It’s best to consult a podiatrist, who can assess your infection and recommend a targeted treatment plan.
It’s generally advised to avoid nail polish and artificial nails, as they can trap moisture and worsen the infection. Letting the nail breathe and treating the infection is a better approach.
Professional nail fungus treatment is significantly more effective than home remedies, with medical-grade solutions like PACT® offering 70-85% success rates versus home treatments' limited results. While home remedies may help certain cases, clinical treatments provide deeper penetration, faster results (3-6 months vs 12+ months), and advanced antifungal action that home methods cannot match.
Related Articles:
- Nail Fungus Exposed: What Causes It, How to Spot It & The Fastest Ways to Get Rid of It!
- PACT to the Rescue of Fungal Nails!
- Put Your Best Foot Forward With Our Podiatry Nail Treatments
