Onychomycosis & Tinea Pedis
Nail & Foot Fungus
Fungal infections of the foot and nail do not heal on their own. With consistent debridement, appropriate therapy and clear hygiene, they can be brought under control.
Background
A problem that affects many people
Nail fungus is one of the most common conditions of the foot. It is usually caused by dermatophytes, fungi that feed on keratin and therefore colonise nails and hard skin. They are transmitted via skin flakes – in swimming pools, changing rooms and hotel rooms, but above all within the household via shared floors and towels.
Very often the condition begins with untreated athlete's foot between the toes, which then spreads to the nails. Conversely, an infected nail is a permanent reservoir of pathogens that repeatedly re-infects the skin. This is why we always treat both together.
Infection is encouraged by diabetes mellitus, circulatory disorders, a weakened immune system, nail injuries, sport in tight footwear and excessive sweating. In diabetes, nail fungus is not merely a cosmetic issue: the thickened, splintering nail plate can cause pressure points and injuries.
Nail fungus
Typical signs on the nail
- Whitish, yellowish or brownish discolouration of the nail plate
- Thickening and loss of shine
- Crumbly, brittle nail substance at the free edge
- Detachment of the nail from the nail bed (onycholysis)
- A feeling of pressure in the shoe, more rarely pain
Athlete's foot
Typical signs on the skin
- Itching and burning, particularly between the third and fourth toes
- Whitish, swollen, flaking or cracked skin
- Dry, moccasin-like scaling on the sole and edge of the foot
- Small blisters with redness
Our approach
Why lacquer alone is rarely enough
An antifungal lacquer needs to penetrate through the entire nail plate to the site of infection at the nail bed. In a thickened, crumbly nail this is barely possible. Podiatric debridement removes precisely this obstacle – only then can local therapy take effect. Studies and clinical guidelines explicitly recommend this combination.
Assessment and differentiation
Not every nail change is a fungal infection. Pressure damage, psoriasis, eczema or a haematoma can look similar. We assess the finding and, where unclear, recommend a medical diagnosis with a nail sample.
Atraumatic debridement
We gently file down the affected, thickened nail substance. This significantly reduces the fungal load, relieves pressure, and is a precondition for any active ingredient to reach the nail bed at all.
Therapy support
We explain the correct use of lacquer, cream or medically prescribed tablets and monitor progress. In cases of severe infection, we liaise with your GP or dermatologist.
PlasmaCare® cold plasma
We also offer modern cold plasma treatment as a complement – painless, free of active-ingredient exposure, and combines well with conventional therapy.
Hygiene and recurrence prevention
Disinfection of shoes and textiles, changing socks at 60 °C, breathable footwear, drying between the toes thoroughly, and a sterile set of instruments per patient.
Patience is part of it
How long does treatment take?
A big toenail grows only about one millimetre per month. It therefore takes nine to eighteen months for it to grow back completely healthy. Visible improvements usually appear much earlier. What matters is not stopping therapy as soon as the nail looks better – that is exactly when the fungus is likely to return. We accompany you with regular check-up appointments throughout the whole process.
Please note: podiatric treatment does not replace a medical diagnosis or drug therapy. In cases of extensive infection, pain, diabetes or a weakened immune system, medical assessment is required.