December 2024

Are Fungal Nails and Verrucas Linked?

Key Differences:

• Fungal Nails: Caused by a fungal infection (often from the same fungus that causes athlete’s foot).
• Verrucas: Viral growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV).

Common Myths:

• Verruca Foot Fungus: Verrucas are not a type of fungus. They are viral and cannot be treated with antifungal medications.
• Verruca Under Toenail or Nail: It’s rare for a verruca to appear under a nail, but when it does, it’s a separate issue from fungal nails.
• Are Verrucas Fungal? No, verrucas and fungal infections are unrelated

However both are linked to immune systems and your body’s ability to fight infections.

Signs of Fungal Nail Infections

1. Thickened or Brittle Nails
   The nail may crumble or break easily.
   
2. Discoloured Nails
   Fungal nails often appear yellow, brown, or white.
   
3. Distorted Shape
   The nail may grow unevenly or lift from the nail bed.
   
4. Unpleasant Odour
   A foul smell is common with advanced infections.
5. Pain or Discomfort
   Severe cases can make wearing shoes or walking uncomfortable.

Home Remedies for Fungal Nails

While home treatments can help manage symptoms, they are rarely as effective as professional care.

1. Antifungal Creams and Sprays
   Over-the-counter options can help but are often slow to work. This can take over 9 months for any meaningful results.
   
2. Soaking Feet in Vinegar or Tea Tree Oil
   These remedies are said to kill fungus, but results are not clinical. Fungus is not really affected by these issues and to do this over a long term, often spreads the fungus to the other feel or other family members.
   
3. Keep Feet Clean and Dry
   Fungus thrives in damp environments, so hygiene is crucial. This really helps if you do not wear socks
   
4. Can You Scrape Out Toenail Fungus?
   Scraping the nail can remove visible fungus but won’t eliminate the infection entirely. It can help to spread it.
   
5. What Kills Toenail Fungus Instantly?
   There’s no “instant” cure, but professional treatments like are far more effective.

10 Reasons to See a Podiatrist for Fungal Nails

1. Accurate Diagnosis
   A podiatrist can confirm whether it’s a fungal infection or another nail issue.
   
2. Professional Treatment Options
   
   • Laser Therapy: Can kills fungus without damaging the nail. This does however need multiple treatments over time.
   • Medical-Grade Antifungal Creams: Stronger than over-the-counter alternatives.
   • Nail Debridement: Removes thickened or infected nail layers.
   • Medical Grade Fungal Sprays – treatments that help soak into the nail to fight the fungus from growing.
3. Faster Results
   Podiatrists use multiple methods to deliver quicker, more effective outcomes. Each is based on the patients needs.
   
4. Preventing Spread
   Professional care ensures the infection doesn’t spread to other nails or people.
   
5. Safe for All Ages
   Podiatrists can provide gentle treatments suitable for children and adults.
   
6. Customised Care
   Tailored treatments address the severity and type of infection.
   
7. Minimised Pain
   Podiatry treatments are designed to be as comfortable as possible.
   
8. Reduced Risk of Recurrence
   Podiatrists offer advice and treatments to prevent reinfection.
   
9. Linked Issues Addressed
   Athlete’s foot, a common cause of fungal nails, can also be treated.
   
10. Long-Term Nail Health
    Professional care restores nails to a healthy, natural appearance.

What Happens If You Ignore Fungal Nails?

Untreated fungal nails can lead to:

• Infection Spread: The fungus can affect other nails or areas of the foot.
• Pain and Discomfort: Thickened nails may press into the skin, causing pain.
• Difficulty Walking: Severe infections can make wearing shoes uncomfortable.
• Infection Risk: Broken or damaged nails can become entry points for bacteria.

Athlete’s Foot and Fungal Nails

Athlete’s foot is a common cause of fungal nails. Left untreated, the fungal infection can spread from the skin to the nails, making treatment more complex.

Why Bucks Foot Clinic Is the Best Choice

Expert Podiatrists
Our team has years of experience treating fungal nails and related conditions.

Advanced Technology
We offer state-of-the-art treatments, including laser therapy and medical-grade antifungal solutions.

High Success Rates
Our patients report excellent results, with healthier nails and reduced recurrence rates.

The Best Treatment Centre in South Bucks
Located in Amersham, Chesham, and Little Chalfont, Bucks Foot Clinic is known for exceptional care and personalised treatment plans.

10 Ways to Prevent Fungal Nails

1. Keep Feet Dry and Clean
   Dry your feet thoroughly after washing, especially between the toes.
   
2. Avoid Walking Barefoot in Public Areas
   Wear flip-flops in communal showers, pools, and gyms.
   
3. Use Antifungal Powder or Spray
   Apply to feet and shoes regularly to kill fungal spores.
   
4. Change Socks Daily
   Fresh socks help reduce moisture and bacteria build-up.
   
5. Wear Breathable Shoes
   Choose footwear made from materials that allow air circulation.
   
6. Disinfect Shoes
   Regularly clean and spray shoes with antifungal treatments.
   
7. Don’t Share Nail Tools
   Sharing clippers or files can spread infections.
   
8. Trim Nails Properly
   Cut nails straight across and avoid cutting them too short.
   
9. Moisturise Your Feet
   Dry, cracked skin is more vulnerable to fungal infections.
10. Treat Athlete’s Foot Promptly
    Prevent the fungus from spreading to your nails.

Why Wait? Get Expert Care Today!

If you’re struggling with fungal nails, don’t wait. Bucks Foot Clinic in Amersham, Chesham, and Little Chalfont offers expert diagnosis and treatment to restore your nails and keep your feet healthy.

Book your appointment today and step into a pain-free future!

FAQ

Ingrown toenails can sneak up on you, turning a simple step into a painful experience. If the edge of your toenail grows into the skin surrounding it, you may have an ingrown toenail. But what if your toenail hurts and it’s not ingrown? This guide will help you identify the signs, prevent the issue, and seek the best treatment options.

Key Signs You May Have an Ingrown Toenail

1. Tenderness on the Side of Your Toenail
   Does the side of your toenail hurt, but you’re not sure if it’s ingrown? Early irritation or pressure from tight footwear can feel similar to an ingrown toenail, so it’s worth keeping an eye on any discomfort.
2. Pain When Pressing on the Nail
   If your toenail hurts when pressed, this could indicate that the nail is pushing into the sensitive skin beneath it. However, trauma, fungal infections, or bruising might also cause similar pain.
3. Redness and Swelling
   An ingrown toenail often shows itself through inflammation—red, swollen skin around the nail is a classic sign.
4. Pus or Infection
   If pus or fluid is coming from the area, it’s a strong indicator of an infected ingrown toenail. While it might be tempting to try and drain the pus yourself, this can worsen the infection if not done correctly.
   
5. Persistent Pain Without an Obvious Cause
   If your toenail hurts when you press on it but it’s not ingrown, the discomfort might be from tight shoes, an injury, or even a fungal infection. A Podiatrist can determine the root cause.

10 Tips to Prevent Ingrown Toenails

1. Trim Straight Across
   Always cut your nails straight across—never round the corners, as this encourages the nail to grow into the skin.
2. Avoid Cutting Nails Too Short
   Trimming too close to the skin can allow the nail to embed into the surrounding tissue.
3. Wear Comfortable Shoes
   Tight shoes or high heels can compress your toes and push the nail into your skin. Opt for shoes with plenty of room in the toe box.
4. Keep Feet Clean and Dry
   Good hygiene prevents infections and keeps the nail area healthy.
5. Inspect Your Feet Regularly
   Especially important if you have diabetes or circulation problems—catching early signs of trouble can save you a lot of pain.
6. Avoid Picking or Biting Nails
   This can leave jagged edges that dig into the skin and cause irritation.
7. File Rough Edges
   Use a nail file to smooth any sharp or uneven nail edges to prevent them from digging into your skin.
8. Wear Breathable Socks
   Tight or poorly ventilated socks can cause moisture build-up and irritation.
9. Protect Your Toes During Sports
   If you engage in activities that might injure your toes, consider protective footwear to avoid trauma.
10. Moisturise Your Feet
    Keeping the skin soft and supple reduces the chances of the nail piercing the surrounding tissue.

Why See a Podiatrist for Ingrown Toenails?

If your toenail pain persists, even if it doesn’t seem ingrown, a podiatrist can help by offering expert care tailored to your needs.

Accurate Diagnosis
Whether the pain is from an ingrown nail, trauma, or infection, a podiatrist can pinpoint the issue and recommend the best course of action.

Non-Surgical Treatments
In many cases, podiatrists can lift or trim the problematic nail without surgery, easing discomfort and allowing the area to heal naturally. They can also remove part of the nail, preventing you from needing surgery in many cases.

Infection Management
If the area is infected, a podiatrist can safely drain pus and prescribe medication to stop the infection from spreading. They can also help in wound care, so it does not get worse.

Preventing Future Ingrown Nails
Professional advice on nail care and footwear can prevent the condition from returning.

How Bucks Foot Clinic Can Help

Expertise and High Success Rates
At Bucks Foot Clinic, we specialise in treating ingrown toenails with minimally invasive techniques. One of our most successful treatments is the Partial Nail Avulsion (PNA) procedure. 

• What is Partial Nail Avulsion?
  It’s a procedure where the part of the nail is carefully removed while leaving the rest intact. This stops the nail from growing into the skin again. This is a careful surgery where the team in Bucks Foot Clinic have performed this process on a regular basis where they have skilled the process to make it really easy for the patient.
• Why Choose PNA?
  It’s highly effective, minimally painful, and offers long-term relief. Patients treated with Nail Removal at Bucks Foot Clinic often report that their nails look almost perfect after recovery, with minimal scarring or discomfort. You still get the look of a perfect nail, so you can still wear your slippers and sandals.
  

A Personalised Approach
Our experienced podiatrists in Amersham, Chesham, and Little Chalfont are committed to delivering top-quality care, helping you avoid surgery wherever possible.

Temporary DIY Remedies (Proceed with Caution)

While professional care is the best solution, these tips may help manage symptoms in the short term:

1. Warm Salt Soaks
   Soak your feet in warm water with Epsom salts to reduce swelling and ease pain.
   
2. Gently Lift the Nail
   Use clean dental floss or a cotton ball to lift the edge of the nail slightly, but avoid digging into the nail bed. If there is any form of infection, please see us before you try this.
   
3. Avoid Tight Shoes
   Wear open-toed or roomy footwear to reduce pressure on the toe.
4. Don’t Dig Deep
   Avoid trying to dig out an ingrown nail yourself—it’s easy to cause further damage or infection. This can cause more serious issues and we really would like you to get the right help.

Why Wait? Get Expert Care Today!

At Bucks Foot Clinic, we offer trusted and effective treatments for ingrown toenails and other foot conditions. Our team of skilled podiatrists ensures your nails are healthy, pain-free, and looking their best. We are there to make sure you walk pain free, and happy.
Visit us in Amersham, Chesham, or Little Chalfont and take the first step towards happy, healthy feet.

FAQ