Clearer, healthier nails start with the right diagnosis.
Fungal nail infections are common and can cause thick, discoloured, brittle or painful nails. At The Podiatry Clinic in Harborne, we provide one-stop assessment, diagnosis and personalised treatment plans, from topical care and laser therapy to GP medication support or nail surgery only where needed.
What is it?
A fungal nail infection, also called onychomycosis, happens when fungi infect the nail plate or nail bed.
What does it look like?
Common signs include thick, brittle, crumbly, yellow, white or brown nails that may lift from the nail bed.
Can it be treated?
Yes. Treatment depends on severity and may include topical care, laser therapy, GP medication support or nail surgery only where appropriate.
Find out whether fungus is likely before starting treatment.
Nail changes are not always caused by fungus. Where appropriate, we can use an in-clinic 5-minute fungal nail test to help guide your diagnosis and make sure your treatment plan is based on the right starting point.
A sample can be checked during your appointment where clinically appropriate.
Your result helps guide whether topical care, laser therapy, GP medication support or another route is most suitable.
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What is a fungal nail infection?
Fungal nail infections most commonly affect toenails and can develop gradually over time. The nail can become harder to cut, uncomfortable in footwear, or visibly discoloured.
The nail may become harder, raised or difficult to trim.
Nails may look yellow, white, brown or darker than usual.
The nail can split, crumble or break away at the edges.
The nail may begin to separate from the nail bed underneath.
Thicker nails can create pressure, irritation or discomfort in footwear.
One nail may be affected at first, but fungal infections can spread if untreated.
Why do fungal nail infections happen?
Fungal nail infections can develop when fungi enter the nail through small cracks, damaged nail edges or areas where the nail has lifted. Warm, moist environments can make infection more likely, especially when feet are often enclosed in shoes.
Sweaty footwear, communal changing areas and repeated dampness can increase risk.
Repeated pressure, injury or damage can make it easier for infection to enter the nail.
Changes in the nail structure can create spaces where fungal infection may persist.
Fungal nails can return, so aftercare and prevention advice are important.
Fungal nail treatment is not one-size-fits-all.
We assess the nail first, check whether fungal infection is likely and then guide you towards the most suitable route. For many patients, treatment starts with topical care or laser therapy. GP medication support and nail surgery are only considered where the nail or infection needs a different approach.
Topical antifungal treatments
Topical options such as Amorolfine or Emtrix may be suitable for mild to moderate fungal nail infections. These are applied directly to the nail and work best when the right case is selected from the start.
Class IV laser therapy
Class IV laser therapy can be used as part of a combined fungal nail plan. It is non-invasive and may be used alongside topical treatment where appropriate.
GP medication support
For more severe or resistant infections, oral antifungal medication may be considered. We can assess the nail and provide a formal recommendation letter to your GP if this route may be indicated.
Nail surgery for severe cases
Surgery is not the default option. It is only recommended where appropriate, such as severe thickening, recurrent infection, painful nails or distorted nail shape.
Book a fungal nail assessment in Harborne.
Get your nail assessed, understand whether fungus is likely and leave with a clear plan covering the most suitable treatment options.
Fungal nail treatment questions, answered.
Straight answers to the questions patients often ask before booking a fungal nail appointment, from diagnosis and causes to treatment options, recovery time and prevention.
Book an assessment and your podiatrist will explain what is happening, whether fungus is present and which treatment route suits you.
Book nowCommon signs include thickened, brittle, crumbly or discoloured nails. The nail may also lift from the nail bed or feel uncomfortable in shoes. A podiatry assessment and, where appropriate, an in-clinic fungal nail test can help confirm the diagnosis.
Fungal nail infections happen when fungi infect the nail plate or nail bed. They are more likely when the nail has been damaged, the feet are often in warm moist environments, or infection has previously affected the skin or nails.
Some very mild changes may improve, but established fungal nail infections often persist without the right treatment. Getting the nail checked helps confirm whether it is fungal and which treatment route is most suitable.
The best treatment depends on the nail. Mild cases may suit topical antifungal treatment, while thicker or more persistent infections may need laser therapy or GP medication support. Nail surgery is only considered where appropriate, such as severe thickening, pain, recurrent infection or distorted nail shape.
Yes. Class IV laser therapy may be used as part of a combined treatment plan for fungal nails. It is non-invasive and can be used alongside topical treatment where appropriate.
Not always. Oral medication is usually considered for more severe or resistant fungal nail infections. If it may be indicated, we can provide a clinical assessment and recommendation letter to your GP for safe prescribing.
Treatment time varies depending on severity and the treatment used. Toenails grow slowly and can take several months to grow out fully, so improvement is usually gradual rather than instant.
Yes, recurrence is possible. Proper diagnosis, the right treatment plan and clear aftercare advice are important for reducing the chance of the infection returning.
Not usually. Nail surgery is only considered where appropriate, such as severe thickening, recurrent infection, painful nails or distorted nail shape. Many patients are better suited to topical treatment, laser therapy or GP medication support.
Book an assessment and your podiatrist will explain what is happening, whether fungus is present and which treatment route suits you.
Book nowBook your fungal nail appointment today.
Visit The Podiatry Clinic in Harborne for clear diagnosis, personalised treatment and practical aftercare advice.