Fungal nail treatment in Narre Warren
Fungal nail treatment (toenail fungus) at The Fresh Foot Centre uses 40% urea to soften the infected nail so Fiona can remove it, which helps antifungal treatment reach the nail bed. Keryflex, from $270 for up to 3 nails, can restore how the nail looks. The first step is an initial consultation from $100.
- First visit
- from $100
- Then
- 1 to 2 visits from $90
- Treatment
- 40% urea, in house
- Keryflex
- from $270, 3 nails
- Referral
- Not needed
What a fungal nail infection is
A fungal nail infection (onychomycosis) makes the nail thick, discoloured, crumbly or lifted away from the nail bed. It is common later in life: 14 to 28 percent of people aged 60 or over have it, as reported in the background of a 2013 randomised trial (Lahfa et al.). Topical antifungals used on their own have low cure rates, partly because they cannot get through a thick infected nail.
How the 40% urea treatment works
Urea at 40% is a keratolytic: it softens the infected nail so Fiona can remove the diseased part. Applied under a covering, it can lift away infected nail without surgery, which helps antifungal treatment reach the nail bed (Lahfa et al., randomised trial, 2013). A 2019 systematic review in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research found the evidence for urea used alone is still unclear.
Antifungal tablets taken by mouth are prescribed by a doctor, so talk to your GP about them.
Keryflex nail restoration
Keryflex is a flexible medical grade resin that Fiona bonds to the prepared nail and sets with UV light, giving a natural looking nail. It is cosmetic, and the manufacturer states it is not a treatment for nail fungus. At least about 15 percent of your natural nail has to remain, because the resin does not bond to skin. An application usually lasts 6 to 8 weeks. File a Keryflex nail rather than cutting it with clippers. Keryflex is from $270 and covers up to 3 nails. More about Keryflex.
Who should check first
Keryflex is not suitable for people with peripheral neuropathy or peripheral vascular disease unless the podiatrist advises it. People with diabetes, poor circulation or reduced feeling in the feet should see a podiatrist early for any nail or skin problem. Diabetic foot care.
Questions about fungal nails
Is Keryflex a cure for nail fungus?
No. The manufacturer states that Keryflex is cosmetic and is not a treatment for nail fungus.
Is laser used for fungal nails at the clinic?
No. Low level light therapy (LLLT) at the clinic is used for tendinopathy, bursitis and inflammation in the feet, not for fungal nails.
How much does fungal nail treatment cost?
The first visit is an initial consultation from $100. A typical course then needs 1 to 2 standard consultations from $90, followed by home care.
How much is Keryflex?
Keryflex nail restoration is from $270 and covers up to 3 nails.