Skin and Nail Care
Nail Cutting and Skin Management
Simple nail cutting, hard skin and painful corn removal can be easily carried out to make feet comfortable with advice on management. Callus patterns can be indicative of biomechanical or dermalogical issues and these can be discussed and resolutions be put in place.
Thickened, Discoloured Toenails
Is it fungal?
Half of damaged nails are not fungal, the changes are due to trauma to the nail raising the nail plate off the bed or damaging the base of the nail causing thickening growth. In this case fungal nail treatments will not work.
A fungal nail test will save time and money. Visual diagnosis can be inaccurate and long treatment programmes unnecessary and ineffective.
A simple test can be carried out in clinic with a 97% accurate result to confirm fungal nail diagnosis.
Why do I need this test?
- No need to send clippings to a lab which can take 4 weeks.
- Results seen in 5 minutes
- 97% accuracy in results
- Its non invasive as only a small nail clipping is required
- With an immediate diagnosis of fungal nail, treatment can begin straight away
- It is just as important to confirm it is NOT a fungal nail as this will avoid unnecessary treatments which can be expensive, and a waste of time and money as they will not work.
- Knowing for sure it is a fungal nail then treatment results are likely to be more successful.
5 Minute Fungal Test - Dermatophyte Strip Test
Before any fungal nail treatments are carried out in clinic we strongly advise a fungal nail test is carried out to confirm diagnosis. Once a positive test is confirmed treatment options can be discussed.
To book a fungal nail test either contact clinic 07903780066 or via our contact page and request a fungal nail test.
Fungal nail treatment available in clinic
Fungal nail infections can be difficult to treat as the fungus lies underneath the nail plate. Topical creams and paints can be ineffective as they cannot reach through the nail plate to the infection underneath.
By reducing the nail plate then using a topical treatment, the fungus can be treated a lot easier and results have been much more effective.
Ingrown Toenails and Nail Surgery
If you have pain as an infrequent/one off event (i.e trauma) this can often be managed. We can treat and advise in clinic if you feel it requires or is painful.
If the position of the nail plate or its shape is a repeated problem, nail surgery is often advised. Recurrent in-growing toe nails, excessively curved nails, thick problematic nails or painful toe nails can be resolved with a simple and effective procedure which is a permanent solution to a problem nail.
Local anaesthetic is used in the toe to numb and so you will not feel any pain throughout the procedure. The offending part of the nail or the whole nail is then removed depending on the problem. Phenol is then applied to the nail matrix (where the nail grow from) to prevent the part of nail from growing again- giving a permanent solution to the problem.
The anaesthetic takes around 3-4 hours to wear off, after which point ibuprofen or paracetamol may be taken to relieve any unlikely soreness.
The procedure takes approximately 1 hour to include paperwork, anaesthetising, the procedure and dressing. The appointment allows plenty of time to relax and that you are ok to go home after.
You will need to keep the toe clean and dressed for approximately 6 weeks, or until the area is healed. You will still be able to walk and usual day to day activities (work and school) can be resumed the following day. Sports should be avoided for 7 days minimum (swimming. 0until the area is healed) I will see you for regular dressing appointments but you will need to change the dressing yourself between appointments. I will provide all dressings and advice that you need.
