Fungal nail infections are common, stubborn, and often difficult to treat without the right approach. At Toetal Health, we use a structured treatment pathway combining in-clinic therapies and ongoing care to target the infection and support healthy nail regrowth.
Fungal nail infections often persist for months or years if left untreated. The infection lives within and beneath the nail, making it difficult for over-the-counter treatments to penetrate effectively. You may notice:
- Thickened or discoloured nails
- Yellow, white or brittle appearance
- Nails lifting from the nail bed
- Ongoing recurrence despite treatment
Fungal nail infections occur when fungi infect the nail or the skin beneath it. Damage to the nail can make it easier for infection to develop, which is why repeated pressure or trauma from footwear can sometimes contribute.
Other factors such as moisture, fungal skin infections (tinea), communal wet areas and certain health conditions can also increase the likelihood of developing a fungal nail infection.
There are several treatment options for fungal nails, and the most appropriate approach depends on the extent of the infection, the appearance and thickness of the nail, your medical history and whether there is also fungal infection of the surrounding skin.
Treatment options may include topical antifungal products, prescription oral antifungal medication, treatment of associated tinea, reduction of thickened or damaged nail, and other treatments such as photodisinfection therapy.
At Toetal Health, we take a step-by-step approach designed to:
reduce the fungal load
actively target the infection
support healthy nail regrowth over time
Because toenails grow slowly, successful treatment does not make the damaged nail immediately look normal. Improvement is usually seen as healthier nail gradually grows forward from the base.
ToeFX is a photodisinfection treatment used in the management of fungal nail infections.
Treatment involves applying a photosensitising solution to the affected nail. The nail is then exposed to a specific wavelength of light, which activates the solution and produces a local antimicrobial effect.
ToeFX reports an 81% treatment success rate based on its clinical research. Results can vary between patients, and because toenails grow slowly, improvement is assessed by watching healthier nail gradually grow from the base.
At Toetal Health, ToeFX may be combined with reduction of thickened or damaged nail, treatment of fungal skin infection, footwear and hygiene advice, and strategies to reduce the risk of reinfection.Treatment does not rely on heating the nail in the same way as some laser-based treatments and is generally well tolerated.
ToeFX does not rely on heat or caustic or acidic agents to treat the nail. The treatment is generally well tolerated, including by people with sensitive feet, although individual experiences can vary.
The number of treatments required varies depending on factors such as how long the infection has been present, how much of the nail is affected, the thickness of the nail and how it responds to treatment.
We generally begin with 4 weekly treatments, then review your progress and adjust the treatment interval where appropriate. Because toenails grow slowly, healthy nail regrowth can take several months and treatment plans may vary between patients.
Our friendly team can help advise on the best way to treat you.
Simply fill out our quick 1 minute pre-screening form and select a booking time that suits you. Call us on: (02) 9712 2006 or book an appointment below.
