Fungal Nail Infection | Toenail Fungus Treatment Singapore

Does your nail bed look discoloured? Perhaps your nails are splitting or crumbling, leading to discomfort.

You are not alone. Due to Singapore's warm and humid climate, fungal and bacterial skin diseases often thrive. In addition, it is impossible to prevent contact with tiny creatures such as fungal organisms, especially when we go barefoot or suffer from contributing conditions such as athlete's foot.

A fungal infection of the nails is known as onychomycosis.

This sort of infection can affect both fingernails and toenails. However, toes are more commonly impacted because fungal culture thrives in dark, damp conditions like those found inside a shoe.

If your immune system is impaired, such as a result of cancer therapy, an autoimmune condition, or diabetes, get treatment for fungal infections as soon as possible. If left untreated, the fungus has a great chance of spreading to other regions of your body and making you extremely sick.

Risk Factors for Fungal Nail Infections

Nail fungus can infect the nail through the nail bed or nail plate, causing onychomycosis (Fungal Nail Infections)

The fungus can infect a nail injury and spread from the skin to the nails and from person to person. The nail itself acts as a barrier, allowing the fungus to grow unhindered underneath the affected nail bed.

The overgrowth of fungi in, under, or on the infected nail causes a fungal nail infection. Nail infections are caused by the same fungi that cause jock itch, athlete's foot, and ringworm.

Several factors may put you at increased risk of developing toenail fungus, including:

• Trauma to the nail or surrounding area
• Poor feet hygiene
• Excessive sweating
• Having a compromised immune system
• Poor peripheral blood circulation
• Warm, moist environment from footwear
• Working in a wet environment
• Frequent use of nail polish and artificial nails

If you like going to the nail salon, make sure to ask about their disinfecting procedures. A bacterial skin infection or toenail fungus can quickly spread from person to person when you share nail clippers or emery boards that are not sanitised.

Signs & Symptoms of Fungal Nail Infections

Fungal infections usually take time to manifest, so any sudden changes in the appearance or feel of your nail may be too faint to detect at first. A fungal nail may present with:

• Yellowish discolouration at the top of the nail
• Darkening or clouding of nails
• White spots on nails
• Nails thickening
• Distorted nail shape
• Brittle or crumbling nails
• A lack of shine
• Pain in the tips of toes
• A foul odour from the infected nails
• Nail separates from the nail bed

PACTMED Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)

This nail fungus treatment method, also known as Photodynamic Antimicrobial Therapy (PDT) or Photodynamic Anti-mycotic (fungal) Therapy, is both painless and highly successful.

In conjunction with PDT, our experienced podiatrist can provide effective management of fungal nail infections using a combination of debridement, filing, and other treatment techniques."

Suitable for all

PDT is our preferred way to treat nail fungus as there are virtually no contraindications for this line of treatment.

It is a conservative method that supports the reduction of toenail fungus with minimal side effects.

This helps patients who may experience adverse side effects associated with pharmacotherapy. For example, typical side effects of oral antifungal medication include nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Relatively quick and effective in-clinic procedure

Some patients may also find trouble with topical treatments, like adhering to the use of medicated nail lacquer, with visible results only apparent months later.

On the other hand, PDT typically requires a limited number of sessions for treatment. Additionally, PDT aims to inhibit fungal growth and support tissue regeneration and collagen growth, potentially reducing the risk of reinfection.

How It Works

PDT involves photochemical reactions facilitated via the interaction of photosensitising agents, light, and oxygen.

A fungus' cells, unlike human cells, have a cell wall.

The cell wall is dyed with a specific gel that makes it sensitive to the wavelengths of light in PACT Therapy. This dye is non-toxic to human cells and allows the focused light to kill bacteria and nail fungus without harming your skin or toenails.

When the photosensitiser, PACT Fungal Nail Gel, is exposed to a specific wavelength of light delivered by PactMED LED, it becomes activated. This then leads to bacterial and fungal cell death without affecting surrounding tissue, which cells are impenetrable by the photosensitiser.

Getting a Nail Fungal Infection Consultation at Dr Foot Podiatry Clinic

Each 1.5-hour consultation begins with history taking by our expert podiatrist. This is where we delve into your symptoms and potential causes that led to fungal nails. We will educate you about your condition throughout the whole process and field any questions or concerns you may have.

Following that, a physical examination will be carried out to determine the best way to treat your fungal nail infection.

In the same session, we can begin your pactMED PDT procedure. The frequency of sessions will depend on the severity of your toenail fungus.

At the end of each session, we provide tailored advice to your specific condition that helps prevent reinfection.

NAIL DEBRIDEMENT → GEL APPLICATION → PACT Med APPLICATION

Healthy nails begins at Dr.Foot Podiatry Clinic.

Our podiatry clinic offers pain-free and effective therapy modalities that aim to provide relief and improve patient outcomes.

We combine the latest technology for fungal infection treatment with modern podiatric techniques to support your recovery process.

Take steps towards managing fungal infections and working towards your recovery goals with our assistance!

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