Fungal Nail Treatment
at Foot Foundation
Thickened, brittle, or discoloured toenails can be more than just a cosmetic concern—they’re often caused by fungal infection. Left untreated, these infections may spread, cause pain in shoes, or increase the risk of recurring skin problems like athlete’s foot.
At Foot Foundation, we offer advanced and effective treatments including laser therapy, photodynamic therapy, and antifungal care, helping patients restore nail health and prevent reinfection.
What are Fungal Nail Infections?
A fungal nail infection (onychomycosis) occurs when fungi (most often dermatophytes, but also yeasts or moulds) invade the nail plate, nail bed, or both. This leads to nails becoming thickened, discoloured, brittle, or crumbly.
Fungal nail infections are very common, affecting up to 10–15% of adults, and can be difficult to treat without professional care. At Foot Foundation, we provide evidence-based treatments, including laser therapy, photodynamic therapy, antifungal care, and nail reduction, to restore nail health and appearance.
Causes & Risk Factors
Fungal exposure – communal showers, gyms, swimming pools, or nail salons
Athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) – often spreads from skin to nails
Trauma – damaged nails are more vulnerable to fungal invasion
Occlusive footwear – warm, damp environments promoting fungal growth
Poor circulation or diabetes – reduced immune defence
Age – more common in older adults due to slower nail growth
Weakened immune system – higher susceptibility to fungal infections
Treatment at Foot Foundation
Nail reduction and debridement – thinning the nail to reduce fungal load and improve treatment penetration
Topical antifungals – medicated lacquers or solutions, best for mild cases
Oral antifungal medication – prescribed when multiple nails are affected (via GP referral)
Laser therapy (Lunula Cold Laser) – FDA-approved, non-invasive, stimulates fungal clearance
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) – targeted light-based treatment destroying fungal cells
Footwear and hygiene education – antifungal sprays, sock care, and moisture control to prevent recurrence
Custom orthotics or footwear advice – where trauma or biomechanics contribute to fungal infection risk
Symptoms
Thickened, discoloured nails (yellow, brown, or white)
Brittle, crumbly, or distorted nails
Detachment of nail from nail bed (onycholysis)
Foul odour in severe cases
Pain or pressure when wearing shoes
Cosmetic concerns or embarrassment in open footwear
Diagnosis
At Foot Foundation, diagnosis includes:
Clinical examination – nail appearance, history, risk factors
Fungal confirmation:
Nail clippings or scrapings for microscopy and culture to confirm fungal type
Assessment of contributing factors – footwear, skin infection, systemic conditions
Fungal Nail Infections – FAQs
They are caused by fungi invading the nail, often after athlete’s foot, trauma, or exposure in damp communal environments.
Yes. They can spread via shared floors, shoes, or direct contact. Treating them early reduces transmission risk.
They often appear thick, yellow, crumbly, and distorted, sometimes lifting from the nail bed.
Yes. With professional treatment and ongoing prevention, fungal nails can be successfully treated, though recurrence is possible if risk factors remain.
Diagnosis is based on clinical exam and nail culture to confirm fungal organisms.
They can help in mild infections, but are often less effective for severe or longstanding infections without additional treatment.
The most effective options include cold laser therapy, photodynamic therapy, oral antifungals, and nail debridement.
Yes. Lunula Cold Laser is a safe, painless, and effective option, with growing clinical evidence supporting its use.
Yes. Reinfection is possible if shoes, socks, and skin fungus are not managed. Preventative care is essential.
If you have thick, discoloured, painful, or spreading nail changes, or if over-the-counter antifungals aren’t helping, podiatry care is recommended.
Why Choose Foot Foundation?
Foot Foundation provides specialist fungal nail care, combining laser, photodynamic therapy, antifungal treatments, and nail care to deliver effective results. We also help patients prevent recurrence with education and footwear strategies.
With clinics in Rosedale, Takapuna, Remuera, Botany, Hamilton, and Tauranga, expert fungal nail treatment is available across New Zealand.
