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What is a Fungal Nail Infection?

The medical term for fungal nail infection is Onychomycosis. It is a common complaint often seen by Samantha Hatton our podiatrist at Cheshire. It can be associated with athlete’s foot – Tinea Pedis.

The infection is usually caused by a yeast or mould infection which are types of fungi. It is rarely painful unless the infection progresses and becomes more severe.

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How do I know I have a Fungal Nail Infection?

Fungal nail infections cause the nail to become thickened, develop a yellow or brown discolouration, and can start to crumble. They can also appear misshapen and can lift or loosen from the nail bed.

Many conditions can cause this appearance. To diagnose a fungal nail infection you can ask your doctor to arrange an analysis of your toenail clipping at the local hospital, or you can book an instant fungal nail test with one of our podiatrists here at Cheshire lasers.

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Factors that increase the risk of Nail Infections:

• Nail damage
• Diabetes
• Psoriasis
• Poor Hygiene
• Weak immune system
• Smoking
• Sporting activities causing trauma to the nail i.e. running, kicking, damp shoes

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How do I treat a Fungal Nail Infection?

• antifungal nail cream – it can take up to 12 months to cure the infection and does not always work
• nail-softening cream – used for 2 weeks to soften the nail so the infection can be scraped off
• antifungal tablets-  taken every day for up to 6 months but needs regular blood test monitoring from your doctor.

Now with the Lacuna Method, there is another effective solution.

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What is the Fungal Nail Lacuna Method Treatment?

Several tiny holes are drilled into the nail plate to the nail bed. The number of holes depends on the extent of the infection and also the size of the nail being treated. Once the holes are completed an anti-fungal spray consisting of Terbinafine, is applied over the nail. The holes allow the treatment to reach the source of the infection. This spray is then applied daily at home until the infection is clear.

A review is recommended every 6-8 weeks as more holes may need to be drilled as the nail grows forward.

Any fungal infection of the skin also needs treating to avoid reinfection.

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Lacuna Method After Care Advice

Following your Fungal Nail Lacuna method treatment, it is extremely important that you break the cycle of cross-infection, to stop fungal spores from the environment re-infecting your nails. The following advice is essential:

• Spray your affected toenail/s with Lamisil spray x2 per day (ideally after showering or bathing but making sure the nail is perfectly dry).  SHOULD YOU EXPERIENCE ANY SIDE EFFECTS PLEASE STOP USING THE SPRAY AND WASH YOUR TOES IN TEPID WATER, dry them and contact Samantha our podiatrist who will be able to suggest another medication. 
• When creaming or moisturising the feet, avoid the toe area. 
• Avoid 100% cotton or wool hosiery as it holds moisture around the foot. Mixed fibre hosiery will wick moisture away from the foot. 
• Bamboo socks might be useful as they are more absorbent than cotton, allowing better ventilation. 
• Replace your socks regularly.  (If you wear work boots or shoes for a full day/shift it is advisable to change your socks/hosiery at least once during an 8hrs + day).
• Hosiery, bath mats and bedsheets should be washed on as high a temperature as possible – above 50 or ideally 90 degrees. Using Napisan detergent will help to kill fungal spores, as will drying them in a tumble dryer.
• Change your shoes daily, and spray them with a fungicidal shoe spray.  Wait at least 48 hours before you wear the same pair. This will allow them to dry out.
• Sock drawers and shoe cupboards should be cleaned regularly with an anti-fungal solution e.g. Napisan.
• Don’t cut your nails yourself as you may reinfect or spread the infection.
• Please do not wear nail varnish of any kind.

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How much is a Fungal Nail Lacuna Method treatment?

Samantha Hatton the Podiatrist at Cheshire Lasers performs the Lacuna Method treatment at Cheshire Lasers you can view her prices here.

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A podiatry vascular assessment involves a more detailed investigation into the blood supply to your feet and will involve:

• Discussion of any signs and symptoms of poor circulation
• Examination of foot and leg pulses
• Ultrasound Doppler to listen to blood flow (painless & non-invasive)
• Ankle Brachial Pressure Indices (ABPI) – a non-invasive test that compares the blood pressure in your arms and legs in order to establish the presence of any vascular disease
• Discussion regarding general health, medication and lifestyle
• Discussion regarding management and prevention of vascular disease and any associated foot problems

• Further referral if required

This service is provided privately by Samantha Hatton, view her podiatry price list.

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To Book an Appointment:

Ring Cheshire Lasers on 1606 841255 or book appointments online here:

 

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For home visits or to discuss your condition before booking contact Samantha Hatton direct by

Telephone: 07748712399

Email: professionalfootcare@gmail.com

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Nail Surgery is performed by Samantha Hatton Podiatrist at Cheshire Lasers.

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Whats is Nail Surgery ?

Nail surgery is a permanent solution to ingrowing toenails and other painful nail conditions. It may also be referred to as partial or total nail avulsion and is carried out under a local anaesthetic.

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What Does Nail Surgery Involve ?

At Cheshire Lasers Nail Surgery is carried out by Samantha Hatton she is a prescribing podiatrist and she uses Local anaesthetic for the procedure.

During a partial nail avulsion, the troublesome section of nail is removed and a chemical applied to the nail bed to prevent it from regrowing. In some cases it may be necessary to remove the whole nail plate.

The whole procedure may take around an hour and you will be advised to go home and rest with your feet up for the rest of the day.

How long will it take to recover after Nail Surgery?

The healing period can vary depending on the type of surgery carried out and is generally between 4 -10 weeks.

During this time the toe/s will need to be bathed daily in salt water and redressed with a dry dressing.  Most people do not require any extra time off work or school however it is advisable to refrain from sporting or vigorous activity for a few weeks to allow effective healing.

Now Successful is Nail Surgery ?

This procedure was developed by podiatrists and is shown to be over 97% successful.

How Much is Nail Surgery ?

The price varies depending on the type of nail surgery carried out and the number of toes being operated on in one session.

The nail surgery price includes:

• Nail surgery assessment
• Nail Surgery procedure
• Follow up dressing appointments
• Dressing materials required for daily dressing changes

For an accurate price for nail surgery we recommend a podiatry assessment with Samantha first so she can advice you further.

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You can view Samantha Hatton’s Prices here 

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This service is provided privately by Samantha Hattonfind out more about her here.

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To Book an Appointment:

Ring Cheshire Lasers on 1606 841255 or book appointments online here:

 

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For home visits or to discuss your condition before booking contact Samantha Hatton direct by

Telephone: 07748712399

Email: professionalfootcare@gmail.com

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Podiatry Services available from Samantha Hatton in Middlewich Cheshire

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General Foot Care

Hard skin, corns and callus mainly build up over high-pressure areas on the feet. Samantha can skillfully treat these areas using a scalpel blade to remove the hardened skin. Hence this provides comfort and improves overall appearance.

Samantha will offer tailored advice on preventing a reoccurrence of your problem and on the use of in-shoe appliances/ cushioning devices to help.

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Treatment for thickened, ingrown and fungal nails

Samantha can thin down thickened nails so they feel more comfortable and also improve their appearance.

She can cut back ingrown nails to make them feel more comfortable and also give you advice about nail surgery which can provide a more permanent solution.

Fungal nails are often unsightly and can become uncomfortable if the nail plate becomes thickened. Samantha can thin down the affected nails and give advice about the use of antifungal preparations.

To confirm if you have a fungal nail infection or there is another cause for your toenail problems, Samantha can perform 5-minute fungal nail testing.

She is also trained in Lacunar fungal nail treatment if you decide to try this treatment option.

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Cracked heels

Hard skin can build up around the heel area and can then start to crack. As well as being unsightly these cracks can become very deep, causing bleeding and pain.

Samantha can skillfully treat these areas using a scalpel blade to remove the hardened skin. She can also recommend specialist creams and treatments that can improve the overall condition of the skin and prevent recurrence.

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Verrucae

Verrucae are warts that can be found anywhere on the foot. They are harmless but can become painful if they develop on weight-bearing areas. There is evidence to suggest that most verrucae will eventually disappear of their own accord within 2 years.

A verruca can be made to feel more comfortable by reducing overlying hard skin and advice can be given on the correct use of home treatments.

Alternatively, podiatrists can use stronger acid-based treatments – these are higher in strength than over the counter preparations and are applied to the skin at weekly intervals.

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Foot ulcers and wounds

There are many factors that prevent foot ulcers and wounds from healing. These include pressure and friction to the area, poor circulation and general health problems.

After a thorough assessment, a podiatrist can identify these influencing factors and develop a suitable treatment regime. Treatment may involve the use of specialist dressings, padding and footwear advice.

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View Samantha Hatton’s Podiatry Price List Here.

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To Book an Appointment:

Ring Cheshire Lasers Clinic in Middlewich on 1606 841255 or book appointments online here:

 

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For Podiatry home visits in the Middlewich area or to discuss your condition before booking contact Samantha Hatton direct by

Telephone: 07748712399

Email: professionalfootcare@gmail.com

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