Richmond & Kensington, London
Fungal Nail Infection Treatment
in Richmond & Kensington
Evidence-based diagnosis and treatment for onychomycosis (fungal nail infections) by HCPC-registered podiatrists. In-house testing available — results in 5 minutes.
HCPC Registered
5-Min In-House Test
Evidence-Based Treatment
No Referral Needed
Fungal nail infections — also known as onychomycosis — occur when a fungus invades one or more toenails (or fingernails). The infection typically starts at the edge or tip of the nail and gradually spreads, causing the nail to become thickened, discoloured, brittle or crumbly.
Fungal nail infections affect around 3–8% of the UK population and are more common in older adults, athletes and people who frequent communal areas such as swimming pools or gyms. They can be persistent and difficult to treat without professional support, but with the right diagnosis and consistent treatment, clear nails are achievable.
Common Causes & Risk Factors
Dermatophyte fungal infection (most common)
Communal changing rooms or swimming pools
Athlete's foot spreading to the nail
Tight or non-breathable footwear
Trauma or injury to the nail
Diabetes or compromised immunity
Advancing age
Poor nail hygiene
Signs & Symptoms
Thickened or distorted nail
Yellow, brown or white discolouration
Brittle, crumbly or ragged nail edges
Nail separating from the nail bed
Debris building up under the nail
Mild discomfort or odour
Affecting one or multiple nails
Not all thickened or discoloured nails are fungal. Nail changes can also be caused by trauma, psoriasis, lichen planus or other skin conditions — and the treatment for each is completely different. Starting antifungal treatment for a non-fungal nail change is ineffective and a waste of time and money. This is why we always test before treating.
At The Functional Podiatrist, we use a rapid 5-minute in-house test to confirm whether a fungal infection is present during your appointment. This means we can begin the right treatment immediately — or rule out fungal infection and explore other causes — without waiting for external lab results.
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Rapid In-House Fungal Test £60
A quick, accurate test performed during your appointment to confirm the presence of fungal infection. Results in 5 minutes — allowing us to start the right treatment without delay and giving you immediate clarity about your condition.
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Nail Debridement
Careful reduction of the thickened, infected nail material using specialist instruments. Debridement reduces discomfort from shoe pressure, improves the appearance of the nail, and crucially — thins the nail so that topical antifungal medications can penetrate more effectively to the site of infection.
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Topical Antifungal Treatment
We prescribe or recommend topical antifungal medications — including nail lacquers, solutions or creams — targeted at the specific type of fungal infection identified. Consistent daily application as directed is essential for success. Treatment typically continues for several months as the nail grows out.
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Nail Removal (Severe Cases)
In severe or long-standing cases where the infection has caused extensive nail damage and has not responded to topical treatment, partial or complete nail removal may be considered. This allows direct topical application to the nail bed and promotes healthy regrowth without fungal involvement.
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Referral for Oral Antifungal Medication
In advanced or recurrent cases that have not responded to topical treatment, we may refer you to your GP for prescription oral antifungal tablets. These work systemically and are typically more effective for stubborn infections, though they require monitoring due to potential side effects.
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Follow-Up & Monitoring
Fungal nail treatment requires patience — full nail clearance typically takes 6–12 months as the nail grows out. Regular follow-up appointments allow us to monitor progress, repeat debridement as needed, and adjust the treatment plan if required. We will guide you throughout the process.
A note on nail laser therapy: We do not currently offer laser treatment for fungal nails. The clinical evidence for laser therapy in onychomycosis remains inconclusive, and we prefer to focus on treatments with a strong, proven evidence base. We will always recommend the approach most likely to give you lasting results.
Footwear & Hygiene
Wear breathable, moisture-wicking socks
Change socks daily
Allow shoes to dry between wears
Wear flip-flops in communal areas
Dry feet thoroughly after washing
Use antifungal powder in shoes if prone
Nail Care
Keep nails trimmed short and clean
Cut nails straight across
Avoid sharing nail clippers or files
Treat athlete's foot promptly
Use sterilised instruments for nail care
Check nails regularly for early changes
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Test before treatWe confirm fungal infection in-house before starting treatment — saving you time and money.
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Evidence-based approachWe only use treatments with strong clinical evidence — no gimmicks or unproven therapies.
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HCPC-registered podiatristsFully qualified and regulated practitioners providing safe, professional care.
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Personalised treatment plansTreatment tailored to the severity of your infection, your health and your preferences.
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Ongoing monitoring & supportRegular follow-up to track progress and adjust treatment throughout the nail growth cycle.
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Two convenient London clinicsRichmond (TW9) and Kensington (W8) — easy to reach from across London.
How do I know if my nail is fungal or just discoloured from trauma?
It can be difficult to tell without testing. Trauma typically affects one nail and often grows out over time. Fungal infections tend to spread, worsen over time and often affect multiple nails. Our 5-minute in-house test gives a definitive answer during your appointment.
How long does treatment take?
Fungal nail treatment requires patience. Toenails grow slowly — typically around 1–1.5mm per month — so it can take 6–12 months for a clear nail to fully grow through. Consistent daily application of antifungal treatment throughout this period is essential for success.
Can fungal nail infections be cured permanently?
Yes, with correct diagnosis and consistent treatment most fungal nail infections can be fully cleared. However, reinfection is possible if the original source of fungus (such as athlete's foot or contaminated footwear) is not also addressed. We will advise you on prevention as part of your treatment plan.
Are fungal nail infections contagious?
Yes, fungal infections can spread to other nails on the same foot, to fingernails, to other people through shared footwear or towels, and through communal areas. Treating the infection promptly and following good hygiene practices reduces the risk of spread.
Do I also need to treat athlete's foot?
Yes — if athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is present alongside a fungal nail infection, both must be treated simultaneously. Leaving athlete's foot untreated is a common reason for fungal nail treatment to fail or for the infection to recur.
Is treatment covered by health insurance?
Podiatry consultations are typically covered by most major insurers. The in-house fungal test may vary by policy. We work with Bupa, Aviva, WPA and others. See our
Insurance page for details.
Book your fungal nail assessment today
Richmond and Kensington clinics available. In-house testing and same-appointment treatment.
