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Causes of Fungal Toenails
What causes toenail fungus that might require treatment? There are many factors that can cause an infection to develop:
Fungi thrive in warm, moist environments. Public spaces like swimming pools, communal showers, and gyms are common areas where one can be exposed to foot fungus.
Minor trauma or repeated pressure on the nail, such as from ill-fitting shoes, can create small openings or damage the nail plate, making it easier for fungi to enter and cause a nail infection.
Not changing your socks regularly or wearing non-breathable, tight shoes can create a consistently moist and warm environment for your foot, which is an ideal breeding ground for fungi.
Certain underlying health conditions can reduce the body’s natural ability to resist infections, thus increasing the likelihood of developing a fungal toenail infection that may require treatment.
As individuals age, reduced blood circulation to the feet and prolonged exposure over a lifetime can make toenails more susceptible to fungi.
Visiting a nail salon that does not properly sterilise its tools can expose your nails to fungi from previous clients. Shared nail files, clippers, and other instruments are common sources of cross-contamination. Choosing a salon with rigorous hygiene practices can help reduce this risk.
Step 1. Thorough Assessment
We perform a detailed examination to diagnose the extent of the fungal infection and identify the specific fungi involved. Our podiatrist will examine the affected nail visually and assess the severity of the infection to recommend the most suitable treatment approach for your condition.
Step 2. Customised Management Plans
Based on the assessment, we develop a tailored management plan, combining the most appropriate therapies for your specific infection.
Step 3. Evidence-Based Therapies / PACT
Our podiatrists specialise in evidence-based management methods such as PACT Photodynamic Therapy. This method uses light and a special photosensitive agent to target fungal cells, providing a pain-free approach to treatment.
Read more +PACT Photodynamic Therapy typically requires a series of sessions (frequency depends on infection severity) and is our preferred first-line approach because it is pain-free, has no systemic side effects, and can be combined with topical antifungal treatment. In more severe cases, your podiatrist may recommend combining PACT with oral antifungal medication for a more comprehensive outcome.
Note: Avoid applying nail polish during treatment, as it prevents topical medication from reaching the nail and masks progress.
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Step 4. Preventative Advice
We provide guidance on proper foot hygiene and care to prevent the recurrence of fungal toenails.
Step 5. Follow-Up Care
Regular follow-up appointments to monitor progress and adjust treatment as needed.
Clinically Backed Technology
As a trusted podiatry clinic in Singapore, we offer PACT Photodynamic Antimicrobial Therapy, a clinically backed, pain-free treatment that targets fungal nail cells directly, without the systemic side effects associated with oral antifungal medication.
Personalised Care for Every Individual
Our podiatry services offer personalised, evidence-based care for a wide range of individuals, including athletes, adults, and children. If you’re experiencing lower limb pain or a nail concern, our clinical team can provide comprehensive support to help you get back to doing the things you love.
Certified & Experienced Podiatrists
Our podiatrists hold qualifications from UK universities, are registered with the Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC), and are members of the Royal College of Podiatry (RCoP) and the Podiatry Association Singapore (PAS). Through UFIT’s integrated Circle of Care, you gain access to a multidisciplinary team working collaboratively to support your foot and lower limb health.
