Fungal Nail Treatment
Fungal Nail Treatment in Waterford & New Ross
Thick, Yellow or Crumbly Toenails? Step Right Can Help
Fungal nail infections are very common and can affect anyone — especially if you’ve been using communal showers, wearing work boots, playing sports, or dealing with sweaty feet.
If your toenails have become thick, discoloured, brittle, or difficult to cut, you may have a fungal nail infection (also called onychomycosis).
At Step Right, we help people treat fungal nails with professional foot care advice and effective treatment options including Formula 3, FungiFoam, and Clean Sweep Spray.
👉 If you’re unsure what’s going on with your nails, book in and we’ll guide you.
What Are Fungal Nails?
A fungal nail infection happens when fungus gets into or under the nail. Over time, it can cause the nail to change colour and texture, making it harder to manage and often embarrassing to show.
- Fungal nails are most common in:
- Toenails (especially the big toe)
- People who wear tight footwear or boots daily
- People who sweat heavily or have athlete’s foot
Fungal nails don’t usually clear up on their own — they normally need consistent treatment.
Common Signs of Fungal Toenails
You may have a fungal nail infection if you notice:
- Yellow, brown, or white discolouration
- Thickened or raised nails
- Brittle, crumbly edges
- Nails lifting slightly from the nail bed
- A rough or uneven nail surface
- Nails that are difficult to cut
- A mild odour in some cases
Not every thick nail is fungal — sometimes nail damage from footwear or injury can look similar. That’s why an assessment is useful.
What Causes Fungal Nail Infections?
Fungal nails often start when fungus enters through small cracks in the nail or surrounding skin.
Common causes include:
- Athlete’s foot spreading into the nail
- Sweaty feet trapped in socks/boots
- Wearing the same footwear daily without drying
- Communal changing rooms and showers
- Nail trauma (knocking the nail, running pressure, tight shoes)
- Reduced circulation as we age
Are Fungal Nails Contagious?
Yes — fungal infections can spread, especially in warm, damp environments.
They can spread:
- From one nail to another
- To the skin (athlete’s foot)
- To other people through shared floors, towels, socks, or footwear
Treating early helps prevent spread and makes results easier to achieve.
Fungal Nail Treatment at Step Right
1) Formula 3 (Targeted Fungal Nail Treatment)
Formula 3 is one of our most recommended fungal nail treatments because it’s easy to apply and designed specifically for nail infections.
It works best when used consistently as part of a daily routine.
Formula 3 is ideal for:
- Yellow or discoloured nails
- Thickened nails
- Early-stage fungal infections
- Anyone who wants a simple at-home routine
👉 Ask in-store and we’ll show you the best way to apply it for maximum results.
2) FungiFoam (For Skin + Surrounding Areas)
Fungal nail problems often go hand-in-hand with fungal skin issues like athlete’s foot.
FungiFoam is a great option to support overall foot hygiene and help manage fungal skin around the feet — which can reduce the risk of reinfection.
FungiFoam is ideal if you have:
- Sweaty feet
- Athlete’s foot symptoms
- Itchy or flaky skin between the toes
- Recurring fungal problems
3) Clean Sweep Spray (Footwear & Hygiene Support)
Even when you treat the nail properly, fungal spores can linger in shoes, socks, and footwear — which can slow progress and cause reinfection.
Clean Sweep Spray is designed to support hygiene and help keep footwear fresh and cleaner during treatment.
Clean Sweep Spray is ideal for:
- Work boots
- Runners and trainers
- Daily shoes you wear repeatedly
- Anyone trying to prevent fungal recurrence
Using Clean Sweep alongside nail treatment helps you stay consistent and avoid going backwards.
What Results Can You Expect?
Fungal nail treatment takes time because nails grow slowly.
A realistic expectation is:
- You may see early improvement in the nail appearance over time
- Full nail recovery depends on nail growth
- Consistency is the biggest factor
💡 Tip: The new healthy nail grows from the base — so progress is usually seen at the bottom of the nail first.
How Long Does Fungal Nail Treatment Take?
Most people need a consistent routine for weeks to months, depending on:
- How severe the infection is
- How many nails are affected
- Nail thickness
- Footwear habits
- Whether athlete’s foot is present
The sooner you start, the better the outcome tends to be.
Preventing Fungal Nails Coming Back
To reduce reinfection:
- Change socks daily (more if feet sweat heavily)
- Dry feet properly after showers (especially between toes)
- Rotate footwear and allow shoes to dry fully
- Wear flip-flops in communal showers/pools
- Treat athlete’s foot early
- Keep nails trimmed and manageable
When Should You Get Fungal Nails Checked?
Book an appointment if:
- Your nails are thick, painful, or hard to cut
- The nail is lifting or breaking
- Multiple nails are affected
- You’ve tried treatments with no progress
- You’re unsure if it’s fungal or trauma
- You have diabetes or circulation concerns
Fungal Nail Treatment in Waterford & New Ross
At Step Right, we help people manage fungal nails with a clear plan, practical advice, and trusted products including Formula 3, FungiFoam, and Clean Sweep Spray.
📍 Waterford
📍 New Ross
👉 Book an appointment or call in-store for advice on the best fungal nail routine for you.
FAQ: Fungal Toenails
Can fungal nails go away on their own?
It’s unlikely. Most fungal nail infections need consistent treatment to improve.
How do I know if my nail is fungal or damaged?
Fungal nails often become discoloured and crumbly. Trauma can also thicken nails. A quick check in clinic can help confirm.
Should I cut the nail down?
Yes — keeping nails trimmed and managed can help treatment work better, but avoid aggressive cutting or digging into corners.
Can I still wear nail polish?
It’s usually best to avoid nail polish during treatment, as it can block product absorption.
Do I need to treat my shoes too?
Yes — footwear can hold fungal spores. Using a footwear hygiene spray like Clean Sweep can help prevent reinfection.
