What will happen in the appointment?

Mechanical reduction is the process of filing the nail very fast with a special file. The podiatrist can vary the technique or use different machine attachments to achieve the desired result.

If the fungal infection is only in the surface layer of the nail, a light filing is done to remove the surface nail layer which allows a topical antifungal product to be applied. This will probably only need to be done once.

If the fungal infection is severe and the nails are badly damaged and crumbly then a heavy mechanical reduction can be done to reduce as much nail as possible so that the antifungal medicament can get under the nail and reach the nail bed. This would need to be repeated every 6-8 weeks to the damaged section of the nails. As the nails grow the new healthy area of nail is not reduced.

Sometimes mechanical reduction is done for comfort, for aesthetic reasons or for medical reasons:

• when fungal nails are catching on hosiery

• when nails are so thick that there is not enough space in footwear

• when thick nails are pressing on the nail beds and causing discomfort or pain

• when long term pressure from thickened nails have caused an ulcer to form on the nail bed.

How much does it cost?

Fungal nail reduction £55 per appointment

Medicament approximately £7 - £20