Why Your Discoloured Nails Won’t Just “Grow Out”
Many of our patients in Putney and Haberfield come to us after months—sometimes years—of trying over-the-counter paints and “natural” remedies for their yellow, thickened, or brittle toenails. The frustration is always the same: “I’ve tried everything, and it just keeps coming back.”
The reason for this failure is simple: fungal spores live under the nail plate and within the nail bed. Most topical treatments cannot penetrate the hard keratin of the nail to reach the source of the infection. At Walk This Way Podiatry, we use the Lunula Laser—the “gold standard” in non-thermal laser technology—to kill the fungus at the root without heat, pain, or downtime.
Is It Really Fungus? (The Importance of Diagnosis)
Not all thick or yellow nails are fungal. Psoriasis, trauma (black toenails from running), and even certain systemic health conditions can mimic the appearance of Onychomycosis.
Treating a non-fungal nail with antifungal medication is a waste of time and money. Our first step is a clinical assessment. We look for:
Discolouration
White, yellow, or brown streaks.
Texture Changes
Brittle, crumbly, or “chalky” nail surfaces.
Hyperkeratosis
A buildup of debris under the nail plate that lifts it up.
Odour
A distinct, slightly foul smell when trimming the nail.
If you are suffering from fungal nail infections, don’t put up with it a day longer, book an appointment today.
The Agitation Why Fungal Nails Are a Health Risk
While often viewed as an aesthetic problem, an untreated fungal infection is a biological reservoir for bacteria.
The Spread
Fungus is highly contagious. It can spread to your other toes, your fingernails, and even to family members sharing the same shower.
The “Athlete’s Foot” Connection
The same fungus (Tinea) often infects the skin between the toes, leading to itching, cracking, and potential secondary bacterial infections like Cellulitis.
Diabetes Warning
For our diabetic patients, a thickened fungal nail can create a “pressure point,” leading to a hidden ulcer under the nail which can go unnoticed due to neuropathy.
Our Solution The Lunula "Cold" Laser Advantage
At our Haberfield clinic, we offer the Lunula Laser. Unlike older “hot” lasers that use heat to burn the fungus (and can be quite painful), the Lunula is a “cold” laser.
How It Works:
The Lunula uses two specific wavelengths of light:
The Red Laser (635nm)
Stimulates blood flow and triggers your body’s natural immune response to clear the infection.
The Violet Laser (405nm)
Directly attacks the fungal cell walls and bacteria, destroying the pathogen’s ability to reproduce.
Why Sydney Patients Choose Lunula:
Pain-Free
No heat, no “zapping,” and no anesthetic required.
No Side Effects
Unlike oral antifungal tablets, there is no risk of liver toxicity or drug interactions.
Fast & Convenient
Each session takes only minutes. You can walk in, have your treatment, and immediately put your shoes back on and go about your day.
High Success Rate
Clinical trials show significantly better clearance rates than topical lacquers alone.
The Recovery Roadmap: Patience for Results
It is important to manage expectations: no laser can instantly turn a yellow nail clear. Because the fungus has damaged the physical structure of the existing nail, you must wait for a new, healthy nail to grow out from the base.
Weeks 1–4
The laser kills the active fungus and spores.
Month 3
You will begin to see a “clear moon” of healthy nails growing from the cuticle.
Month 6–9
The old, damaged nail is gradually trimmed away, replaced by the clear, laser-treated nail.
If you are suffering from fungal nail infections, don’t put up with it a day longer, book an appointment today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did I catch a fungal nail infection?
Fungus thrives in warm, moist environments. Most people catch it in public showers, swimming pools (like the Cabarita or Ashfield pools), or gyms. It can also enter the nail through “micro-trauma” caused by tight shoes or during a pedicure at a salon with poorly sterilised tools.
Can I wear nail polish during my laser treatment?
No. Nail polish (even clear) blocks the laser light from reaching the nail bed. Your nails must be completely free of polish and “shellac” for 24 hours before your appointment.
Is laser better than the "pills" from my GP?
Oral medications (like Terbinafine) are effective but carry risks of liver damage and require regular blood tests. Laser is a localised treatment with zero systemic side effects, making it a safer choice for many, especially those on other medications.
How many sessions of Lunula Laser do I need?
While every case varies, a standard protocol usually involves 4 sessions spaced one week apart. Severe or long-standing infections may require “booster” sessions as the nail grows out.
Do I need to throw away my shoes?
You don’t need to throw them away, but you must treat them. Fungal spores live in your footwear. We recommend using an antifungal spray or a UV shoe steriliser to prevent immediate re-infection.
Is fungal nail treatment covered by Medicare?
Generally, no. However, most private health funds cover podiatry consultations and treatments under their “Extras” tables. We provide HICAPS for on-the-spot claims.
Can I catch fungus from a nail salon?
Yes. If the clippers, files, or foot baths aren’t medically sterilised (autoclaved), fungus can easily move from one customer to the next.
Is "Athlete's Foot" the same as a fungal nail?
It’s the same type of fungus, but it lives on the skin. If left untreated, the skin infection (Tinea Pedis) almost always spreads into the nails. We treat both simultaneously for the best results.
Why do my nails look white and chalky on top?
This is often a “Superficial White Onychomycosis.” It is a type of fungus that lives on the surface of the nail plate. It is easier to treat than deep infections but can still lead to total nail destruction if ignored.
Why is the Lunula Laser only at the Haberfield clinic?
The Lunula is a specialised, high-end piece of medical equipment. While we perform assessments and conservative fungal care at both Putney and Haberfield, the specific laser machine is currently housed at our Haberfield site.
What people are saying about us…
Hundreds of patients in the Inner West and Sydney North have trusted us to treat their foot problems. We take great pride in our reputation and the reviews our patients leave us are testimony to that.
See what our patients say about their results on Google and Facebook, then book your own Biomechanical Assessment to experience the difference.
