For thirty years, writer Simon Mills battled a severe fungal toenail infection that caused his nails to become thick, yellow, and prone to detachment. The condition, which he traced back to repeated trauma from playing football and a habit of wearing sweaty leather shoes without socks, led to significant embarrassment and discomfort.
The Onset of Infection
Mills describes his toenails initially turning black, then yellow, and eventually falling off. Despite hoping for healthy regrowth, the nails repeatedly returned thicker and more discolored. He recounts the difficulty of cutting these nails, stating that standard clippers would break. The infection was severe enough that a colleague once commented his toenails were "prehensile," a term meaning adapted for grasping, suggesting they looked more animal-like than human.
Seeking Treatment
After years of trying various topical treatments without success, Mills sought professional help. He initially considered laser treatment at a clinic known as 'Miss Foot Fixer,' where the Lunula Laser machine is used to kill fungus and promote healthy nail growth. However, initial assessment revealed that laser treatment alone would not suffice due to scar tissue extending to the nail bed. Podiatrist Steven Thomas suggested that athlete's foot, a common fungal infection of the skin, can predispose individuals to toenail infections, particularly when combined with trauma.
Surgical Intervention
Mills's treatment involved a procedure to remove the infected toenails. After receiving local anesthetic, the toenails were removed using forceps, an elevator implement, and a surgical blade. While not painless, Mills reported that the procedure was manageable, especially as he avoided watching. Following the removal, large dressings were applied, and he was advised to maintain meticulous hygiene, including daily cleaning, dressing changes, and wearing fresh socks and clean shoes.
Recovery and Laser Therapy
Over the following months, Mills followed a strict cleaning and dressing regimen. He returned to the clinic for follow-up appointments where his toes were treated with the Lunula Laser. This therapy utilizes violet and red light wavelengths to eradicate fungal infections and stimulate new nail growth without harming surrounding tissue. Mills noted that the visible improvement was gradual, with healthy, pale pink nail growth becoming apparent after six to eight weeks.
Long-Term Implications
According to clinic director Marion Yau, leaving fungal infections untreated can lead to secondary bacterial infections and ulceration of the nail bed, posing serious health risks, particularly for older individuals who are more susceptible to infections due to drier skin and weakened nails. Fungal toenail infections can also spread to other parts of the body, including fingernails. Mills's experience ultimately resulted in the development of nearly presentable toenails after three decades of suffering from the condition.