Once the nails have been drilled, the nails are then treated with Terbinifine. An anti-fungal spray. This anti-fungal spray is then able to directly access the infected nail bed which is the source of the infection via the drilled micro-holes.
Nail fenestration is a technique that works by drilling tiny micro holes into the infected nail plate through to the nail bed. (the skin under the nail).
Daily application of the anti-fungal spray to the nail will then be required to allow the infection in the nail bed to clear as the nail grows out.
INFORMATION:
Although most people find the procedure painless occasionally patients can experience a short lasting discomfort.
There is sometimes bleeding from beneath the nail where the holes are made. This is to be expected and a dressing will be applied if required.
There may be a stinging sensation on initial application of the anti-fungal agent.
This is not a “quick-fix” treatment and you will need to commit to applying the spray daily for at least 6 months.
You should return to have the nails cut back and have existing holes re-drilled and further holes drilled (if necessary) as the nail grows, approximately every 6 weeks.
Any fungal infection of the skin should also be treated.
No nail varnish should be worn for the duration of the treatment .
PLEASE NOTE: Lamisil spray (Terbinifine) is a treatment for fungal infections of the skin not the nail. Using it for the nail is considered as “off-license”. However, there have been several clinical trials using Lamisil and nail fenestration with good results