Fungal nail infections (onychomycosis) are incredibly common — and incredibly frustrating. They cause discolouration, thickening, brittleness and embarrassment. Persistent fungal nail infections can be frustrating, slow to resolve, and difficult to treat with over‑the‑counter products alone.
PACT Photodynamic Therapy offers a science‑driven alternative: a safe, painless and clinically effective way to destroy fungal cells and restore healthier nails.
Our podiatrists combine clinical expertise with state‑of‑the‑art technology to deliver a treatment pathway that is gentle, precise, and designed for long‑term results. Whether your infection is new or longstanding, PACT offers a cleaner, science‑driven solution to help your nails grow back stronger and healthier.
PACT uses a light‑activated gel that binds specifically to fungal cells. When exposed to a precise wavelength of light, the gel produces reactive oxygen molecules that destroy fungal cell walls without harming healthy tissue. This selective action is a major advantage over oral medications, which affect the whole body.
Our podiatrists are trained in diagnosing and managing complex nail conditions. Before treatment begins, we assess the nail thoroughly, identify contributing factors, and ensure PACT is the right approach for your presentation.
Treatment involves a series of treatment cycles that treat the fungal infection and allow the nail to repair and regenerate.
A standard treatment includes:
PACT therapy produces no heat and requires no anaesthetic. Patients typically experience no discomfort during or after treatment, and there is no downtime—making it easy to fit into everyday life.
For people who have tried creams without success, want to avoid oral medications, or simply want a safe, effective, and science‑backed option, PACT offers a scientific approach that fits easily into everyday life.
You may be a good candidate for PACT if you have:
For treatment to be effective an active fungal infection must be present. This can be confirmed by our podiatrists. If needed, a nail sample can be taken for pathology to confirm the fungal strain.
For PACT – the first step for treatment is to confirm the presnece of a fungal infection and the best management approach. If PACT is the recommended management a plan can be made to implement treatment .
Get started by making an appointment for Skin and Nail care with our Podiatrists. Please phone Camberwell Sports & Spinal Medicine on (03) 9889 1078 to make your initial appointment or alternatively you can Make an Appointment online.
At your initial consultation your podiatrist will begin with a detailed examination of the affected nails, assessing the extent of infection, nail thickness, skin involvement, and any contributing biomechanical or footwear factors. This ensures PACT is the right treatment choice and that expectations are realistic.
To maximise the effectiveness of PACT, in this consultation the nail is carefully thinned and debrided. Reducing fungal load and removing damaged nail allows the light‑activated gel to penetrate more deeply and act more efficiently.
PACT involves a series of 3 consultations over each treatment cycle.
Then number of treatment cycles required depends on the number of toes involved, severity of the infection and the nails response to treatment.
Costs of treatment vary depending on the number of toes involved and the relative location of each infected area.
More extensive infections with require greater amounts of treatment.
The nature of fungal infections mean that not all patients and nails respond in the same way or the same speed.
Your podiatrist is best placed to guide treatment to ensure the best outcome and reduce the chance of reoccurence.
While GPs and specialists seeking the best care often refer their patients to CSSM for fungal nail care, a referral is not necessary. PACT is a safe and recognised form of fungal treatment. To commence treatment simply make a Podiatry appointment with Camberwell Sports & Spinal Medicine directly by calling 9889 1078.
Podiatry treatment is covered under the ancillary or extras cover of most major health insurers. Camberwell Sports & Spinal Medicine is able to offer “on the spot” rebates via HICAPS. The rebate varies depending on your health insurer and level of cover so make sure to check the details of your policy.
If your condition meets certain requirements and you have a vaild referral from your Doctor, Medicare may offer limited rebates for Podiatry and PACT treatment. In the instance that you suffer from a chronic condition, your GP can refer you to an Allied Health Professional, such as an Podiatrist, for up to five sessions each calendar year. Not all conditions qualify for this program and there will still be an out of pocket expenses for these services. For more information talk to your Doctor and ask them about your eligibility for a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan prior to making an appointment with CSSM.
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