Fungal Nail Infections

Onychomycosis (onychomy - what?)

A Fungal nail infection otherwise known as onychomycosis, it's usually a painless condition which is caused by fungus infecting your toenail.

A fungal nail infection is the most common cause of discoloured, thickened nails. They can also become brittle, with pieces of nail breaking off or even coming away from the toe completely.

What causes fungal nail infections?

You can find the fungus that causes nail infections on floors (especially in communal areas like swimming pools and changing rooms), towels and in clothing. It can be spread from person to person by contact with these objects and is quite contagious. Fungi thrive in warm, moist dark environments, therefore footwear also provides a perfect breeding ground. The big toe is most commonly affected, as it is often the most likely to be damaged, which provides an easier point of entry for the infection to enter.

The fungus can spread to your skin and cause itching, peeling or burning, especially between the toes. This is called Athletes Foot

Who gets fungal nails?

Anyone can contract a fungal nail infection; however, some people are more at risk of fungal nails than others, and these include the following groups

• Older people

• People with diabetes (twice as common)

• Those with sweaty feet

• Athletes and people who frequent gyms and swimming pools

• Living with someone who has a fungal nail

• History of athlete's foot

• Nail that has been damaged

• Psoriasis

• Weakened immune system

• Plantar-palmar hyperhidrosis

• Peripheral vascular disease (poor circulation)

How should I treat my fungal nail infection?

Fungal nail infections rarely get better by themselves and if left untreated may spread to your other toenails, finger nails and skin.

Many of the treatments available are in the form of a nail lacquer that you apply to the surface of your nail. Sometimes your nail bed becomes infected and if this is the case then your GP may wish to prescribe a course of oral antifungal tablets. Fungal nail infections need to grow out of the nail and this can take upto 9-12 months.

How can a foot health practitioner help?

• A foot health practitioner will be quick to recognise the signs of a fungal nail infection so we can start treatment in the early stages. I may advise you visit your GP who could send a nail sample away to be evaluated.

• I can reduce the thickened and distorted nails by burring them down to a manageable length.

• I then smooth any roughened nail edges to prevent any further nail damage and apply an anti fungal medicament.

• I conduct a thorough check for signs of the fungus spreading to other areas. This is particularly helpful to those of us who have difficulty seeing our feet.

Call or email me to discuss your foot health concerns and to make an appointment on 07714 863973 - michellerobs20@outlook.com