Many people develop a fungal nail infection at some point in their life.  The condition is not usually serious,
but can be unpleasant and difficult to treat.

Most fungal nail infections occur as a result of the same fungi that causes athlete’s foot (Tinea Pedis).  The infection starts from the furthest end of the toe and develops slowly along the nail bed towards the cuticle. 
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The infection develops slowly and causes the nail to become discoloured, thickened and distorted. 
​Although not all thickened and distorted nails are caused by a fungal infection.

The medical name for a fungal nail is onychomycosis.
Signs and Symptoms
Listed below are some of the more common symptoms of fungal nail infections.
  • discolouration of the nail- it may turn white, black, yellow or brown
  • thickening and distortion of the nail- it may change shape and become difficult to cut
  • brittle or crumbly nails
  • pain or discomfort- when pressure is applied
  • the skin nearby may become infected and be itchy, cracked or red
What causes fungal nail infections?
Most fungal nail infections occur as a result of athlete's foot infecting the nails.  The fungi prefer warm, damp places.
You are more likely to get a fungal nail infection if you:-
  • don't keep your feet clean and dry
  • wear shoes that cause your feet to be hot and sweaty
  • have damaged your nails
  • have a weakened immune system, or certain health conditions including diabetes, psoriasis
  • walk barefoot in communal places such as around public pools, locker rooms and gyms
Prevention​
​Fungi prefer warm, dark, moist environments such as sweaty feet.  You can reduce your chances of getting fungal nail infection by:
  • Keeping your feet clean and dry
  • Wearing shoes and hosiery that allows your feet to ‘breathe’
  • Not sharing footwear with other people
  • Not walking barefoot in places where fungal infections may be likely to thrive e.g. communal showers and changing rooms
  • Treating athlete’s foot as soon as possible, to avoid the infection spreading to your nails
  • Have other health conditions such as diabetes or psoriasis
  • Speaking to your Podiatrist if you are concerned about the appearance of your nails

Diagnosis

​Before starting any treatment, it is important to make sure that you have an accurate diagnosis.  Not all thickened or crumbling nails have a fungal nail infection. Using an anti-fungal treatment on a nail that does not have a fungal infection can make your symptoms worse.  It may also mean that you are spending time and money on treatments that may not give you the results you want.

Treatments

​Treatment may not be necessary in mild cases of fungal nail infection.  However, fungal nail infections are unlikely to get better without any treatment.  Treatments can take 6-18 months to resolve fungal nail infections, particularly with more severe infections. 
If your treatment is working, you will see healthier nail starting to grow from the cuticle, but you will need to wait for the ‘old’ infected nail to grow out.  If you have used or are using an antifungal nail treatment without success, contact your Podiatrist. 
Treatments include:
  • Antifungal tablets- prescribed by the GP, these can have significant side effects
  • Clearanail- small holes made into the nail, so that treatment can get under the nail
  • Antifungal nail paints- special lacquer that is applied directly to the affected nail
  • Antifungal nail oil- specialist oils applied to the nail and to the surrounding skin

01985 300498            wessex-foot-clinic@outlook.com