Fungal Nail Infections (Onychomycosis)

• The quality of the nail appearance is affected and nails often become crumbly and break easily
• The nail appears thickened
• The nail colour may change to a whitish or yellowish nail and nail bed
• Pain may be felt when walking

• Fungal nail infections are caused by a fungus that also causes the fungal skin infection known as athlete’s foot
• The fungus enters the nail itself
• Trauma to the nail produces microscopic holes that allow the fungus to enter
• Usually caused by the dark, moist and enclosed space of shoes that are not changed frequently enough, particularly trainers worn by sports people
• Can occur as a consequence of already having athlete’s foot, and vice versa
• Older individuals tend to be more prone to this condition, but people of all ages can develop it

• Psoriasis, a skin condition, can produce changes in the nails that look similar to a fungal nail infection
• Thickened, misshapen nails which are the result of trauma and not a fungal infection

To prevent fungal skin infections, which can lead to fungal nail infections, you are recommended to:

• Wash the feet at least daily, preferably with an antibacterial soap product, and dry them thoroughly, particularly between the toes
• Change socks or tights daily. Cotton socks are ideal
• Keep the feet dry. After bathing, pat the skin dry with a clean towel
• Use anti-fungal creams or sprays for fungal infections of the skin
• If a fungal nail infection develops, over the counter nail lacquers can be purchased and applied for up to three infected nails. These are not suitable for all fungal nail infections and need to be used weekly for six to twelve months

• Our podiatrists will first perform a physical examination and give you a diagnosis. Not all discoloured, thickened nails are caused by a fungal infection
• The nails will be trimmed, filed and shaped. If the nail is thick, the thickness will be reduced painlessly, allowing any topical anti-fungal lacquers to penetrate through to the nail bed
• Our podiatrists may take tiny nail clippings to test for the presence of a fungal nail infection. This is called a dermatophyte test, and extra fees apply
• From the examination and test, our podiatrists can recommend the correct treatment programme. This may include topical anti-fungal agents, anti-fungal tablets, or a combination

If you are suffering from a fungal nail infection, or have symptoms that sound similar to those described above, you are recommended to book a routine podiatry appointment.