Fungal Nail Infections

Fungal Nail Infections (Onychomycosis)

Fungal nail infections are very common in the general population and normally present as yellow, crumbly, thickened nails, they can be painful but are not always.

What are the symptoms of Fungal Nail Infection?

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

What are the common causes of Fungal Nail Infections?

• Fungal Nail Infections are caused by a fungus that also causes the fungal skin infection known as Athletes Foot
• The fungus enters the nail itself
• Can be caused by trauma to the nail, the trauma produces microscopic holes that allow the fungus to enter the nail
• 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 this condition

What other complaints can look similar to Fungal Nail Infections?

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

What home treatments can you try before attending a podiatry consultation?

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, particularly between the toes
• Change hosiery (socks/tights etc) daily. Cotton socks are ideal
• Keep the feet dry. After bathing pat skin dry with a clean towel
• Use anti-fungal creams and or sprays for fungal infections of the skin
• If a fungal nail infection develops, over the counter nail lacquers such Curanail and Loceryl can be purchased and applied for up to 3 infected nails. These nail lacquers are not suitable for all fungal nail infections and will need to be used weekly for 6-12 months.

What treatments can our podiatrists provide for Fungal Nail Infections?

• Firstly our podiatrist will perform a physical examination and give you a diagnosis, not all discolored 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 pain free, this will allow any topical anti fungal lacquers applied to penetrate through to the nail bed
• Our podiatrist may take tiny nail clippings to test for the presence of a fungal nail infection, this test is called a dermatophyte test (extra fees apply for fungal nail testing)
• From the examination and/or test our podiatrist can recommend the correct treatment program this may include topical anti fungal agents, anti fungal tablets or a combination

What treatment should I book if I have problems with Fungal Nail Infections?

If you are suffering from Fungal Nail or have symptoms that sound similar to those described above you are recommended to book in for a routine podiatry appointment.