Fungal Nail - Tips
Fungal Nail Tips
Fungal nail infections are caused by the dermatophyte fungi that naturally live on our skin. When trauma to the nail occurs i.e micro trauma from footwear, the fungi can invade under the nail plate. In the moist warm environment of Socks and Shoes the fungi thrive, causing damage, thickening and discolouration to the nail. This most commonly affects the big toes; however, all nails are vulnerable. Treatment is notoriously difficult as the nail plate acts as a barrier, shielding the area.
Our Podiatrist can alway help if you wish to book in for a video consultation appointment we may be able to see if there is an obvious fungal infection present and give specific advice and help.
NAIL FUNGUS SIGNS
- Thickened Nails
- Crumbly or Brittle Nails
- Distorted in Shape or Lifting
- White, Yellow or Brown Coloured Nails
- Nails without a Healthy Shine
Tips
- Sometimes the nail can be just thickened from damage and not necessarily fungal. You can monitor the nail by taking a photograph and then a month or two later taking another to see if there has been any change. If it has become more yellow or spread then it is likely to be fungal.
- Generally the topical treatments are best to try first, i.e things you put onto your nail to treat the fungus. There are tablets to take for this but they can sometimes have unwanted side effects and therefore should only be sought from the GP if other topical treatments have failed.