How to look after your nails and detect problems
Fungal Nail Infection
Fungal nail infection or onychomycosis is a relatively common condition. We are exposed to fungal spores in our environment regularly. Typical places where we come in to contact with fungal spores are gyms, swimming pools, studios and any other place where you may be barefooted with a moist foot. Onychomycosis is associated with athletes foot.
What does a fungal nail infection look like?
The infected toenail can range from a mild brownish-yellowish or yellowish-greenish discolouration. The discolouration starts as a small patch and gradually extends towards the nail root. The nail crumbles and becomes flaky. Eventually nail then thickens as the fungus “eats away” the keratin bonds that hold the nail together.
A severely infected toenail displaying the typical thickening that occurs with fungal nail infection.
What are the treatment options available?
Laser has not been proven to be effective. Oral anti-fungal drugs do not always work and have harmful side effects. External anti-fungal applications are not always effective. Mechanical debridement of the nail combined with one of the above is effective. It appears to work best with a combination of treatments at once.
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