Fungal Nails
Fungal nail infection is the most common nail disease in Australian adults, affecting up to ten per cent of the population. Toenails are especially vulnerable to fungal infection, because fungus thrives in dark, warm, moist environments such as sports shoes and moist socks. It is also easily spread around damp areas where people are likely to be walking barefoot, such as swimming pools, locker rooms, and communal showers.
Some people seem to be more susceptible to developing fungal nail infections, including people with diabetes, circulation problems and immune-deficiency conditions.
Fungal nails can manifest in several ways, including: a toenail that has become thicker, yellowish-brown or milky-white in colour, and in some cases foul-smelling; a build up of nail and skin collecting beneath the nail plate, resulting in the nail becoming detached from the skin underneath; excessive thickening of the nail plate, resulting in tenderness or difficulties in trimming the nail.
To help prevent fungal nail infections and reduce their recurrence, practise sound hand and foot hygiene with the following steps: thoroughly dry your hands and feet, including between your toes, after bathing; use an antifungal spray or powder on your feet and inside your shoes; wear shoes around public pools, showers, locker rooms and camp sites; wear absorbent socks that wick excess moisture away from the skin, and change them often if your feet sweat excessively; take your shoes off occasionally during the day and after exercise, and alternate closed-toe shoes with open-toed shoes; keep your nails short, dry and clean – trim nails straight across and file down thickened areas apply some tea tree oil to your nail; avoid toe nail polish – although it may be tempting to use it to hide nail fungal infections, this can trap unwanted moisture and worsen the infection; wash your hands after touching an infected nail.
If fungal nail infection resists hygienic measures, it is important you see your Podiatrist, who may recommend: periodic removal of diseased nail matter and debris, to allow antifungal lotions to be applied directly to the active edge of the fungus; regular application of an antifungal solution to your toenail until normal nail appearance is achieved; oral antifungal medications, if conservative care fails and there is extensive infection of the entire nail plate.
Left untreated, fungal nail infection is capable of spreading to your other toenails, the skin, and even the fingernails and other members of your household. If you think you may a fungal nail infection, contact us.
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