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Fungal Nail
FUNGAL NAIL INFECTION
Preventing fungal nail infections
Most people develop a fungal nail infection (onychomycosis) at some point in their life. It is not usually serious, but can be unpleasant and difficult to treat. The infection develops slowly and causes the nail to become discoloured, thickened and distorted. The toenails are more frequently affected than the fingernails.
Symptoms of a fungal nail infection
A fungal nail infection may not cause any obvious symptoms at first. As it progresses, the infection can cause:
• discolouration of the nail – it may turn white, black, yellow or green • thickening and distortion of the nail – it may become an unusual shape or texture and be difficult to trim
• pain or discomfort – particularly when using or placing pressure on the affected toe or finger • brittle or crumbly nails – pieces may break off and come away completely • Sometimes the skin nearby may also become infected and be itchy and cracked or red and swollen.
Causes of fungal nail infections
Most fungal nail infections occur as a result of the fungi that cause athlete’s foot infecting the nails.
These fungi often live harmlessly on the skin, but they can sometimes multiply and lead to infections. The fungi prefer warm, dark and moist places like the feet. People are more likely to develop a fungal nail infection if they: • don’t keep their feet clean and dry. • wear shoes that cause their feet to get hot and sweaty. • walk around barefoot in places where fungal infections can spread easily, such as communal showers, changing rooms and gyms. • have damaged their nails. • have a weakened immune system. • have certain other health conditions, such as diabetes, psoriasis or peripheral arterial disease.
Treatments for fungal nail infections
A fungal nail will not cure without help; and you should always recommend treatment. There is an increased risk that the fungus spreads to other parts of the nails and feet, and as it is very contagious, it can even spread to other people. Various OTC treatments are available: • antifungal tablets – tablets taken once or twice a day for several months • antifungal nail paints – special paints applied directly to the nail over several months • nail softening kits – where a paste is used to soften infected parts of the nail, before they’re removed with a scraping device The treatment of fungal nails can generally be divided into two categories: Topical treatment for mild to moderate cases - Existing topical treatments are mainly based on an intensive treatment with nail polish. Some are available on prescription and others can be bought over the counter. Most topical substances have to be used for a longer period of time during which the nail polish has to be removed and applied again. There are products on the market, which use technologies that enable the active substances to penetrate deeper into the nail. Due to this, the fungus is treated locally. Oral treatments Oral treatment for severe cases - Oral treatments can only be obtained on prescription and are used only for treatment of severe cases in which the nail matrix is affected.
It is important to continue treatment until the nail looks perfectly clean and healthy again. Fungal nails often return after treatment because not all the fungus is completely cleared. Nails grow slowly and therefore it takes a long time until the affected part has completely grown out of the nail. Fungal nail infections can be spread to other people, so steps should be taken to avoid this (see below) by people who have an infection. • keeping the hands and feet clean and dry. • wearing well-fitting shoes made of natural materials and clean cotton socks – these will allow the feet to “breathe”.
• clipping nails to keep them short – don’t share clippers or scissors with other people. • not sharing towels and socks with other people, and ensuring towels are washed regularly. • not walking around barefoot in public pools, showers, and locker rooms – use the special shower shoes provided in gyms and sports centres.
• replacing old footwear that could be contaminated with fungi. • treating athlete’s foot as soon as possible to avoid the infection spreading to the nails. • Nail salon equipment can sometimes be the source of fungal nail infections. If the person with the infection regularly visits a salon, they can ask to make sure any equipment used is properly sterilised between uses.
WWho? Fungal nail infections are common as they are can be spread
from person to person
WWhat are the symptoms? The nail has become discoloured, thickened
and distorted
HHow long have they had the symptoms? A fungal nail infection may not
cause any obvious symptoms at first
AAction already taken? People may have tried OTC treatments but not
continued the treatment until the nail is completely healthy again
MMedication – People should always read the label of OTC medicines to
