Do You Have A Fungal Nail Infection
Do you have a fungal nail infection? Many people suffer from this common condition but don't know how to get rid of it. If you're one of them, it's important to get a professional diagnosis and start treatment right away.
What is a fungal nail infection?
If your feet are constantly trapped in hot and moist conditions, fungi will have the perfect environment to multiply quickly. This can lead to fungal nail infections, which are caused by dermatophytes that live harmlessly on the skin. As hot and sweaty feet provide the ideal conditions for fungi growth, keeping your feet clean and dry is essential. This also applies when taking care of your nails.
What happens if you leave fungal nails untreated?
As your nails grow, you may notice that the overall structure can change in colour and shape. The most common colours are white, yellow, green, or black. These colour changes can also cause other changes in the nail itself, such as thickness and texture. The shape of the nail can also affect how comfortable it is to put pressure on the toes.
If you think you might have nail fungus, it's important to get treatment right away. If the infection is left untreated, it could progress and eventually require the removal of the entire nail. In addition to being painful, nail fungus can also be unsightly. Luckily, there are treatments available that can help clear up the infection without causing too much damage to the nail.
What are the treatment options?
Oral Anti-fungal
Your doctor or podiatrist can prescribe these for you, but it may depend on other medications you are currently taking.
Topical Anti-fungal
We have a variety of topical treatments that can be painted onto your nails. In order for these treatments to work, it is necessary to prepare your nails first properly. You can also buy these fungal nail treatment over the counter at the pharmacy however it is not usually as effective at fully treating and removing fungal nails.
Lacuna Method
This treatment involves drilling tiny holes into the nail to allow an anti-fungal medication to reach the fungal spores in the nail bed.
Preventing Infection
Nail fungus can be prevented by keeping your feet clean and dry. Wear socks made of breathable fabric and shoes that allow your feet to breathe. Launder towels and socks frequently to remove any build-up of dirt or sweat. Avoid sharing towels with others, as this can spread the fungus.
If you want to avoid getting nail fungus, make sure to wash your feet regularly. This can be difficult to do, however, because feet often get sweaty and damp, which creates the ideal environment for fungus to grow. To keep your feet clean and dry, try wearing moisture-wicking socks. This will help keep your feet dry and reduce the risk of developing nail fungus.
As the weather gets warmer, it's time to break out the sandals and flip-flops! But beware, wearing open-toed shoes in public places can put you at risk for contracting toenail fungus. If you think you may already have a case of fungus, consult a podiatrist. They will be able to advise you on the best course of treatment.
*This blog contains general information about medical conditions and is not advice. You must not rely upon the information in this blog as medical advice. Medical advice should always be sought from an appropriately qualified podiatrist such as ourselves.