What is a fungal infection of the toenails?

Fungal nail infection also known as Onychomycosis can occur when a fungus (Trichophyton Rubrum) infects the nail plate or the skin underneath the nail plate. Onychomycosis can affect people of all ages and activity levels. It is a condition that is generally pain free but can cause physical pain and discomfort if it progresses and is not well managed.

Changes that occur with fungal toenails

These are some characteristic changes that occur in the nail when infected with fungus

• Discolouration of nail (White, yellow, brown)
• Nail can become thickened, crumbly and brittle
• Distorted nail
• Lack of shine
• Malodourous
• Pain on direct pressure and on tips of toes
• Irregular growth, slow growth of nail
• Separation of the nail front he nail bed

How did I get a fungal nail infection?

Fungi breed in wet environments such as pools, and showers. Many people tend to contract toenail fungus from the following

• Nail salons where instruments used may have not been sterilised
• Not wearing protective footwear in communal areas
• Nail damage or trauma which causes separation of the nail plate from the nail bed
• Ill fitting footwear creating stress to nail
• People with feet that sweat often are also at a greater risk of developing fungal infections of the nail and skin

Who is at more risk of developing fungal nails?

• Men are generally more likely to get it than women
• Increased age
• Weak immune system
• Underlying chronic diseases e.g. diabetes, circulatory problems
• Smoker
• Spending lots of time at the pool/in the water

How are fungal toenails diagnosed?

Nail fungus infections are easily diagnosed clinically by our podiatrist. We can easily spot the difference between a damaged nail and one that has been infected with nail fungus. If there is any doubt, we are able to take a clipping of the infected nail to be taken for culture.

Treatment

There are several treatments for fungal nail infections. Oral and topical antifungals tend to be the first line of treatment. Topical antifungals are an easy, accessible and a non-invasive approach in managing and treating fungal nail infections. Along with applying topical antifungals, it is important to address your environmental factors that could be contributing to the growth of the fungus. These could include alternating footwear, socks with antimicrobial technology, keeping up with good foot hygiene and wearing protective footwear in communal spaces. In addition to antifungal medication and addressing your environmental factors, it is important to manage the way the infected toenail grows. Your podiatrist will help to reduce the length of the nail, ensure that it has regular edges, reduce the thickness of the nail and smoothing the surface to better assist in absorption of the topical antifungals and by reducing the thickness of the nail, it will help to reduce the pressure to the area.