Fungal Nail

Fungal-NailFungal Nail problems are very common and can affect around 10% of the general population. The older you get the more likely you can suffer nail fungal problems. In many cases people may not even know that they have the fungal infection.
This condition is contagious and can start at one nail and move to the others, this is best spread with the help of heat and damp environments.
Fungal Nail infections can be difficult to treat and medication can take a long time to take effect. Fungal nail infections tend to discolour nails (turning them white, yellow or brown) and the nail can become thickened, brittle, crumbly or even deformed if left untreated. Ultimately, nails can drop off if the infection is severe and while most nails grow back, it can take a very long time.
It is more common to see toenails infected (often due to athletes foot) than fingernails but both sets of nails are susceptible.


Prevention



  • Wear protective rubber gloves when working with vegetables or soil
  • Don’t touch infection as this will lead them to spread to other parts of the body
  • Limit your risk
  • Don’t wear warm and tight shoes


Symptoms



  • Nails are brittle
  • Discoloured
  • Flakes appear
  • Cracks appear
  • Nail can fall off
  • Can feel pain in the area

For more information on preventing and treating nail fungal infections please contact us today

Confirmation and Treatment



Difficulty with fungal nail is it requires a longer term treatment up to 9 months.
Nail Lacquers and paints/varnishes in general are very ineffective and often the treatment of choice is in tablet form.
Before embarking on such a long term treatment we feel it is essential to confirm the diagnosis, this is done by sending sample nail clippings for laboratory testing to confirm fungus is the cause.

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