Nail Fungus

What is Nail Fungus?

Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, is an infection underneath the surface of the nail caused by fungi. When the tiny organisms take hold, the nail often becomes darker in color and can produce an odor. Debris may collect beneath the nail plate, white marks frequently appear on the nail plate, and the infection is capable of spreading to other toenails, the skin, or even the fingernails. Nail fungus thrives and spread in warm, wet environments This includes spas, showers, public swimming pools, locker rooms and gyms. If ignored, the infection can spread and possibly impair your ability to work or even walk. The resulting thicker nails are difficult to trim and make walking painful when wearing shoes. Onychomycosis can also be accompanied by a secondary bacterial or yeast infection in or about the nail plate.

Prevention of Fungal Infection:

To help prevent obtaining a fungal infection, it may be beneficial to wear appropriate footwear when you are in these locations. Some symptoms of this condition may include discoloration of the affected toenail, thickening of the toenail, and in more severe cases, the toenail may become brittle and begin to break off. In order to safely treat a toenail fungal infection, it’s suggested that you consult with a professional care and advice.

If left untreated, toenail fungus may spread to other toenails, skin, or even fingernails. If you suspect you have toenail fungus it is important to seek treatment right away.

Nail Fungus

Common Symptoms:

Whitish to yellow-brown discoloration.

Thick, Brittle, crumbly

Distorted in shape

A dark color

Odor Smell from nail

Treatments

Topical anti-fungal solutions: We can reduce a thickened nail and remove nail fungus from under the nail. This helps topical solutions work better as the solution is able to better penetrate the nail and get into the nail bed. It is estimated that topical solutions have a 30% success rateand for this reason it works best with mild to moderate infections.

Oral anti-fungal medication: Oral anti-fungal medication is still considered the gold standard in nail fungus treatment and it is reported to have a 70% success rate.A course on oral anti-fungal medication can last up to 12 weeks. The reason why its success is greater is because the medication is circulated in your blood stream and this treats the nail fungus 24 hrs around the clock.