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INTRODUCTION TO FUNGAL NAILS
Fungus nails is a unsightly condition which can be difficult
to treat. Many patients become very conscious about a fungus
nail condition and refuse to wear sandals and have there feet
seen in public. It is caused by microscopic organisms called
Dermatophytes. Dermatophytes grow in the nail bed, beneath the
nail and live off keratin, the protein in the nail. The condition
usually begins towards the far end of the nail and may start
with patches of white or yellow discoloration. If the condition
is left untreated, it will proceed to the base of the nail.
It will attack the nail root (matrix) and cause the nail to
grow very thick and deformed. The big toe is usually the first
nail to be affected with the condition spreading to adjacent
nails. In rare cases this condition can also affect the skin
surrounding the nails.
APPEARANCE OF FUNGAL NAILS
- At an early stage, the nail may have white or yellow patches
of discoloration. There may also be yellow horizontal streaks
in the nail.
- At a later stage, the nail will grow thick, deformed, discoloured
and have a foul odour (musty smell). It may also split and
start to crumble.
Above is a picture of a fungal nail infection
in its later stage.
SYMPTOMS OF FUNGAL NAILS
- The nail may become brittle and split in to several pieces.
- The actual condition is not painful. However, if the nail
becomes thick and deformed it may grow into the skin at an
angle and become an ingrowing toe nail also.
- In severe cases, inflammation may arise from an ingrowing
toe nail which may result in a secondary infection.
- It will affect a patients day to day activities as the
pressure from the nails against the shoes causes discomfort.
- If the condition is left untreated for along period of
time, the nail will become very brittle and the patient may
experience episodes of total removal of the nail followed
by re-growth.
CAUSES OF FUNGAL NAILS
- There are many types of fungus present in our environment.
Most are harmless, however, a group of fungi called dermatophytes
can affect the feet. Dermatophytes thrive on warm, moist conditions.
- Sweaty shoes and moist socks can be a contributing factor.
- Most people may have the fungus present on their feet.
However, a nail fungus infection may be caused due to the
fungus invading the skin. This can be due to injury to the
nail, inflammation from a ingrowing toe nail or inappropriate
nail cutting.
- Excessive perspiration can also be a contributing factor.
- Individuals with a lower immunity due to Diabetes, H.I.V
and patients with poor circulation.
WHAT YOU CAN DO FOR YOUR FUNGAL NAILS
- "Over the counter" medications are usually ineffective
as they are unable to penetrate effectively enough into the
nail.
- To prevent the condition occurring, anti fungal powders
may be of benefit.
- Avoid Synthetic nylon socks that trap in sweat, use cotton
socks that absorb perspiration.
- Seek immediate advise from a chiropodist.
Foot
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of the nail!
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Freephone
0800 1953440
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