What are fungal nails?
Fungal nail infection is the most common disease of the nails. Infections can range from mild to severe and can affect one or several nails on both feet and hands. Fungal nail infections are commonly found in people aged over 55, and regular users of communal showers, such as athletes or swimmers.
What are the symptoms of fungal nails?
Fungal nails are usually characterised by a white/black/yellow/green thickened nail with a brittle, flaky appearance. In some cases, the infected area can produce an unpleasant odour. Infections do not always show symptoms or cause pain. The most common cause of fungal nail infection is the spread of a fungal skin infection to the nail. For example, athlete's foot may spread to the toenail if not treated early.
What should I do if I have a fungal nail?
If you have a fungal nail, you should seek professional advice from a podiatrist.
Podiatry treatment for fungal nails
For treatment of fungal nails, antifungal nail paint or antifungal tablets are an effective treatment method. Antifungal spray can be purchased from a podiatrist, a chemist, or on prescription from your GP. It can often take many months for the antifungal spray to show results. A prescription for antifungal tablets can only be obtained through your GP; this will be provided at their discretion. Although the results of the antifungal nail tablets are more effective than that of the antifungal spray or other similar paints, many users have reported adverse side effects after using these. A revolutionary treatment approach to fungal nail infections we provided is Photodynamic Antimicrobial Therapy (PACT); this is a safe, painless, and effective treatment that destroys the fungus and could leave you free of infection after three sessions over a one week period.
Following an assessment with your podiatrist, you will be offered advice on the most suitable and beneficial treatment options available. Further advice will be given on the maintenance of healthy feet such as cutting and filing your toenails to improve appearance and reduce discomfort. People who often experience warm and sweaty feet may suffer with athlete’s foot. Being one of the main causes of fungal nail infection, it is important that you maintain healthy feet to prevent this from happening.
If you have a problem with your foot or lower limb, and you are unsure whether or not podiatry can help you, then why not contact us.