Fungal Nail Infections

A fungal nail is an infection of the nail plate, it is not considered harmful, however it is often unsightly, if left untreated the infection can spread to other toes and to the nail matrix

What causes fungal nail infections?

Most fungal nail infections occur as a result of the fungi that cause athlete's foot infecting the nails. These fungi often live harmlessly on your skin, but they can sometimes multiply and lead to infections. The fungi prefer warm, dark and moist places like the feet. Fungal nail infections can be spread easily to other people, so you should take steps to avoid this.

Who gets fungal nail infections and why?

Many people develop a fungal nail infection at some point in their life. It's not usually serious, but can be unpleasant and difficult to treat without help from a Podiatrist. The infection develops slowly and causes the nail to become discoloured, thickened and distorted.

You're more likely to get a fungal nail infection if you:

• don't keep your feet clean and dry

• wear shoes that cause your feet to get hot and sweaty

• walk around barefoot in places where fungal infections can spread easily, such as communal showers, locker rooms and gyms

• have damaged your nails

• have a weakened immune system

• have certain other health conditions, such as diabetes, psoriasis or peripheral arterial disease

What are the signs of fungal nail infections?

A fungal nail infection may not cause any obvious symptoms at first. As it progresses, the infection can cause:

• discolouration of the nail – it may turn white, black, yellow or green

• thickening and distortion of the nail – it may become an unusual shape or texture and be difficult to trim

• pain or discomfort – particularly when using or placing pressure on the affected toe or finger

• brittle or crumbly nails – pieces may break off and come away completely

Sometimes the skin nearby may also become infected and be itchy and cracked or red and swollen.

What are the treatments?

A fungal nail infection is unlikely to get better without treatment. Once a fungal nail infection has been diagnosed there are a number of different options for treatment:

• General maintenance - The podiatrist can mechanically debride or remove some of the fungal nail infection without the use of local anaesthesia. This is a pain free treatment and needs to be repeated every 6-8 weeks until regrowth of the nail is viewed or a change in treatment plan is required. Patients are asked to apply anti-fungal cream (which can be purchased at the clinic) onto their nails 1-2 times per day in between appointments.

• Drilling holes within the fungal nail infection - The nail is drilled with a fine 1 mm burr and treatment is repeated every 2 months until regrowth of the nail is viewed or a change in treatment plan is required. Small holes are drilled to penetrate to the nail bed and allow antifungal treatments to be more effective. Patients are asked to apply anti-fungal cream (which can be purchased at the clinic) onto their nails 1-2 times per day in between appointments.

• Removing the nail - A procedure to remove affected nails completely isn't usually necessary, but may be recommended if the infection is severe or painful and other treatments haven't helped. If your nail is surgically removed, a new nail should eventually grow back in its place. However, it could take a year or more for the nail to grow back completely.

Call us today on 01279 438444 to find out more about fungal nail infections or to book an appointment at our well established, friendly Chiropody & Podiatry clinic located in Old Harlow. We are well located and are happy to see patients from any area including Sawbridgeworth, Bishop's Stortford, Epping, Roydon, Nazeing, Broxbourne, North Weald, Loughton, Ongar, Stanstead and beyond.