Ava Monroe
Fungal nail infections are a common foot condition, often caused by an athlete's foot (a fungal skin infection) that has been left untreated. They can cause toenails to become thick, discoloured, crumbly, brittle, and sometimes painful. While fungal nail infections can be treated at home, it is recommended to seek professional advice from a chiropodist or podiatrist, especially if you are experiencing discomfort. In some cases, nail surgery may be required to permanently remove the nail.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prevalence | Fungal nail infections are common, affecting toenails more often than fingernails. |
| Symptoms | Discoloured, brittle, thickened, distorted, flaky, soft, broken, crumbly, curled, loose from the nail bed, foul-smelling, painful toenails. |
| Causes | Fungi entering the skin through small cuts, cracks in the nail, or the skin around the nail; warm and sweaty feet; walking barefoot in areas like pools and gyms. |
| Risk Factors | Advancing age, male gender, diabetes, poor eyesight, arthritis, improper footwear, sports, repetitive activities, nerve damage, injury. |
| Diagnosis | A chiropodist/podiatrist will assess the toenails, perform a fungal test, and recommend the best treatment. |
| Treatment Options | Topical anti-fungal treatments, oral anti-fungal medication, nail surgery/removal, nail fenestration/lacuna method, PACT (Photodynamic Antimicrobial Therapy), nail reconstruction. |
| Treatment Duration | Treatment can take up to 18 months for the infection to fully clear, with a high recurrence rate if foot health is not maintained. |
| Prevention | Keep feet dry and cool, avoid occlusive footwear, maintain proper foot hygiene, address underlying conditions like diabetes. |
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What You'll Learn
- Chiropodists can prescribe anti-fungal medication and recommend at-home treatments
- Fungal nail infections are common and can cause discolouration, thickening, and odour
- Surgery is a last resort, removing the nail with or without chemicals to prevent regrowth
- Preventative measures include keeping feet dry and cool, and avoiding occlusive footwear
- Diabetics are advised to see a chiropodist regularly for nail care due to nerve damage
Chiropodists can prescribe anti-fungal medication and recommend at-home treatments
Toenail fungal infections are a common condition, affecting around 20% of people over 70. It is caused by fungi entering the skin through small cuts and abrasions and is characterised by discoloured, brittle, and sometimes curled toenails. The infection can cause the toenails to thicken, start to smell, or even come loose from the nail bed. In some cases, the infection can become painful, making it difficult to walk.
Chiropodists can play an important role in treating fungal nail infections. They can examine the nail and determine the likelihood of a fungal infection. Chiropodists are qualified to prescribe or recommend anti-fungal medication to treat fungal nails. This may include oral anti-fungal medication, which is considered the most effective treatment option for clearing fungal nail infections. Oral medication is typically taken daily for several months until the infection has cleared. Chiropodists can also recommend topical anti-fungal treatments, which can be applied at home by the patient. These treatments are best suited for mild infections.
In addition to medication, chiropodists can recommend at-home treatments to complement the prescribed medication. This may include keeping the feet dry and cool, avoiding occlusive footwear, and preventing excessive sweating. Chiropodists can also advise on proper nail care to reduce the thickness of the nail, which can help other topical medications penetrate the nail better. This may involve trimming the nail with a file or nail drill to reduce discomfort.
For more advanced infections, a combination of oral anti-fungal tablets and topical treatments may be required. Chiropodists can work in conjunction with the patient's GP to arrange this treatment option, taking into account the patient's medical history, foot status, and the clinical appearance of their nails. It is important to note that fungal nail infections can be challenging to treat, and recurrence is common. Therefore, patients should be diligent in following the treatment plan and maintaining good foot health to reduce the chances of reinfection.
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Fungal nail infections are common and can cause discolouration, thickening, and odour
Fungal nail infections are common, affecting around 20% of people over 70. They are more prevalent in toenails than fingernails, possibly due to feet being covered during the day, and diminished circulation to the toes, creating an ideal environment for fungi to grow. Toenail fungus may start with a tiny change in nail colour, which can be overlooked for months as the infection may begin in only one part of the nail.
As the disease progresses, the nails may soften and become distorted, with debris accumulating under the nail. The odour of nail fungus can be prominent, and it may also cause athlete's foot. Fungal nail infections can cause the nail to thicken, become brittle and flaky, and even come loose from the nail bed. In some cases, the infection can cause pain and make walking difficult.
Fungal nail infections are characterised by discolouration, thickening, and odour. The nails may appear white, black, yellow, or brown. The infection can affect one or several nails and may spread from a fungal skin infection such as athlete's foot. Those at higher risk of fungal nail infections include older people, male individuals, regular users of communal showers (such as athletes or swimmers), and individuals with diabetes or poor eyesight.
Fungal nail infections can be challenging to treat and they often recur if not thoroughly addressed. Treatment options include topical anti-fungal ointments, oral anti-fungal medication, nail surgery, and light therapy. Topical treatments are recommended for mild infections, while oral anti-fungal medication is advised for more severe cases or when other methods have failed. Nail surgery involves removing the infected nail under local anaesthesia and applying a chemical to prevent regrowth. Light therapy, such as PACT (Photodynamic Antimicrobial Therapy), uses gel and LED light to destroy the fungus and allow a healthy nail to grow.
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Surgery is a last resort, removing the nail with or without chemicals to prevent regrowth
Fungal nail infections are common, especially in toenails. They are characterised by discolouration, thickening, and distortion of the nail. While it is not a serious infection, it can take a long time to treat. In some cases, the infection can cause the nail to crumble or break off, leading to pain and swelling in the surrounding skin.
If you suspect you have a fungal nail infection, it is important to seek professional advice from a chiropodist, podiatrist, or medical doctor. Chiropodists can examine the nail, discuss the likelihood of a fungal infection, and recommend or prescribe anti-fungal medication. They can also reduce the thickness of the nail to facilitate the penetration of topical medication.
In most cases, anti-fungal treatments are effective in stopping the growth of fungal elements and promoting the regrowth of healthy nails. However, severe infections or those that have failed to respond to other treatments may require oral anti-fungal medication prescribed by a medical doctor.
As a last resort, when other treatments have been unsuccessful, nail surgery may be considered to permanently remove the infected nail. This procedure is typically performed under local anaesthesia, and a chemical may be applied to the root to prevent regrowth. There is a 50% chance that the nail will grow back without infection.
It is important to note that preventing fungal nail infections involves keeping your feet dry and cool, avoiding occlusive footwear, and managing underlying conditions such as diabetes. Additionally, maintaining proper nail care and seeking early intervention from a chiropodist or podiatrist can help address nail issues before they become more severe.
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Preventative measures include keeping feet dry and cool, and avoiding occlusive footwear
Toenail fungal infections are common, with around 20% of people over 70 affected. Fungi enter the skin through small cuts and abrasions and thrive in warm, dark, and humid conditions. Therefore, preventative measures include keeping feet dry and cool.
Fungal nail infections can cause discoloured, brittle, and painful toenails. They can also thicken, start to smell, or even come loose from the nail bed. In some cases, the infection can cause an unpleasant odour and affect the skin surrounding the nail. As the infection progresses, the nails may begin to soften and become distorted, arising from the nail plate beneath. Debris may also accumulate.
Fungal nail infections are commonly found in people aged over 55 and regular users of communal showers, such as athletes or swimmers. Males are more susceptible than females. Toenail fungus can be deceptive at first, with only a tiny change in the colour of the affected nail. However, this may be overlooked for months since the fungal infection may begin in only one part of the nail.
To prevent fungal nail infections, it is important to avoid occlusive footwear that does not allow the feet to breathe. It is also crucial to assess your footwear and ensure that the shoes you are wearing are not too old. By mixing pairs with another set of shoes every second weekday, you can encourage a 24-day period that allows your shoes to breathe, making them healthier.
If you are experiencing a fungal nail infection, it is recommended to seek professional advice from a podiatrist or chiropodist. They can examine the nail, discuss the likelihood of a fungal infection, and recommend or prescribe anti-fungal medication.
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Diabetics are advised to see a chiropodist regularly for nail care due to nerve damage
Diabetics often suffer from nerve damage that can reduce sensation in the feet and toes, making it difficult to notice problems with the toenails, such as ingrown nails or cuts when trimming them. Therefore, diabetics are advised to see a chiropodist regularly for nail care.
A chiropodist can examine the nail and determine the likelihood of a fungal infection. They can also prescribe or recommend antifungal medication and reduce the nail's thickness to physically remove the fungus and allow topical medication to penetrate the nail better. They use tools that have been thoroughly sterilised to eliminate all fungal spores, reducing the risk of infection.
Toenails can be susceptible to injury, infection, and other issues, and diabetics may not always notice when problems arise. It is important to keep a close eye on the toenails, and a chiropodist can help maintain healthy toes and feet. Diabetics should also wear proper footwear with a sole made of soft material and a well-fitting size to avoid friction and wounds.
In addition to nerve damage, diabetes can cause reduced blood flow to the feet, impacting the healing of cuts or wounds. Diabetics are more likely to experience foot problems, and these issues can lead to serious complications such as gangrene or loss of a limb. Regular chiropodist appointments can help prevent and treat issues that may lead to ulcers or other foot problems.
Chiropodists provide routine nail care for patients with diabetes or other difficulties maintaining their nails. They can assist with trimming thick toenails and treating ingrown nails, which can become infected and lead to chronic infections and diabetic wounds if left unattended. Regular chiropodist visits can help prevent and manage these issues, reducing the risk of infection and other complications.
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Frequently asked questions
A fungal nail infection occurs when fungus gets inside your toenail, either through a crack in your nail or the skin around your nail, and starts to grow. Fungi thrive in warm, dark, and humid conditions. Toenail fungus may cause discolouration, thickening, brittleness, or curling of the toenails.
There are several treatments available for fungal nail infections. Topical anti-fungal treatments are recommended for mild infections. Oral anti-fungal medication is advised for severe infections or when other treatments have failed. In advanced cases, a course of oral anti-fungal tablets may be required in combination with topical treatments. Nail surgery may be recommended when a fungal nail is causing ongoing discomfort.
Yes, a chiropodist can remove fungal nails through nail surgery. They can also prescribe or recommend anti-fungal medication and provide routine nail care to prevent fungal infections.
