What is Fungal Nail Infection?-

Onychomychosis, or Fungal Nail Infection, as it is more commonly known, is an infection of the nail and surrounding skin that can occur due to a number of causes.  Toenails are more commonly affected than fingernails and people over 55, and young, active people are most likely to be affected.

 

What are the signs?-

Often only visible in just one or two nails, the infection can be harboured in other nails and the first sign is often just a visible indication, including thickening and discolouration of the nail.  In extreme cases the nail can become brittle and crumbly and the skin around and under the nail can become inflamed.  The nail may develop white or yellow patches where it has come away from the nail bed and, if left untreated, the infection may eventually destroy the nail and become painful and difficult to walk on.

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What are the causes?

There are several causes and means of picking-up the infection and being aware of them may help prevent future contraction:

• Often spread from another skin infection such as athlete's foot

• From direct contact with a surface when not wearing footwear such as floors in public and communal bathing, showering, and changing areas.

• Genetic predisposition

• Damage caused from a trauma to the nail or toe and over-cutting and trimming nails

• Finger nail infection can be transferred from toe nails

• Not changing/rotating shoes and socks frequently and sharing footwear and socks

• Can result from a visit to a nail salon with poor hygiene policies or bad practices 

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How can Fungal Nail be treated?-

Laser is considered by many to be the most effective Fungal Nail Removal Treatment.  Other treatments for Onychomycosis include oral medicines, topical creams, and nail lacquers. Whilst all methods have been proven to be effective, there are several types of Fungal Nail infection and no one treatment offers the best solution for all cases, however, if one isn't effective then another is sure  

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What is the benefit of Laser treatment for Fungal Nail Infection?

Creams, lacquers, and oral medications need to be applied, or taken, once or twice daily, sometimes for between 6 and 12 months to achieve results.  Laser treatments, however, are carried-out in just 15 minute sessions, four weeks apart, and results can be seen after just one session.  In many cases, the infection can be cleared in as little as 3 to 5 sessions, depending upon it's severity and age, and so Laser is likely to be the quickest method of removal.

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How does Laser treatment remove Fungal Nail Infection?

During the treatment, the laser is fired repeatedly at the nail and the surrounding skin, where the fungus may also be found.  Passing over the nail and skin several times, the laser creates a gradual heating effect that builds until the temperature is sufficient to kill the fungus.   

A large percentage of the fungus, and perhaps all, will be destroyed during this process.

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What Happens after the Laser treatment?-

Immediately after the treatment, there is no visible sign or any notable adverse sensation and you are able to put shoes and socks back on (bring fresh socks) and carry on as normal. Certain activities need to be avoided as a precautionary measure immediately following treatment, and your consultant will cover all of these at the end of the treatment.  

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How can it be prevented from re-occurring?-

There are many causes attributed to the contraction of  Fungal Nail infection and by being aware of these, and by following a few simple steps, further re-occurrance can be avoided:

Immediately after; 

• Boilwash all socks or throw away and buy new ones and wash socks at 90 degrees

• Buy a foot spray/powder and shoe sanitiser and use daily and every time you change footwear and socks.

• Rotate shoes regularly and avoid wearing the same shoes daily (buy more if necessary).

• Change shoes and socks regularly, even twice a day if particularly active.

• Avoid damage to nails or over-cutting as this could increase risk of infection.

• Don't share footwear, socks or towels

• If in regular contact with surfaces in communal or bathing areas, use disposable footwear of flipflops etc to avoid contact with the surface.

• Replace old shoes as these could be contaminated

• ensure footwear doesn't apply pressure on any part of the nail, forcing it upwards.

• Avoid exercise that causes pressure on the toes such as press-ups, or find an alternative means of carrying the exercise out - this pressure could force the nail away from the nail bed, allowing the fungus to penetrate deeper.

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