What You Should Know About Fungal Nails

Summer is almost here, so you might as well plan your summer fun now. There are so many possibilities for summer fun: take a short escape, lounge by the pool, or hang out in the back garden. These are just a few of your options, so explore what summer fun really means to you.

There's a sense of relief and joy as people go barefoot, stop wearing socks, and feel the earth between their toes in the summer months. But some are entering summer with fear and apprehension - the issue? Fungal nail infections!

If you have toenail fungus, you might not be so excited to hit the beach or try out those new sandals. Your feet don't need to look like this — most cases of fungal toenails will not physically prevent you from doing anything. However, you may find it slightly embarrassing to go barefoot in public spaces. 

Let's take a look at some of the ways fungal infection could be an issue for you:

Fungal nails can be unsightly. A fungal infection will often make the nails thick and discoloured — usually a dull yellow or brownish colour. In addition, the nail often becomes ragged and distorted.

Fungal nails can be painful. A lot of people with fungal toenails experience no pain. However, occasionally these nails can cause some discomfort. When this happens, it is usually because the nail has grown in a curved shape and is sticking out into the surrounding skin. This creates painful ingrown toenails.

They can be especially dangerous for people that suffer from diabetes or other conditions that weaken the immune system or blood flow to the feet. If a fungal toenail is not treated, it could lead to a severe infection or even amputation of the foot. 

Fungal infections are highly transmissible - Dermatophytes are a species of fungi that cause infections on the skin. These fungi, in turn, cause a variety of problems such as jock itch, athlete's foot, and ringworm. The fungus spreads from person to person through direct contact and even indirect contact like sharing a towel. It can also spread to other toes and parts of the body.

Hiding away a fungal nail can worsen the problem. Understandably, you don't want to show off your fungal infected toenails. But tucking your feet away in sweaty, moist shoes and socks can encourage the fungus to grow and spread and often worsen the problem. 

Fungal nails aren't always preventable. Unfortunately, reducing your risk for fungal toenails is not always easy. All it takes is a minor injury to the nail or skin to create an opening for fungi to develop in your toenails. 

Unlike verrucas, a fungal infection will not just go away on its own. It's impossible to out-wait a fungus on your toenails. It will never run out of keratin to digest, so you should never ignore the problem. It will only get worse if you do!

Home remedies are rarely successful in curing a fungal nail. Topical, over-the-counter antifungals are often of little help in treating toenail fungus because they rarely penetrate past the nail itself. Success rates depend on use frequency, but it could take as long as one year before there's any significant result.

Treating a fungal infection takes time. It can take a long time to treat a fungal infection. While medical treatments are often highly effective, results take a long time to develop. It can take months for the fungus to be killed, and any damage done to the nail during this time will not be repaired.

What are your options?
When it comes to a fungal infection, you can't be too careful. If you suspect you might have a fungal infection, you should seek professional help to ensure that you have the correct diagnosis and receive the best possible treatment. 

At Footfix, we will first assess the fungal infection and then advise you on the best possible treatment method, which could include an oral medication, fungal sprays cream for your shoes and feet. 

If you suspect you have a fungal infection, don't hesitate to get in contact with us today, we will be happy to help you in treating the infection.  

*This blog contains general information about medical conditions and is not advice. You must not rely upon the information in this blog as medical advice. Medical advice should always be sought from an appropriately qualified podiatrist such as ourselves.