Appearance of Nails is Not Everything
Our Nails can Reveal More About Our Health
Fungal Nails are unsightly
Onychomycosis
Fungal nail infection, known in podiatric medicine as onychomycosis is very common. The infection may affect up to 14% of the general population.
Most fungal nail infections are not serious. However, some people may experience pain or be bothered by the appearance of their nails.
Fungal nail infections may cause nails to become discolored, thick, fragile, or cracked. The nail may also become separated from the nail bed. The least serious type of infection only affects the surface of the nail plate, whilst more serious infections grow underneath the nail plate and infect the nail bed itself.
Where does the infection start?
Fungal nail infections find the point of weakness
The hard nail plate itself is quite resistant to infection on it's top surface.
Usually the infection starts by gaining a hold under the leading edge of the nail where the nail attaches to the nail bed. This is called the hyponychium.
More serious infections start by attacking the surface of nails and quickly progress to discolour & thicken the whole nail plate.
Nail infections may just be the tip of the iceberg
Rarely do fungal nails come alone
People who have fungal toenail infections often have a fungal skin infection on the foot, especially between the toes (commonly called athlete’s foot, ringworm on the foot, or tinea pedis).
There are several factors influencing skin and nail infection which need to be considered:
- General health of the body including other factors like peripheral arterial disease, and diabetes
- Foot hygiene
- Type of footwear & hosiery (all enclosed shoes act like incubators of infection)
You Can Trust Us
Only Podiatrists Have the Expertise
It is particularly important to only be examined and treated by a health professional who has specialised training & experience in treating a broad range of skin & nail problems.
Our experienced & knowledgable podiatrists will also assess other health factors that can influence skin & nail infections like diabetes & peripheral arterial disease.
As well as advise on footwear which always plays a part in the health of our feet.