WHAT IS ONYCHOMYCOSIS?
Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nail, nail bed and/or the surrounding skin.
WHAT CAUSES ONYCHOMYCOSIS?
The fungal infection on the skin can spread into the nail. Communal change areas and showers are a reservoir for numerous fungi and bacteria. Sharing shoes, socks and towels of those already infected aids fungus transmission. The use of toxic nail polish can cause the fungal infection to spread and grow rapidly because it doesn’t allow the nail plate to breath.
HOW DOES ONYCHOMYCOSIS AFFECT THE NAILS?
The nails may present as being thickened, cracked, crumbling, brittle and/or discoloured (black, brown, yellow or white).
TREATMENT
Onychomycotic nails are often asymptomatic. Treatment is highly recommended due to secondary complications such as pressure from the footwear, nail crumbling and increased risk of bacterial infection.Our podiatrists will discuss with you treatment plan best suits you. Here are a few tips to treat fungal nails:
- To prevent re-infection, treat any fungal infection on the skin. Please speak to your podiatrist for further information on fungal skin infection.
- Objects which come into direct contact with your toes must be treated:
- -Socks, sheets and towels to be washed at minimum 60 degrees
- -Shower and/or bath to be cleaned with bleach
- -Glen 20 Spay to be used on shoes and surfaces in contact with bare feet
- To prevent cross-infection, wear thongs and sandals in communal showers and change areas, and do not share towels and clothing.
- Dry feet and body thoroughly.
- Avoid toxic nail polish. For further information on the best nail polish to use please speak to your podiatrist.
