Do you have yellowed nails? Is the color yellow or brown? You most likely have fungus on your nails. Here, we discuss fungal nails, treatment choices, and what a podiatrist can do for you.
What Exactly Are Fungal Nails?
Onychomycosis is a technical word for fungal nails (on-eh-cho-my-co-sis). It is a disorder in which dermatophytes infect the nail plate and nail bed (a type of fungus). This is a relatively common condition that can affect finger or toe nails, but is most commonly seen on the feet due to the dark, warm circumstances that fungi thrive in.
It could start as a white or yellow spot under the nail. As the fungus expands, it takes over the nail, thickening, crumbling, and discoloring to darker hues of yellow. It can affect multiple nails, and in severe cases, the nail might split from the nail bed and become loose.
Why Do Fungal Nails Form?
The most prevalent cause of fungal nails is aging, which is caused by decreased blood circulation, increased exposure to fungus with time, and nails that grow slower and thicker, increasing the chances of infection. However, it is crucial to know that aging can cause nails to discolor and thicken.
Other risk factors are as follows:
Psoriasis (which can be misdiagnosed as fungal nail)
Nails that are dry and brittle
Athlete’s foot
Trauma – for example, an object falling on a nail or stubbing a toe
Diabetes
Problems with circulation
Sweating excessively
What Are the Signs and Symptoms?
A part of the nail may turn white or yellow.
The nail can thicken and become discolored: yellow, brown, and even black.
As the infection spreads, the nail might become brittle, with portions breaking off, cracking, or totally separating from the toe, especially when trimming your nails.
The nail’s shape may be twisted, and it may have a slightly bad odor.
If left untreated, the skin beneath and around the nail can become inflamed and uncomfortable, especially if the nail is thick.
Debris such as skin cells and sock fluff can become trapped under the nail if the nail is loose. The loose nail may become entangled in socks and hosiery.
There could also be white or yellow areas on the nail bed, as well as scaly skin close to the nail.
How to Take Care of Fungal Nails at Home
Depending on the severity of the infection, over-the-counter (OTC) topical antifungal medications are the first-line treatment for onychomycosis. Curanail is a nail lacquer kit that is widely accessible in pharmacies.
OTCs should be used in the manner specified in the information leaflet. It is recommended that the nail be filed with a nail file, which should be discarded after each use and not used on any non-infected toenails to help avoid the spread of the infection.
Co-existing infections (for example, athlete’s foot) should be treated individually with an antifungal spray/cream/powder as indicated.
Because footwear is a perfect environment for fungi to develop, an antifungal shoe spray should be sprayed into the footwear and allowed to dry completely (typically 24 hours) before wearing it again.
It is critical that you continue the treatment without stopping until the diseased area of nail has completely grown out, or else the infection will return.
It may take up to three months to see effects; it will not cure the discolored nail, but will instead help the new nail to grow healthily at the base. A distinct line of color transition should be visible. It may take up to 18 months for an infected nail to entirely grow out.
It is important to note:
Podiatrists used to recommend tea tree oil. However, we no longer recommend it because, according to the Mayo Clinic, research has proven that tea tree oil is useless in treating toenail fungus. Other home cures, such as Vicks vaporub and mouthwash brands, are myths: there is no evidence that they help.
Laser treatment, the lacuna method, prescription oral medicine, and, as a final resort, nail surgery are all options. Treatment is not indicated if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as trials on pregnant or breastfeeding women have not been conducted. Treatment can begin after birth if the mother is not breastfeeding or after breastfeeding has been discontinued completely.
How to Avoid Fungal Nail Infections
Even if your nail health improves, it is typical for infections to reoccur. Here are some preventative measures you can take:
Wash and dry your feet on a regular basis, paying specific attention to the spaces between your toes. After touching an infected nail, wash your hands.
With a nail file, trim the nails straight across, smooth the edges, and reduce thicker areas.
If you have diabetes or a weakened immune system, have your nails clipped by a podiatrist.
Be wary of pedicurists; they are mainly beauticians rather than healthcare specialists. Fungus can spread if instruments are not sterile.
Shoes made of breathable materials are preferable.
Wear sweat-wicking socks and change your socks at least once a day.
After using your nail clippers, disinfect them.
If you used nail polish on an infected toenail, throw it away since it could spread the illness.
Share no nail clippers or towels.
Allow footwear to dry for 24 hours after applying antifungal sprays or powder.
In common places such as swimming pools, wear footwear such as flip flops.
Nail polish and fake nails should be avoided since they can cause the treatment to be delayed.
Infected socks/hosiery and towels should be washed with a laundry disinfectant or at a high temperature – the higher the temperature, the better (taking care not to damage clothing). Another method is to boil a kettle and place the socks in a basin with the boiling water before washing them in the washing machine as usual. The fungus is killed by temperatures exceeding 60 degrees Celsius.
Ensure that the OTC treatment is properly stored away from direct sunlight in a dark area and that it is used before the expiry date.
What Can A Podiatrist Do For You?
Depending on the severity and medical circumstances, a podiatrist can advise you on the best treatment alternatives. They can clip and file any loose portions of nail to keep them from becoming trapped in socks and hosiery and being pulled from the nail bed. If necessary, they can also use a nail clipper and file or an electric nail drill to minimize the thickness of the nail. By reducing the thickness of the nail, the topical medication has a better chance of reaching the nail and treating the infection.
When Should You Seek Professional Help?
To improve the look of the nail.
If you have diabetes, poor circulation in your hands or feet, neuropathy, psoriasis, or an immune system that is impaired.
If your nail is severely damaged, thick, or loose.
If you or your pharmacist/GP believe your nail condition is not the result of a fungal infection.