Fungal Nails

  

 




What do they look like?
Nails may slowly change from a normal clear colour to white/yellow or brown. Often the nail texture can change to become thickened or crumbly.

Why does this happen?
The discolouration is usually due to a fungus which attacks the nails, especially of the feet.

How do I get it?
The fungus is usually transferred from foot to foot. This can happen by walking or standing barefoot where someone with the nail fungus has also stood or been walking. A fungus will thrive in warm, dark, moist environments. Places which naturally have a large number of people walking in bare feet are areas where one could pick up this infection. For example: gyms/clubs/pools/shoe shops/hotel carpets/public showers etc. 

Will it spread?  
The fungus can spread to other nails if left untreated. It can also spread to the skin on the soles of the feet and between the toes. This skin infection is called Athlete’s foot.

How do I treat it?
Fungal nails are difficult to treat successfully. Tablets or Topical treatments are available. Topical preparations include anti-fungal cream, gel or lacquer. Meticulous application is required. The nails are filed down well and the anti-fungal preparation is applied (as directed) to all affected nails. It may take many months for the fungal nail infection to fully clear.

Will it come back?
The infection can recur. To help prevent recurrence, it may help to thoroughly clean socks and footwear as both can harbour fungal spores and be a source of re-infection. Following treatment an anti-fungal powder can also be used to aid in preventing recurrence. This can be sprinkled around toes or into the footwear.


Book an appointment at Kilkenny Foot Clinic by calling 056-7795716 



  

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