Onychomycosis, commonly known as nail fungus, is a condition that lurks beneath the surface, often going unnoticed until it has firmly taken hold.
This pervasive fungal infection affects countless individuals worldwide, leading not only to cosmetic concerns but also to significant discomfort and potential complications.
In this article, we delve into the heart of onychomycosis, exploring its causes, symptoms, and the science behind its spread.
We’ll also guide you through the latest advancements in treatment options and preventive measures, offering hope and direction for those seeking to reclaim their nail health.
Join us as we uncover the truths about onychomycosis, empowering you with the knowledge to combat this stubborn adversary effectively.
What are the common causes of fungal toenail infections?
Fungal toenail infections, also known as onychomycosis, are commonly caused by certain types of fungi called dermatophytes. These fungi thrive in warm and moist environments, making feet an ideal breeding ground.
In a fungal infection of the nail these fungi can live on, under and in the nail plate itself and can break down the nail making it appear rotten and crumbly. Other factors that can contribute to fungal toenail infections include a weakened immune system, poor foot hygiene, and walking barefoot in public places such as gyms or swimming pools. Understanding the causes can help you take preventive measures to avoid such infections.
How can one differentiate between a fungal toenail infection and other nail conditions?
Differentiating between a fungal toenail infection and other nail conditions can sometimes be tricky, as certain conditions can mimic the symptoms of a fungal infection. However, there are a few key signs to look for.
Fungal toenails often appear thickened, brittle, discolored (usually yellow, white or brown), and may have a distorted shape. They are normally painless infections but if the nail becomes separated from the nail bed, leading to pain and discomfort.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to consult a podiatrist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
What are the symptoms of a severe fungal toenail infection?
Severe fungal toenail infections can present with more pronounced symptoms and can cause significant discomfort. Most mild cases will be quite painless though. In addition to the common signs of fungal infections, such as thickened and discolored nails, severe cases may result in a foul odor, crumbling nails, and even pain because of the thickness of the nail while walking or wearing shoes.
The infection can spread to other toenails or the surrounding skin, leading to secondary infections and complications. Prompt treatment is essential to prevent the infection from worsening and to alleviate discomfort.
Are there any risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing a fungal toenail infection?
Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing a fungal toenail infection.
These include:
having a history of fungal infections (such as athlete’s foot)
walking barefoot in public areas
sharing personal items like towels or nail clippers with infected individuals
wearing tight or non-breathable shoes
having sweaty feet
having diabetes or a weakened immune system
aging.
Understanding these risk factors can help you take preventive measures and reduce your chances of developing a fungal toenail infection.
What are the available treatment options for fungal toenail infections?
When it comes to treating fungal toenail infections, there are several options available these include.
Laser treatment- this treatment aims to fire frequencies of light that kill the fungus and allow the nail to grow out healthily. This normally requires painless weekly treatment for around 5 weeks at one of our clinics. You can read about this more in another blog here.
Oral medication – Tablets can be prescribed by your doctor for a 6 week course that can kill the fungus. These tablets can have some side effects so it’s important to check with the doctor that these are appropriate for you
Over-the-counter antifungal creams and ointments can be effective for mild cases. Although these options don’t always have a great success rate and more robust treatment like oral medication or laser may be required.
Are there any home remedies or natural treatments that can help alleviate fungal toenail infections?
Some natural remedies like white vinegar or tea tree oil are occasionally effective on fungal nail infections.
While over-the-counter antifungal creams and natural remedies may help treat mild cases of fungal toenail infections, they may not be as effective for more severe or persistent infections. These creams typically contain lower concentrations of antifungal ingredients and may not penetrate deep into the nail bed where the infection resides.
If you have tried over-the-counter treatments without success, it’s advisable to consult a podiatrist who can assess the severity of your infection and prescribe stronger medications if necessary.
Can wearing certain types of footwear contribute to the development or worsening of fungal toenail infections?
Wearing certain types of footwear can indeed contribute to the development or worsening of fungal toenail infections. Tight, non-breathable shoes create a favorable environment for fungal growth by trapping moisture and heat within the shoe. This excessive moisture provides an ideal breeding ground for fungi, increasing the risk of infection. It’s important to opt for shoes made of breathable materials, such as leather or mesh, which allow proper airflow and moisture evaporation. Tight and narrow shoes can also create damage to the way a toenail grows by altering its shapes or causing it to lift slightly; this damage makes it easier for a fungal nail infection to take up residence and begin.
How long does it typically take to see improvement after starting treatment for a fungal toenail infection?
The duration of treatment for fungal toenail infections can vary depending on the severity of the infection and the chosen treatment method.
Generally, it takes time for a new, healthy nail to grow and replace the infected nail. It can take several months or in some cases a year or more of consistent treatment to see significant improvement.
Topical treatments, such as antifungal creams or nail lacquers, typically require daily application for several months or a year or more also. Oral antifungal medications are usually taken for a prescribed period, often ranging from six weeks to several months. Laser treatment will take 5 weeks of treatment then a few months to grow out from there. We have a separate blog you can read on laser therapy for nail fungus here.
Preventive measures play a crucial role in avoiding fungal toenail infections. Here are some steps you can take to reduce the risk:
Keep your feet clean and dry, paying special attention to the spaces between your toes.
Wash your feet with soap and water regularly, especially after activities that cause sweating.
Wear breathable shoes made of natural materials, and avoid tight-fitting or non-ventilated footwear.
Change your socks daily, using moisture-wicking materials that help keep your feet dry.
Avoid walking barefoot in public areas like communal showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools. Instead, wear flip-flops or water shoes to protect your feet.
Trim your toenails straight across and avoid cutting them too short, as this can create openings for infection.
Are there any preventive measures one can take to avoid fungal toenail infections?
Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, socks, or shoes with others to minimize the risk of fungal transmission.
If you have a history of fungal infections or other foot conditions, consult a podiatrist for preventive measures and regular check-ups.
By incorporating these preventive measures into your daily routine, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing fungal toenail infections.
Do you have fungal toenails?
Understanding fungal toenail infections and taking appropriate measures to prevent and treat them is crucial for maintaining healthy feet. That’s where we come in! At Hurst Podiatry, our podiatry specialists can accurately diagnose your foot and lower limb conditions, such as fungal nail infections and help you to treat them so you can have healthy feet.
We’re based in Melbourne’s Outer East area with clinics in Healesville and Kilsyth. Call us on 03 8799 4426 for our Kilsyth clinic and 03 5901 2216 for our Healesville clinics or book your appointment online here.
