Fungal Nails

Are Your Feet Or Hand Nails Discoloured, Brittle or Thickened?

Many people develop a fungal nail infection at some point in their life. It’s not usually serious, but can be unpleasant and difficult to treat. Characterised by nail thickening and a yellow/ brown discoloration, fungal infections causes the texture of the nail to change and it may become soft and broken.It occurs in about 10 percent of the adult population at any one time..

Fungal Nails Can Spread And Look Unslightly

Often the infection is just in one fungal nail, but several may be affected. At first the infection is usually painless. The fungal nail may look thickened and discoloured (often a greeny-yellow colour). Commonly, this is all that occurs and it often causes no other symptoms. However, it can look unsightly.

Sometimes the fungal nail infection becomes worse. White or yellow patches may appear where the nail has come away from the skin under the nail (the nailbed). The nail may become soft and crumble and the nail may even fall off. The skin next to the nail may be inflamed or scaly. If left untreated, the infection may eventually destroy the nail and the nailbed, and may become painful. Walking may become uncomfortable if a toenail is affected.

Treatment For Fungal Nail Infections

Topical – Use of topical treatments include nail lacquers, oils and other preparations. This is suitable for some less severe infections. It is also vital that the nail is debrided by a podiatrist as a thick nail provides the correct environment for the fungus to spread and prevents the medication penetrating to where it is needed.

Tablets – Can be a very effective treatment but increasingly GP’s and health professionals are concerned about the side effects it can cause, particularly regarding the liver.

Laser Treatments – This is now the treatment of choice at Flawless Feet Podiatry & Laser Clinic. It is the cutting edge solution for fungal nail treatments. It is painless with no health risks. We are pleased to offer the latest technology treatment in the fight against Fungal Nails. The S30 Podylas ™ Laser and Lunula “Cold” Laser help to treat and clear the fungal nails of the infection. This is done over a period of four sessions two weeks apart.

 

To Read more about this cutting edge technology click on this link-  Fungal Nail laser Treatment

Fungal Nail Common Causes

  • Spread from a fungal skin infection for example, athlete’s foot.
  • A nail that has recently been damaged is also more likely to become infected.
  • If you have various conditions such as diabetes, psoriasis, poor circulation or poor general health.
  • The condition is frequent in older people.
  • Have a weakened immune system
  • Walk around barefoot in places where fungal infections can spread easily, such as communal showers, locker rooms and gyms
  • Wear shoes that cause your feet to get hot and sweaty
  • Don’t keep your feet clean and dry
  • Damage caused by a Pedicure or Manicure and in some cases overuse of nail varnishes.


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