Nail Fungus
Fungal Nails
Fungal nail infections are typically not considered serious but can be bothersome for some individuals. These infections can lead to changes in the appearance of the nails, such as discolouration, thickening, fragility, cracking or the nails are lifting. In some cases, the nail may even separate from the nail bed.
It's common for people with
fungal toenail infections to also have a fungal skin infection on the foot, particularly between the toes (often referred to as athlete's foot or tinea pedis).
Many patients seek treatment for fungal nail infections due to concerns about the appearance of their nails, fear of spreading the infection to other toes or family members, or because the thickened nails have become painful. If after reading this it sounds like you have
toe nail fungus, book an appointment with our expert podiatrists at Pinnacle Podiatry.
Nail Fungus Causes
Factors that increase the risk of developing fungal toenails include trauma to the nail, poor hygiene, excessive sweating, compromised immune system, poor circulation, wearing occlusive footwear, and working in wet environments.
When fungus invades the nail through the nail bed or nail plate, it feeds on the nail's keratin, leading to changes in appearance. Not all nails exposed to fungus will get infected, but the risk is higher if the nail is already vulnerable due to damage or a compromised immune system.
Nail Fungus Treatment
At Pinnacle Podiatry, we offer laser treatment as an effective option for nail fungus. This is the
best nail fungus treatment and uses laser light to target and destroy the fungus without causing harm to the nail or surrounding skin. With a success rate of over 80% in clinical trials, laser treatment is our recommended approach for fighting fungal nail infections.
Alternatively, topical medications can be applied to the nails regularly, but this method may not penetrate deeply enough to reach all the fungi. Oral medications are another option, but they can be costly and may come with side effects.
If you suspect you have a fungal nail infection, it's best to see a podiatrist at Pinnacle Podiatry a proper diagnosis. They can take a nail scraping and recommend the appropriate medication.
FAQS
Here are answers to some common questions about nail fungus.
