Fungal Nail Infections
A nail fungal infection may begin as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. As the nail fungus spreads deeper into your nail, it may cause your nail to discolour, thicken and crumble — an unsightly, sometimes smelly and potentially painful problem!
These infections often develop on nails which are regularly exposed to warm, moist environments, such as sweaty shoes. Resistance to fungal infections is thought to have a genetic component, but some factors put you at greater risk of developing a fungal nail infection:
- Perspiring heavily
- Working in a humid or moist environment
- Wearing socks and shoes that hinder ventilation and don't absorb perspiration
- Walking barefoot in damp public places, such as swimming pools, gyms and showers
- A minor skin or nail injury, a damaged nail or another infection. Fungi can invade your skin through tiny invisible cuts or through a small separation between your nail and nail bed.
- Diabetes, circulation problems or a weakened immune system
Nail fungal infections are typically caused by a fungus that belongs to a group of fungi called dermatophytes. But yeasts and moulds also can be responsible for nail fungal infections. Nail fungus isn't the same as athlete's foot, which primarily affects the skin of the feet, but sometimes both occur together they can be caused by the same type of fungus. A fungus is a plant, not a virus or bacteria. It grows like a mushroom or moss.
Nail fungus is more common among older adults for several reasons, including diminished blood circulation, more years of exposure to fungi and because nails may grow more slowly and thicken with aging, making them more susceptible to infection. Nail fungus also tends to affect men more than women and those with a family history of this infection.
Fungal infections of the nail pose a serious health risk for people with diabetes and for those with weakened immune systems. If you have diabetes, your blood circulation and the nerve supply to your feet can become impaired. Therefore, any relatively minor injury to your feet — including a nail fungal infection — can lead to a more serious complication, requiring immediate medical care.
You can take the following steps to help prevent nail fungus and to reduce recurrent infections:
- Keep your nails short, dry and clean. Trim your nails straight across and file down thickened areas. Thoroughly dry your feet, including between your toes, after bathing.
- Wear appropriate socks. Synthetic socks that wick away moisture may keep your feet dryer than cotton or wool socks. Change them often, especially if your feet sweat excessively. Take your shoes off occasionally during the day and after exercise. Alternate closed-toe shoes with open-toed shoes.
- Use an antifungal spray or powder on your feet and in your shoes.
- Don't trim or pick at the skin around your nails, an area of damage can allow the fungus to take hold.
- Don't go barefoot in public places, always wear shoes.
- Give up nail polish and artificial nails. Although it may be tempting to hide nail fungal infections under a coat of pretty pink polish, this can trap unwanted moisture and worsen the infection.
- Wash your hands after touching an infected nail. Nail fungus can spread from nail to nail.
If you suspect you have a fungal nail infection then please see your GP or your foot health professional. Fungal infections can be difficult to treat and often take some time to disappear, but should never be left untreated.
If you would like to know more please contact us here at the Earlsdon Practice by completing the form on our contact page.