Fungal Nails

Fungal Nails (Onychomyosis)

Onychomycosis also known as Tinea Unguium is a contagious fungal infection of toe nails that affects about 6-8% of the adult population. Fungus infection in the toe nails account for almost half of all nails problems, with its incidence increasing with age.
These fungal infections can occur when one of a number of types of microscopic fungi gain entry (usually through a small trauma) to the nail, then grow and spread in the warm, moist environment inside socks and shoes.

Symptoms
Changes in the nails appearance, this can include

• Swelling, yellowing, thickening, roughness, or crumbling of the nail.
• Streaks or spots down the side of the nail, and even complete loss of the nail. Toenail colour can vary from brown to yellow or white.
• There is generally no pain.
• Yellow to brown colour nails may also have a strange odour noted when they are cut.

Treatment
At Sydney Foot Clinic, some of the treatment/management offered for fungal nails include;

• Accurate diagnosis.
• Recommending appropriate anti-fungal medication.
• Cutting and filing the nail.
• Education about foot and nail care to prevent any further reoccurrence of the infection.