Fungal Skin and Nail Infections

Thickened Fungal Toenails
 

How did I contract a fungal infection?

FUNGAL infections are unfortunately easy to catch and alot harder to treat. Fungal conditions of the foot can range from simple Tinea or athlete’s foot infections to onychomycosis or a fungal infection of the nail.

Whilst fungal infections of the skin and nails do not have any detrimental effect on your general health, they can be itchy, unsightly and uncomfortable.

They also have the potential to spread to other parts of the body and other members of the family.

Fungal infections thrive in warm moist envirnments and are easily passed between individuals where conditions allow. Commonly fungal infections are contracted in public bathing areas such as gyms and public swimming pools, however can also be caught from hotel floors and carpets or sharing shoes and socks. Unfortunately fungal infections are also spread through the use of un-sterilized instruments in nail salons.
 

Fungal infections of the skin vary in appearance and can include any of the following:

• Red rash
• Dry flakey skin
• Itchiness
• Moist/macerated skin
• Splitting or fissuring of skin.
   

Fungal infections of the nails usually present with the following signs:

• White or yellow discoloration
• Splitting or crumbling of the nail
• Thickening of the nail
• Onycholysis - lifting of the nail and separating away from the nail bed
• Strange odour
• Onychophosis - excessive build up of debris under the nail
   

How can a fungal infection be treated?

There are many different treatment options available to manage fungal infections.

Unfortunately many of these treatments are not 100% effective and treatment may take many months to years to fully resolve the condition.

Leah can help you to determine the most appropriate treatment option for you as well as manage hard peeling skin or thickened nails which can delay the effectiveness of treatment.

Fungal infections are best avoided by always protecting feet by wearing thongs or footwear in public areas and avoiding nail salons who don't sterilize their instruments.