The most typical nail illness is fungal nail infection. One or more nails on the hands and feet may be infected, and the severity of the infection can vary. People over 55 who frequently use public showers, such sports or swimmers, are more likely to get fungal nail infections.

What signs of fungal nails are present?
A white, black, yellow, or brown thickened nail with a brittle, flaky appearance is typically the hallmark of fungal nails. The affected area may occasionally emit an unpleasant scent. A fungal skin infection (athletes foot) spreading to the nail is the most frequent cause of fungal nail infections. If left untreated, athlete’s foot can spread to the toenail.

If my nail is fungal, what should I do?
You should consult a podiatrist for expert assistance if you have a fungal nail.

Fungal nail treatment in podiatry.
After the assessment, a variety of factors, including the severity of the infection, will determine which of the several treatment choices for fungal nails may be ideal for you.

It may take six to eighteen months for the infection to completely go away with any kind of fungal nail treatment. This is because toenails develop more slowly than finger nails, and anti-fungal treatments prevent fungal factors from growing further, allowing a healthy nail to grow back.

Anti-fungal lacquers and nail paints

Topical anti-fungal nail medications available in a variety of forms, and a podiatrist can advise you on which to use for mild to moderate fungal nail infections. Until the infection has completely cleared up, the medication is administered.

Anti-fungal drug taken orally
If the infection is severe or has not gone away with other treatments, a course of oral anti-fungal medication could be recommended. Only your doctor may prescribe the drug; if a podiatrist thinks it’s appropriate, they can make a prescription request to the doctor’s office. The most successful anti-fungal treatment is oral medication; a tablet is taken every day for three to eighteen months, or until the infection has resolved.

The Lacuna Method
In order to enable topical anti-fungal ointments to reach the nail bed, the lacuna method, also known as nail fenestration, involves drilling tiny holes straight into the nail plate. This works well for infections that are mild to severe and don’t cause the nail plate to thicken much.

Nail Surgery

Nail surgery may be necessary to remove a fungal nail permanently if it is causing discomfort. A topical anaesthetic is used to remove the nail, and a chemical is injected to the root to prevent it from growing again.

You will receive guidance on the best and most advantageous course of treatment after a consultation with your podiatrist. Additional guidance on keeping feet healthy and lowering the risk of getting more fungal skin or nail infections will be provided. Following up on maintenance is crucial to lowering the risk of reinfection since people who have once experienced a fungal nail or skin infection are typically more susceptible to this kind of infection in the future.