Fungal Nail Infection

What are the symptoms?

What increases the risk of getting a fungal nail infection?

Fungal nail infections can have various causes, but some factors make certain people more likely to get them. These include:

People with chronic health issues, poor circulation, or weakened immune systems are also at higher risk of getting fungal nail infections and having them come back.

How can I identify fungal nail infections?

Signs of a fungal nail infection include:

If left untreated, a fungal nail infection can make toenails thick and hard to trim, which can cause pain while walking. You might need to avoid tight shoes and feel self-conscious about the appearance of your feet. The infection can also spread to other toenails, fingernails, and the skin around the nails.

Delaying treatment can lead to serious, sometimes permanent, damage, especially for those with weakened immune systems, such as people undergoing cancer treatment, those with autoimmune conditions, or diabetes. Also, biomechanical issues like hallux limitus can worsen the infection or slow recovery.

Sometimes, fungal infections can go unnoticed if there are no noticeable symptoms or pain. People at risk should get regular nail and skin check-ups from a podiatrist to catch any issues early and start treatment promptly.

Getting an accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.

Podiatrists are experts in diagnosing and treating issues with the feet and toenails, including fungal infections. They will look at your toenails and the surrounding skin to figure out the best way to treat the infection. Treatments for fungal nails can include over-the-counter medications, topical creams, minor procedures, or conservative options like low-dose laser therapy.

Using several antifungal treatments or the wrong methods can make the infection worse or more resistant to medication, which can make it much harder to treat.

Low-dose laser therapy is a safe and effective treatment for fungal nail infections. The process involves applying a special gel to the infected nail. This gel makes the fungus sensitive to certain types of light. When the laser light is directed at the nail, it targets and destroys the fungal spores without damaging the healthy skin and nails.

Before starting the laser treatment, your podiatrist will clean and trim the nail to make sure the light can reach the fungus more effectively. This helps to ensure a higher chance of successfully treating the infection without needing more invasive procedures.

Using multiple antifungal treatments or incorrect methods can make the infection worse or harder to treat, so it’s best to follow your podiatrist’s advice for the most effective care.

Frequently Asked Questions