Not many people are actually aware of what Fungus Nails are, but for the people who are suffering with them, they can cause severe anxiety and extreme confidence problems. Caused by the various different types of fungus which are naturally present in our everyday environment, Fungus Nails are really unsightly conditions which can affect absolutely anybody.

Living With Fungus Nails and Knowing the Symptoms

As mentioned, Fungus Nails can happen to anybody and it tends to occur in moist, warm conditions. The usually harmless organisms called ‘Dermatophytes’ which grow in the nail bed underneath the nail, and which feed off the keratin in the nail, are what causes the condition. If left untreated, the condition simply gets worse and it attacks the nail root which causes the nail to grow back thicker and deformed. Usually it is the big toe which develops the condition first, and as it develops it spreads down the other toes and sometimes in extreme cases, it even affects the skin around them.

The symptoms to look out for with this condition include:

·           Brittle nails which split easily

·           If the nail grows back deformed, it can cause in-growing toenails

·           A secondary infection may occur from any inflammation

·           You may find it uncomfortable to walk as the nail rubs against your shoes

·           If the nail has been brittle for quite a while, the nail could completely come off and a new nail will grow back in its place.

The actual appearance of Fungus Nails differs according to what stage the condition is at. If it is still in its early stages, you may notice white or yellow patches of discoloration on the nail. There may also be horizontal streaks which are noticeable too. If on the other hand the condition is in its later stages, the nail will be thicker, deformed and it will have a really foul odor to it. The nail will also start to crumble. Overall it really is not a nice condition to live with and in summer months it can be a nightmare as sufferers need to keep cool, but they do not want to expose their feet whilst out in public.

The Treatments Available

Luckily there are treatments available and most are easily bought over the counter. Anti-fungal powders for example may be really useful, especially if the condition is in its early stages. Avoiding nylon socks is also recommended as they do not soak up the sweat well enough and the bacteria can easily thrive and cause more of a problem in a moist, warm environment. So, cotton socks are by far the best to stick with!

It is really important to get a diagnosis early as that way treatment is a lot more likely to be successful. A Chiropodist will examine the condition and suggest the best treatments for you. Often systemic medications are offered and a nail lacquer may also be useful. Also, the nail may also be trimmed down and if there is a secondary in-growing toenail, the nail may have to be completely removed through surgery. So, there are plenty of treatment options but only a Chiropodist can give you the correct treatment for you.

Overall you can expect results in roughly 9-12 months, so no treatment options provide a quick fix. The best thing you can do to prevent Fungus Nails is to keep your feet clean and moist free!

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