Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Nail fungus before summer
Take steps now so you can put your best foot forward
NAIL fungus begins as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail.
It may cause your nail to discolour, thicken and crumble at the edge.
It’s something people often overlook, but with spring in full swing, not everyone is happy to trade their boots and sneakers for open-toe shoes or sandals because of the condition of their toenails.
A Pharmaceutical Journal published study from 2018 explains that fungal nail infection is a “mycotic infection” caused by fungal invasion of the nail structure and is one of the most common nail disorders. It accounts for half of nail abnormalities in adults.
It’s also more common with older people. Marion Yau, a principal podiatrist and research investigator at the Harley Medical Foot and Nail Laser Clinic, London, says the increased incidence among older people may be attributed to reduced peripheral circulation, diabetes, inactivity, immunosuppression, and reduced nail growth and quality
Various fungal organisms affecting the nail and nail bed cause the nail to become yellowish. The type of fungal organism will depend on the nail’s appearance and degree of discolouration.
Cape Town podiatrist Christian Olivier, from Treating Your Sole, says a common reason for yellow nails is trauma – bumping, stubbing or breaking a nail.
Olivier says this will make the nail appear yellowish as the nail has lifted off the nail bed – the chances are that the nail has lost its source of nourishment and therefore dries and changes colour.
He says a fungal nail infection may occur from the overgrowth of fungus in, under, or on the nail.
Fungus mostly thrives in warm, moist environments, which causes it to naturally overpopulate – just as jock itch, athlete’s foot, and ringworm can cause nail infections.
If you suspect you have a fungal and or any toenail infection, Olivier says you should see a podiatrist, who can make an accurate diagnosis.
Fungal infections can be treated with oral medication and topical medication.
The latest, most successful treatment is laser treatment by a podiatrist specifically trained in this.
When going for pedicures, you also need to make sure your beautician is sterilising, not just disinfecting, her files and clippers between clients, as many of these infections are spread in such environments.
Help is also at hand at your local pharmacy. There are over-the-counter products for fungal infections, to be used with reservation and under the guidance of a podiatrist.
It’s also important to note that if your condition is mild and not bothering you, you may not need treatment. However, if your nail fungus is painful and has caused thickened nails, self-care steps and medications may help.
Even if treatment is successful, nail fungus often comes back and requires a course of treatments.
Nail fungus can be an embarrassing condition to deal with but, as with most things, it’s best to get the right advice as soon as possible – before something that could have been prevented early gets worse, and you’re too shy to put your best foot forward.