Fungal Nail Infection

Fungal nail affects around 10% of the general population and whilst they are not serious, they can make the nails look unsightly and take a long time to treat. Once an infection is established, they flourish in warm, damp environments so ditch those trainers this summer and banish that fungal nail infection for good with a fungal nail treatment

What is Fungal Nail? Fungal nail, or Onychomycosis, infection is caused by moulds and yeasts that cause the nail to discolour and thicken.  

How do you get a fungal nail infection? Fungus germs are very common and extremely contagious. Where a nail, or skin surrounding a nail, becomes damaged then fungi can enter. Fungus germs spread easily from fungal skin infections like athlete’s foot and also from nail to nail. Once you are infected with a fungal nail infection, wearing tight and warm shoes will cause the fungus to thrive. Infections tend to be more common in people over 55 and in younger people who use communal showers such as swimmers or athletes. People with chronic diseases like diabetes, immunodeficiencies, peripheral vascular diseases or psoriasis are particularly susceptible to nail fungus.  Infections are extremely rare in infants.

What are the symptoms of a fungal nail infection? Infections generally starts in one nail then slowly spreads to more nails. In the early stages, the nail becomes rigid and brittle and then becomes discoloured (often a grey-greeny-yellow colour), thickens, and cracks or flakes off. If the infection becomes worse, white or yellow patches may appear where the nail comes away from the nail bed. Sometimes the whole nail can fall off, destroying the nail bed and becoming extremely painful.

Discoloured Nail(s) may turn yellow or black due to the reaction to fungus infection

Thickening Nail(s) will thicken to a point it becomes too thick to be trimmed. In some cases, the nail(s) may even change into an unusual shape or texture as well

Cracked/Brittle Nail(s) becomes brittle and pieces can break off. It can cause pain and swelling in the skin around the nail(s).

Treating fungal infections with Anti-fungal nail solutions.  The duration of treatment varies according to the severity of the cases, treatment should continue until a normal nail has grown out and in many cases this can take 3-6 months. Varnishes must be used exactly as prescribed for the best success. 

Emtrix Fungal Nail Treatment. We recommend Emtrix, it doesn't require a doctor's diagnosis and can be bought without a prescription. A topical treatment for nails affected by fungal infection and improves the appearance of discoloured and deformed nails. Emtrix has a physical keratolytic effect and degrades the cells of fungi that cause the infection. Emtrix increases hydration and gently smoothes the outer layers of the nail, keeping the nail in good condition. 

What to look out for with treatment. If the treatment is working, fresh healthy nail will grow from the base whilst the old infected part grows out. It can take several weeks and months for the old infected part to be replaced by new nail or the nail to grow out and be clipped off. 

 
How can avoid reinfection? Keep your nails cut short, and file down any thickened nail. Use a separate pair of scissors to cut the infected nail(s) to prevent contaminating the other nails. Do not share nail scissors with anyone else (for the same reason). Avoid injury and irritants to your nails. For example, if fingers are affected use cotton and vinyl gloves for wet work. Use heavy cotton gloves for dry work. If toenails are affected, wear properly fitted shoes with a wide toebox. Keep your feet as cool and dry as much as possible. Athletes' foot is common and may recur from time to time, treat as early as possible to prevent it spreading to the nail.