More about Onychomycosis...
Some Common Causes
- Because of the fact that fungi enjoy these living conditions your shoes, socks or stockings become ideal breeding grounds for these organisms.
- The fungus can gain entry into your nail bed through a damaged or broken nail.
- This fungus will then continue to grow and multiply within an ideal environment such as a training shoe.
- It can also spread very easily through communal areas such as changing rooms etc, or by sharing a nail file.
- It can easily spread to your skin as a result, especially in between your toes.
The Main Symptoms
- Unsightly toenails - yellowish brown or green in colour A green coloured nail is more associated with a pseudomona infection, and thick and brittle in texture.
- You might be able to see a soft layer of debris under your nail, which will have an unpleasant smell.
- Your nails may have split very badly, or will show pit marks and ridges.
- Your nails might have started to grow thicker than usual.
Cathy Bowen
MSc DPodM ILTM, Podiatrist
Onychomycosis
Onychomycosis is a condition when your toenails can become infected with a fungus that thrives on warm, dark and moist conditions.
Suggested Treatments for Onychomycosis
If the fungus has penetrated your nail bed then it
will be a long-term treatment program. The fungus
must be eliminated completely from the nail bed in
order for any treatment to be deemed a success. Use a liquid or cream application
to the affected area.
Use this regularly and keep up the treatment
even though the obvious signs have gone, you
need to make 100% sure that all traces of the
fungus has gone before you stop treatment.
You can go to your GP and ask for tablets to fight
the infection but they can have side effects.
Good foot hygiene is very important in order to take
away the environment in which the fungus thrives.
So wash your feet daily in warm, soapy water and
dry them thoroughly especially between your toes.
Change your socks or hosiery regularly.
Don’t use the same pair of shoes
all the time - rotate their use.
Other customers have found these useful for Onychomycosis...
 Foot Essentials Nourish That Nail 25ml |
Treating your condition
The Traffic Light symbol at the top of each condition page indicates the way you should approach it:
Red: Seek professional help immediately, either from a suitably qualified Podiatrist or Physiotherapist.
Amber: You can treat this condition yourself BUT you should seek professional help if you want reassurance that what you are doing is the best approach for you.
Green: You can treat this condition yourself if you feel comfortable doing so. However, for further reassurance it might be as well to talk the condition through with a suitably qualified Podiatrist.
Remember this advice is for guidance only and if you are in any doubt at all, please consult your nearest HPC Registered Podiatrist.