Toe nail Fungus
What is fungus?
Fungi are small organisms that flourish in warm, wet environments. They are not the same as bacteria and viruses; they are structurally different from them. Yeasts and moulds are types of fungus. When fungi are present in toe nails the medical condition is called onychomycosis.
Who is at risk of getting nail fungus?
- Those who go to public places and share a swimming pool, a locker room, a bathroom or a shower, especially while barefoot. Fungus is spread from person to person and can be picked up at these places.
- People whose feet excessively perspire in shoes. A warm, wet environment is where fungus lives.
- People who frequently damage their nails such as athletes, runners and dancers. Damaged nails allow openings for fungus to get in.
- People with Athlete’s foot (fungal infection of the skin) because it can spread from skin to nail.
- People who get pedicures in salons that don’t keep surfaces and instruments clean and sterile.
- People with medical conditions such as poor circulation, diabetes and immune system disease. Poor circulation and diabetes damage the nail so it can become infected. A decreased immune system means more organs can live on the body.
- Wearing tight shoes because it damages the nail so fungus can enter.
- Nails that are dried out. Using nail polish remover frequently dries out the nails and damages them so an infection can occur.
How can a Chiropodist help?
A Chiropodist can prescribe topical anti-fungal therapy, perform nail debridement which will thin the nail and allow better access to the fungus, and surgically remove the nail if necessary.
The information provided is intended for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for a proper medical evaluation. Treatment options will vary from person to person.
Fungi are small organisms that flourish in warm, wet environments. They are not the same as bacteria and viruses; they are structurally different from them. Yeasts and moulds are types of fungus. When fungi are present in toe nails the medical condition is called onychomycosis.
Who is at risk of getting nail fungus?
- Those who go to public places and share a swimming pool, a locker room, a bathroom or a shower, especially while barefoot. Fungus is spread from person to person and can be picked up at these places.
- People whose feet excessively perspire in shoes. A warm, wet environment is where fungus lives.
- People who frequently damage their nails such as athletes, runners and dancers. Damaged nails allow openings for fungus to get in.
- People with Athlete’s foot (fungal infection of the skin) because it can spread from skin to nail.
- People who get pedicures in salons that don’t keep surfaces and instruments clean and sterile.
- People with medical conditions such as poor circulation, diabetes and immune system disease. Poor circulation and diabetes damage the nail so it can become infected. A decreased immune system means more organs can live on the body.
- Wearing tight shoes because it damages the nail so fungus can enter.
- Nails that are dried out. Using nail polish remover frequently dries out the nails and damages them so an infection can occur.
How can a Chiropodist help?
A Chiropodist can prescribe topical anti-fungal therapy, perform nail debridement which will thin the nail and allow better access to the fungus, and surgically remove the nail if necessary.
The information provided is intended for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for a proper medical evaluation. Treatment options will vary from person to person.
