Fungal Nail:
What are fungal nails?It is reported that almost 10 percent of the population and 20 percent of those 60 and older in western countries suffer from unsightly fungal nails. Not all unsightly nails are fungal, some can be discoloured and thickened due to trauma (bleeding under the nail) and or certain skin conditions such as psoriasis or lichen planus.
Other nail conditions can be caused from pregnancy or chemotherapthy, causing ridges and lines through nails. White and yellow discolouration is also seen in nails that have been lifted from the nail bed, the colour is the air beneath the nail. Fungal nails are often thick, discoloured, crumbly and mishaped. To confirm the diagnosis of a fungal nail, a scraping is taken and cultured. If left untreated, fungal nails will get progressively worse.
What treatment is offered for fungal nails?The first line of treatment is to see a podiatrist who will cut and file the nails down and advise on the best antifungal solution. If the infection is severe, a nail sample will be taken and oral medication may be prescribed. In some instances the nail may be completely removed.
Sole Health Podiatry does not offer any laser or photosynthesis treatment options as critical reviews of the research do not provide efficacy rates that equate or exceed those found with traditional therapies (oral and topical treatments).
Other nail conditions can be caused from pregnancy or chemotherapthy, causing ridges and lines through nails. White and yellow discolouration is also seen in nails that have been lifted from the nail bed, the colour is the air beneath the nail. Fungal nails are often thick, discoloured, crumbly and mishaped. To confirm the diagnosis of a fungal nail, a scraping is taken and cultured. If left untreated, fungal nails will get progressively worse.
What treatment is offered for fungal nails?The first line of treatment is to see a podiatrist who will cut and file the nails down and advise on the best antifungal solution. If the infection is severe, a nail sample will be taken and oral medication may be prescribed. In some instances the nail may be completely removed.
Sole Health Podiatry does not offer any laser or photosynthesis treatment options as critical reviews of the research do not provide efficacy rates that equate or exceed those found with traditional therapies (oral and topical treatments).