Fungal Nails or “Onychomycosis” is due to infection of Tinea (a fungal organism). Fungal infections of the nails are due to the tinea organism entering the nail via a site of trauma from the skin itself (Tinea Pedis) or from the surrounding environment (such as public showers/pools or the garden).
It is most important to treat the cutaneous (skin) infection (if present) to reduce the chances of re-infection of the nail. Your podiatrist will advise you of the appropriate treatment. Nails are best treated with lacquers or tinctures, these penetrate the nail and act on the fungal infection within the nail. Once again your podiatrist will advise you of the most effective treatment.
File the affected nail prior to treatment, this ensures the treatment penetrates the nail, clean emery board between uses with an anti-fungal treatment such as 100% Tea Tree Oil.
If the nails are complete onychomycosis, then conservative treatment is unlikely to be completely successful. In these cases oral antifungal agents are often indicated. Your Podiatrist will advise on this situation.
Ready to give your feet the care they deserve? Book your appointment online or call us and experience our expert podiatry services at any of our six clinic locations.
