What is it?
Fungal nail infection, also known as onychomycosis, is a fungal infection in the nail bed beneath the nail. It causes visual and physical changes to the actual nail. People recognise it by its distinctive discolouration, which can be anything from white to yellow, brown, or even black.
What causes it?
The fungal organisms are found naturally on the skin, but infection occurs when the nail gets damaged and gets under the nail and into the nail bed. Most commonly, nail fungus occurs secondary to skin fungus of the foot (Tinea Pedis or Athletes Foot).
What is the treatment?
Fungal nail infection is difficult to treat as the nail plate acts as a physical barrier to where the infection is rife (under the nail). However, some treatments can be effective.
Lamisil 1% spray
Only effective if the nail is cut or filed back to expose the nail bed and daily application of Lamisil spray. This takes up to a year to resolve the infection.
Removal of the nail using 40% Urea cream.
Where the nails are totally affected, the nails can be dissolved using Urea cream for 2 weeks to expose the nail bed, followed by daily application of Lamisil spray.
Oral medication (Terbinafine)
These are safe and effective tablets that can eradicate the infection. They can be prescribed by GP and are subject to liver function test from GP. These are found to be effective within approximately 3 months.
The best option depends on your clinical presentation, history of the problem, and personal decision, which is why seeking help from a foot health professional such as Kate at Franks Footcare is important.