Fungal Toenails | Onychomycosis
Fungal toenails are a contagious fungal infection of the nail that can affect the surrounding skin. It occurs similar to athlete’s foot where fungus tends to like dark, damp, and warm environments.
It can be contracted from public gyms, showers, pools, individuals wearing occlusive footwear, and/or pedicure salons. Other risk factors may include excessive sweating, poor hygiene, elongated nails, reduced circulation of the feet, and a weakened immune system (i.e. diabetic patients) that can cause fungal infections as a side effect.
Interesting Fact: Fungal infections are more frequently observed in diabetic patients with poor sugar control
and peripheral vascular disease (Akkus et al., 2016).
4 Common Symptoms for Fungal Toenails
- Discolouration – yellow, brown, white, or cloudy nails
- The appearance of the nail – the nail may become thickened, crumbly, flaky, or fragile
- Unpleasant odour – can be stemming from the nail or the surrounding skin
- Lifted nail – it can affect the surface of the nail (nail plate) or under the nail (nail bed)
The earlier you treat it, the faster it goes away and avoids spreading to surrounding skin, other parts of the body, or your family members. If you believe you are experiencing these symptoms, we recommend that you speak with a chiropodist for a proper diagnosis and a plan of action.
Fungal Toenail Treatment Options
Although there are many over-the-counter antifungal medications that may maintain the symptoms, they are not fully effective in curing and eliminating fungal infections.
At Toronto Foot Care, our chiropodist would conduct a detailed assessment and provide a comprehensive treatment plan to help treat and prevent your toenail fungus. Trimming of the infected nail to topical medications may be required. In severe cases, the nail may need to be removed.
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Book an appointment today or call us at (416) 444-3668 to learn more about our foot care services.
Akkus, G., Evran, M., Gungor, D., Karakas, M., Sert, M., & Tetiker, T. (2016). Tinea Pedis and onychomycosis frequency in diabetes mellitus patients and diabetic foot ulcers. A cross sectional – observational study. Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences. 32(4), 891–895.