Fungal Toenails أظافر فطرية

What is a fungal nail infection?

Fungal toenails, or ‘Onychomycosis’, is a fungal infection of the nail plate and is a very common issue treated here at Dubai Podiatry Centre. For some, it is mostly a cosmetic concern, though poses a more serious concern for those with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, immunosuppressive and vascular conditions.

This is a very common nail problem in the UAE partly because of:
The warm climate, posing a perfect breeding ground for the fungal spores,
The weakened/traumatized nails of the forever active and sports enthusiast
And excessive cosmetic routines (long periods of nail polish coverage and acrylic nails).

What symptoms should I look out for?
The appearance of a fungal nail can vary depending on the source and stage of infection. The early days are marked with a white discoloration that affects only the edge of the nail. Left untreated, the discoloration will spread throughout the nail and detachment of the nail from the nail bed is common. A thickened, brittle and yellow discolored nail indicates a long term fungal infection.

Signs and symptoms to look out for:

A yellow tinge to the nail may indicate superficial or early stage fungal infection. Continuing to keep the nail in an unhealthy environment (covering with nail polish for example) will allow the fungus to develop further

Sometimes separation of the nail from the nail bed and destruction of the nail edge will develop if left untreated.
A discharge from any area of nail detachment.
Painfully inflamed tissue surrounding the nail plate.
Thick, brittle and crumbling nails.

What increases the risk for fungal nail infections?

Excessive cosmetic routines  prolonged use of nail varnish and artificial nails.
Nail damage from minimal repeated trauma such as that occurring during running, football and stop star sports, squash, tennis and basketball.
Nail biting
Smoking
Warm humid climates
An untreated fungal infection of the skin (athlete؛s foot) often spreads to the nails.

What can I do to avoid, or treat, fungal toenails?

Avoid keeping nail polish on for longer than 2-3 days. Use it for a special occasion and then remove polish immediately. Show off your lovely natural nails unvarnished by keeping them trimmed and filed and moisturised with olive oil, aprcot oil or a moisturising antifungal gel such as Xerial 40. Keep hard skin at bay by using a gentle foot file in the shower daily and applying a good quality emolient to your feet, such as CCS (containing the hard skin-busting ingredient urea).Conservative treatment includes topical and/or oral antifungals prescribed by your GP.

Your Podiatrist may buff superficial fungus from the nail and thin thickened nails as well as correctively trim.

Nail procedures to fully remove the affected fungal nail by a suitably qualified professional, allowing a healthy nail to regrow.

You should seek treatment from your Podiatrist as soon as possible if you are suspicious of a possible nail infection to prevent the infection worsening.

Early intervention is best, so be vigilant and act promptly if you spot anything unusual.
If your Podiatrist diagnoses a fungal nail infection, treatment varies depending on cause and how severe the infection is.

If you are worried about your nails, give Dubai Podiatry Centre a call on 04 3435390 and our qualified, friendly Podiatrists will be very happy to advise and offer the best treatment to get your toes back into tip top shape!