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Fungal nail, also known as onychomycosis, is a common condition caused by a fungal infection in the nails. The infection can affect one or more nails and is typically characterized by thickening, discolouration, and crumbling of the nails.
Causes
Fungal nail infections can be caused by a variety of fungi and can occur in people of all ages. Certain factors can increase the risk of developing a fungal nail infection, including:
At Sheen Clinic, our experienced healthcare providers offer comprehensive care for fungal nail infections. We use the latest treatment options and techniques to help our patients achieve optimal outcomes and restore the health and appearance of their nails.
Causes
Fungal nail infections can be caused by a variety of fungi and can occur in people of all ages. Certain factors can increase the risk of developing a fungal nail infection, including:
- Having a weakened immune system
- Being older
- Having a history of athlete's foot or other fungal infections
- Having diabetes or other medical conditions that affect blood flow to the feet
- Wearing tight-fitting shoes or socks
- Walking barefoot in public areas, such as locker rooms and swimming pools
- Fungal nail infections can be diagnosed through a physical examination and laboratory tests, such as nail clippings or scrapings. Treatment options for fungal nail infections may include topical or oral antifungal medications, as well as lifestyle changes to prevent the infection from spreading or recurring.
At Sheen Clinic, our experienced healthcare providers offer comprehensive care for fungal nail infections. We use the latest treatment options and techniques to help our patients achieve optimal outcomes and restore the health and appearance of their nails.
- Topical antifungal medications: These are applied directly to the affected area of the skin or nail. They are available over-the-counter or by prescription, and may come in the form of creams, gels, lotions, or sprays. Topical antifungal medications may take several weeks or months to fully clear the infection.
- Oral antifungal medications: These are prescription medications taken by mouth. They are often used for more severe or widespread fungal infections. Oral antifungal medications may have side effects and require regular monitoring by a healthcare provider.
- Antifungal nail polish: This is a prescription medication that is painted onto the infected nail like regular nail polish. It can take several months of regular application to fully clear the infection.
- Laser therapy: This treatment involves using a laser to kill the fungus in the affected area. It is typically used for toenail fungus and may require multiple sessions to achieve desired results.
- In addition to treatment, prevention is an important aspect of managing fungal nail infections. Here are some tips to help prevent fungal nail infections:
- Keep your nails clean and dry, and avoid sharing personal items, such as nail clippers or shoes.
- Wear shoes that fit properly and are made of breathable materials.
- Avoid walking barefoot in public areas, such as locker rooms and swimming pools.
- If you have a history of fungal nail infections, consider using antifungal medication or other preventative measures.
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