Nail Fungus

Epidemiology of nail fungus

Nail fungus infection is a common disease affecting around 12% of the population worldwide and over 50% of people over 70 years.

If left untreated, fungus can spread to other healthy nails causing them to get infected. It can also spread to other people’s nails upon skin-to-skin contact.

Nail fungus can also spread by sharing an infected nail clipper or towel. Since fungus thrives in humid and warm conditions, public showers, gyms and swimming pools are also considered a ‘hotbed’ of transmission.

Causes:

  • Moist Areas.
  • Communal showers e.g. gym or swimming pools.
  • Visiting nail salons that use inadequate sanitization of instruments (such as clippers, filers, and foot tubs).
  • Living with family members who have fungal nails is another risk factor.
  • Wearing tight-fitting, sweaty shoes associated with repetitive trauma to the toenails.
  • People with athlete’s foot.
  • Being older. This is owed to reduced blood flow, more years of exposure to fungi and slower growing nails.
  • Having a minor skin or nail injury or a skin condition e.g. psoriasis.
  • Having diabetes, circulation problems or a weakened immune system.

Symptoms:

  • Discolouration (yellow, dull)
  • Brittle, crumbly or tickened nails
  • Gives off a foul odour
  • Nail loss contact with its bed
  • In severe cases the nail may separate from the nail be.

Treatment options:
Topical treatments:

  • Over-The-Counter nail solution e.g. SFN10
  • Over-the-counter anti-fungal cream (Be aware of antifungal resistance)
  • Laser treatment

If nail fungus doesn’t improve or nail fungus has spread to other nails, consult your doctor to start an oral anti-fungal treatment.
Patience is key, as treatment duration varies from 2-3 months for oral treatments to up to 12 months for topical treatment.
It is ESSENTIAL to treat a nail fungus infection as soon as possible in order to prevent any further infection.

Prevention

DO

Keep your feet clean and dry

Wear clean socks every day

Wear flip flops in showers at the gym or pool

Throw out old shoes

Treat athlete's foot as soon as possible to avoid it spreading to nails

DON’T

Do not wear shoes that make your feet hot and sweaty

Do not share towels

Do not wear other people's shoes

Do not share nail clippers or scissors

References: 1. CDC (2017) Fungal diseases 2. NHS (2017) Fungal nail infection 3.Toenail Fungus – Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, Diagnosis – MedBroadcast.com

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