![]() ![]() ![]() Treatment is often needed for several months. It can take up to 12 months to confirm successful treatment, due to the slow growth of the nail unit.There is a 1 in 4 chance that the fungal infection will come back.Even after successful treatment of the fungal infection, the nail may never look completely normal.Treatment with antifungals tablets or capsules is only successful for about 75% of people, and the use of antifungal paints is less effective. In other words, cure is not possible for 1 in 4 people, and even higher in elderly people.Treatment includes applying medication to the nail such as an antifungal paint or taking antifungal tablets or capsules. Your doctor or pharmacist can talk to you about your treatment options. If left untreated it probably won’t go away, but it usually won’t cause medical problems. The decision to treat usually depends only on how much it bothers you. How are fungal nail infections treated?įungal nail infections can be difficult to cure. Your doctor may take a small sample of your nail to confirm if it really is a fungal infection. Many nail conditions can look like a fungal infection such as an old injury, a bacterial infection, psoriasis, or onychogryphosis (a condition common in older people where the nail is very thickened but inot due to an infection). you are at risk of complications (such as cellulitis) from the infection, eg, if you have diabetes, peripheral vascular disease or connective tissue disorders.the nail/s are painful or they bother you.See your pharmacist or doctor for treatment if: Most mild fungal nail infections are only a cosmetic issue, not medically serious and can safely be left untreated. Separation of the nail from the nail bed.The skin near the nail may itch, or crack.Brittle or crumbly nails – pieces may break off and come away completely.Pain or discomfort, particularly when using or placing pressure on the affected toe or finger.Thickening and change in shape of the nail, making it difficult to trim.Change in colour of some or all of your nail – turns yellow, white, blue, purple or black. ![]() What are the symptoms of fungal nail infection?Ī fungal nail infection may not cause any obvious symptoms at first, but as the infection progresses you may notice the following symptoms: Smoking, having have certain other health conditions, such as diabetes, psoriasis or peripheral arterial disease and taking medication that weaken your immune system can increase your risk of getting a fungal nail infection.You can get a fungal nail infection from sharing personal items such as nail clippers, or towels, walking barefoot in public showers or pools, or if you have athletes foot (a fungal infection between the toes), where the fungus spreads from your skin to your nail.You are more likely to get a fungal nail infection if your nail has been damaged through small cuts in the skin around your nail or through the opening between your nail and nail bed. ![]() Image credit: Canva What causes fungal nail infections?Ī fungal nail infection occurs when a fungus infects a fingernail, toenail or the skin under the nail (called the nail bed). Options include antifungal nail paints that you apply to the nail or antifungal tablets or capsules.
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