Types of Nail and Feet Abnormalities
Nail fungus is a common infection that can occur on the fingers and toes. Whilst most people experience mild fungal infections, it is important to understand the condition and the preventative, as well as treatment steps to eliminate it.
What is Nail Fungus?
Nail fungus or onychomycosis is an infection that affects the nail, which can be painful and recurring. Nail fungus is a common condition that generally affects the toenails more frequently than the fingernails. The fungus tends to grow as it feeds on the Keratin-rich nail protein, resulting in a visible change on and under the nail[1].
Nail fungus can be identified through visual cues such as changes and discolouration of the nail. The first signs of nail fungus are the appearance of spots on the nail that are either elongated or semicircular. These spots may be yellow or grey-brown in colour, with sharp or irregular edges. If the fungus goes untreated, the nail plate may thicken or become fragile and brittle. If the fungus continues to go untreated, the nail may detach from the nail bed and some may begin to experience athlete's foot (tinea pedis) as the fungus infects the skin between the toes and feet, causing discomfort[2].
Symptoms of Nail Fungus
Nail fungus is a visual infection, whilst this can cause embarrassment and affect the day-to-day life of the individual, it also allows for early detection. The most common symptoms of nail fungal include discolouration of the nail to a yellow or brown colour, the nail becoming thicker and crumbly, and the nail separating from the nail bed. Whilst some people may not fill pain during the early stages, if left untreated the nail area can become painful[3].
Other symptoms that may be experienced with nail fungal include lifted nail plates, ridged nails, splitting nails, a bacterial infection of the nail and inflammation of the skin alongside the nail. It is important that if mild symptoms occur, they are treated instantly with the appropriate steps[4].
Stages of Nail Fungus
Whilst nail fungus may look like just an exterior issue, if not treated it can further progress to more severe stages. When nail fungal first appears, it may look like slight discolouration or the appearance of yellow and brown tones on the nail. This should be the first indicator that nail fungus is present and treatment is required. If the nail fungal is left untreated, the nail may become soft and powdery. At this stage, the nail can detach from the nail bed if not treated. Even when using treatment, it does take a number of months for the nail to grow back without infection. If the nail fungal is further left untreated, discomfort can be experienced as the infection spreads. When nail fungal is continuously left untreated, it is possible that the skin around the nail can become infected. It is important that if the nail fungus worsens, the advice of a healthcare professional is sought out for adequate care and treatment instructions.
Treating Nail Fungus
Treating nail fungus immediately is crucial to stop the ongoing spread and severity of the infection. Maintaining adequate hygiene is crucial to minimise the risk and ongoing occurrence of infection. This includes making sure the nails are kept short and clean, keeping the hands and feet clean and dry, as well as not walking barefoot in public places such as locker rooms and public showers[5].
When using the Loceryl Nail Lacquer™, weekly treatment may be needed for up to 12 months. The Lacquer contains an active ingredient called amorolfine, which treats nail fungal when applied once a week. It is important to assess the degree of nail fungal as if the nail plate is more severely affected or the nail root is affected, antifungal prescription treatments from a healthcare professional may be necessary.
In the first 3 months, the nail lacquer will penetrate into the nail bed in order to stop the nail pathogens from spreading. Following this, after 6 months of using the nail lacquer, mild fungal nail infections should be eliminated. If the fungus was on the toes, by this time half a new nail will have regrown with the affected areas on the top of the nail gone. After 9 months of treatment, minimal signs of toenail fungus should be remaining. Treatment should continue until the nail looks healthy, and the nail material has regrown completely. After 12 months of constant once-a-week treatment, the toenail fungal should be completely gone.
Following treatment, adequate hygiene is crucial to prevent the infection from recurring. The Loceryl Nail Lacquer ™ is a pharmacy medicine, and the advice from the providing health official should be followed. It is important to always read the label and follow directions for use to benefit from the product safely. It is important to note that Loceryl is indicated for mild fungal nail infections only, and if symptoms persist, it is important to seek help from a health professional[6].
Nail Recovery After Fungus
Nail fungus can vary in recovery time depending on the severity and what treatment has been applied. If using self-care and medicated remedies, nail recovery can occur in 6 to 12 weeks, assuming the products’ directions are followed and the practice of self-care hygiene is continued. A full recovery may take up to 12 months, with monitoring required to ensure the infection does not reoccur.
References
[1] loceryl.com/au all about nail fungus
https://www.loceryl.com/au/nail-fungus/all-about-nail-fungus
[2] procarepodiatry.com.au athletes food fungal nail infection
https://www.procarepodiatry.com.au/athletes-foot-fungal-nail-infection/
[3] helathdirect.gov.au toenail infection
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/toenail-infection
[4] betterhealth.vic.gov.au nails - fingernail and toenail infection
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/nails-fingernail-and-toenail-problems
[5] cdc.gov nail infection
https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/nail-infections.html
[6] loceryl.com/au nail fungus mode of action
https://www.loceryl.com/au/antifungal-nail-lacquer/nail-fungus-mode-of-action