Fungal nail infections
What is a Fungal Nail Infection?
Onychomycosis (pronounced ON-E-CO-MY-CO-SIS), also known as fungal nail infection, is a common condition that begins as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. As the fungal infection goes deeper, nail fungus may cause your nail to discolour, thicken and crumble at the edge. It is important to treat fungal nail infections as they may become worse or spread if left untreated.¹⁻³ Rejuvenail is indicated for mild to moderate fungal nail infections not involving the lunula.⁴
What can cause Fungal Nail Infections?¹⁻³
Fungal nail infections are caused by various fungal organisms (fungi).
Fungal nail infection can develop in people at any age, but it’s more common in older adults. As the nail ages, it can become brittle and dry. The resulting cracks in the nail allow fungi to enter.
Warm and moist environments are ideal conditions for fungus to grow. Other factors that may cause fungal nail infections include pressure from tight footwear, injury to the nail, and pre-existing medical conditions.
What are the early signs of a Fungal Nail Infection?¹⁻³
The most common clinical symptoms of onychomycosis are white or yellow discolouration of the nail, thickening of the nail and brittle nails.
The infected nail can exhibit a yellowish-brown appearance. Fungal-infected nails can become thickened and distorted and may cause pain and discomfort particularly when wearing shoes.
What are the risk factors for developing Fungal Nail Infection?¹⁻³
There are multiple factors that may increase the risk of developing a fungal nail infection. These include:
- Wearing footwear that is closed-in and has poor ventilation
- Working in a humid or moist environment
- Swimming pools
- Gymnasiums
- Repeated nail trauma
- Older age
- History of athletes’ foot
- Diabetes
Please consult your healthcare professional if you are unsure if Rejuvenail is right for you.
How to Avoid or Minimise Fungal Nail Infection?¹⁻³
- Ensure your feet are dried properly
- Wash your hands and feet regularly
- Trim nails straight across, smooth edges with a file and file down thickened areas
- Choose shoes made of materials that breathe
- Discard old shoes
- Wearing clean socks
- Wearing footwear in public showers
- Avoid sharing footwear with others
References
- Australian Podiatry Association. Fungal and Nail Infections [Internet]. 2020 [Cited 02 December 2020]. Available from https://www.podiatry.org.au/foot-health-resources/fungal-and-nail-infections
- Health Direct. Toenail infection [Internet]. 2020 [Cited 02 December 2020]. Available from https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/toenail-infection
- Mayo Clinic. Nail fungus [Internet]. 2020. [Cited 02 December 2020] Available from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nail-fungus/symptoms-causes/syc-20353294
- Rejuvenail Consumer Medicines Information, February 2021 [vA04-0].