One of the most common conditions seen, managed and treated by a podiatrist is a fungal nail infection, medically known as Onycomycosis. Though it is most commonly noticed in adults, it can be seen amongst children too.
Fungal spores can affect part or the entire nail including the nail bed, nail plate and roots of the nail. The progression of a fungal nail infection is generally slow. It causes discolouration of the nail causing the nail to turn white or yellow. It causes the nail to get thicker and may also cause distortion.
Figure 1 www.webmd.com
Causes:
- Nail damage
- Nail biting
- Weakened immune system
- Poor general health
- Fungal skin infections
- Living in a warm/humid area
- Sweaty feet
- Medical history of diabetes or psoriasis
Symptoms:
- Discolouration
- Thickening of nails
- Brittle nails
Pain is generally not present with fungal nail infections; however in rare cases if not treated or managed, the fungal infection may spread to other areas of the feet, causing infection and inflammation which could then cause pain.
Do come in to see your podiatrist and start the process of managing and treating your fungal nail infections. The earlier the treatment the quicker we can solve the problem.
Reference
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Fungal-nail-infection/Pages/Introduction.aspx
