In this informative blog post, Geelong Podiatrist Sheshna Rai delves into the world of fungal toenails, shedding light on their nature, causes, and how to differentiate them from other nail conditions. Whether you’re seeking cosmetic improvement or aiming to safeguard your foot health, understanding fungal toenails is crucial.
Understanding Fungal Toenails
Fungal toenail infections, scientifically known as onychomycosis, involve the infection of various components of the nail unit, including the nail plate, nail bed, and nail matrix. As the infection progresses, it can lead to nail discoloration and alterations in nail growth patterns such as thickness, orientation, and integrity. While fungal toenails don’t typically pose significant health risks, many individuals seek treatment primarily due to cosmetic concerns and nail dysmorphia. Nonetheless, pursuing treatment is also advisable if the fungal infection triggers uncomfortable changes in the nail and surrounding skin, potentially jeopardising overall foot health.
Factors Predisposing You to Fungal Toenails
Certain factors increase the likelihood of developing fungal toenails. Conditions like diabetes, peripheral vascular disease (PAD), and immunosuppression elevate the risk. Although the exact mechanisms remain incompletely understood, these risk factors align with the prevalence of infections among older adults. Additionally, footwear and climate play roles; fungal dermatophytes thrive in warm, dark, and moist environments. Therefore, individuals in humid climates, those who wear enclosed non-breathable shoes, and individuals with consistently painted toenails are more susceptible. Moreover, pre-existing fungal skin conditions, such as tinea and athlete’s foot, raise the chances of developing fungal toenails, as similar dermatophytes are involved.
Distinguishing Fungal Toenails from Other Nail Pathologies
Accurately identifying fungal toenails is crucial, as they can be confused with other nail conditions. Common misconceptions include mistaking trauma-induced nails, psoriatic nails, and discoloured/thickened nails due to systemic issues like diabetes or kidney failure for fungal infections.
Conclusion
Fungal toenails, or onychomycosis, are a prevalent concern affecting the nail unit’s health and appearance. Whether driven by cosmetic aspirations or a desire to maintain optimal foot health, understanding the causes, risks, and distinguishing features of fungal toenails is paramount. Should you suspect fungal toenails or any other nail condition, seeking professional guidance from the team at Prosper Podiatry will ensure an accurate diagnosis and an effective treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
What to do from here
To have your fungal nails assessed and treated by one of our trained Podiatrists, simply head over to our website at www.prosperpodiatry.com.au or call us on 5290 5238.
