Nail fungal disease, medically known as onychomycosis, is a common condition that affects many individuals. It’s a persistent issue, often causing both physical discomfort and emotional distress. In this article, we’ll explore the nature of this disease, how it develops, current treatment options, and the associated risks of these treatments.
What is Nail Fungal Disease?
Onychomycosis is an infection caused by fungi called dermatophytes. These fungi thrive on keratin, the structural protein found in your nails. When these fungi find a suitable environment, they begin to colonize and invade the nail bed, leading to a host of symptoms that can significantly impact your quality of life.
How Nail Fungal Disease Develops
Fungal colonies thrive in environments that are moist, warm, and dark. This makes areas such as swimming pools, locker rooms, and even the inside of your shoes prime locations for these fungi to flourish. Once they find a way to penetrate the margins of your nails, they start invading the nail bed. The result? Noticeable changes to the appearance of your nails, including yellowing, thickening, and cracking. Sometimes these changes cause pain and difficulty wearing closed shoes and when walking. Beyond the physical symptoms, these visible signs can lead to a negative self-image, affecting your confidence and everyday interactions.
Current Treatment Options
When it comes to treating nail fungal disease, the options available today each have their own set of challenges.
- Prescription medications are one common approach, but they often come with a range of side effects that can be quite severe. One of the significant concerns with oral medications for nail fungal disease is their potential impact on the liver. For individuals who already have liver conditions or are taking other medications, this risk becomes even more pronounced. It’s crucial to weigh these risks when considering oral treatments and to monitor liver function regularly during the treatment process.
- Another option is surgery to remove the infected nail, which is far from a comfortable solution.
Both methods, while potentially effective, are not ideal for the millions of people dealing with nail fungus.
- Topical treatment of the infected nail is very important and needs to be done with oral treatment and is sometimes done without oral treatment. The way that the nail is prepared affects the delivery of the topical medication. A podiatrist will clip the nail short and well as remove portions of the nail that are detached from the nail bed. They will then file and thin the thick nail for better penetration of the medication. There are a number of over the counter and prescription options that your podiatrist will choose from to meet your specific needs.
- Treating the environment is key to treating fungal nail infection, and vital in preventing reinfection or recurrence. There are a number of products available that your podiatrist will guide you on to address your socks and shoes, as well as showers and bathrooms and other environmental considerations.
Conclusion
Nail fungal disease is more than just a cosmetic issue; it’s a condition that can cause significant discomfort and disrupt daily life. The current treatment options, while available, come with their own set of challenges, making the management of this disease complex. Finding effective and comfortable treatments remains a priority for those affected.
If you’re struggling with nail fungal disease, it’s essential to seek professional advice and treatment. At M Maddocks Inc, our expert team is dedicated to providing evidence-based care tailored to your needs. Don’t let nail fungus hold you back from living your life to the fullest. Book a consultation with us today and take the first step towards healthier, happier feet. Early intervention and expert care can make all the difference in managing nail fungal disease effectively.