Nail Fungus (Onychomycosis) a common condition where the nails become discoloured (white, yellow or brown) and become hard, fragile and may crack. Nail Fungus,also known as tinea unguium,is usually painless, but when the infection becomes severe, you will experience pain. Nail fungus affects more men than women. The fungus usually affects the toenails as they need a warm and moist place to thrive.

Causes

• Poor hygiene
• Contact with someone having a fungal infection.
• Getting a pedicure or manicure at Salon with infected tools
• Diabetes, poor blood circulation
• Nail injury
• Public pools
• Weak immune system
• Wearing sweaty shoes, closed-toe shoes
• Having an Athlete’s foot, ringworm

Symptoms

• Discolouration of nail – White, yellow, brown
• Hard, flaky, cracking nails with crumbling edges
• Shape is distorted
• Smelly nail
• The nail gets separated from the bed

Diagnosis

Your doctor will physically examine the foot and associate the condition with your symptoms to rule other foot-related issues. He may recommend a fungal culture with the help of nail clipping taken as a sample.

Treatment

Oral Medication such as anti-fungal medicines namely itraconazole, griseofulvin, terbinafine, fluconazole, will be prescribed.
Application of topical cream, anti-fungal powder, topical nail lacquer and laser treatment to treat nail fungus.
In some cases, complete removal of nails.

Recovery

With proper hygiene, self-care, and at-home treatment,you can get rid of nail fungus. In case of Nail removal, the infection may take several months or up to a year to go away completely.

Prevention

• Maintaining Hygiene
• Drying your feet regularly after a shower or if it gets wet
• Avoiding walking barefoot in public areas, especially locker room, public pools and showers
• Wear socks that wick the moisture away
• Avoid nail polish and artificial nails
• Get your pedicure and manicure at trustworthy saloons
• Wear breathable shoes
• Discard old shoes
• Use anti-fungal powder
• Avoid sharing, shoes, socks, towels
• Keep nails dry, short and clean