As the weather gets warmer, everyone’s thoughts turn to summertime fun. But what does that mean, exactly? It depends on where you live and what your favourite activities are. For some people, it might mean lazy days by the pool. Others might plan to travel to new and exciting places. No matter what your plans are, summer is sure to be a blast!
As summer arrives, many people look forward to the opportunity to go barefoot and feel the earth between their toes. But for some, summertime means living in fear of fungal nail infections. If you’re one of those people, don’t despair – there are ways to protect yourself from these pesky infections and ensure your feet are ready for the summer sun.
If you suffer from toenail fungus, the last thing you want to do is show your feet in public. Whether you’re at the beach or trying on new shoes, fungal toenails can be embarrassing. But there’s no need to worry – in most cases, toenail fungus won’t stop you from doing anything.
So how can a fungus infection affect you?
Fungal nails can often be unsightly – Fungal infections can cause the nails to become thick, discoloured (usually a dull yellow or brownish colour), and misshapen. They may also cause the nails to become distorted and damaged.
Fungal nails can be painful – Many people that have toenail fungus experience little to no pain; however, if the nail becomes curved and distorted, it can cause severe discomfort. When a nail becomes stuck in the skin, it can become an ingrown toenail. This can be especially dangerous for people who have diabetes or any other condition that can weaken the body’s immune system or blood flow to the feet. If left untreated, a fungal toenail could lead to severe infection and, in the worst case, amputation.
Fungal infections are highly contagious – Fungal infections are caused by a tiny fungus called Dermatophytes. Dermatophytes can infect multiple areas of the skin and cause various issues such as athlete’s foot, jock itch and ringworm. The fungus is very easily spread from person to person, whether that be through direct contact or even indirect contact. If you share a towel or even walk on the floor in barefoot in the same area as other people, you could catch or spread the infection. The fungus is also able to infect multiple toes at the same time.
Fungal nails are not always preventable – A fungal infection can not always be avoided. All it takes to contract a fungal infection is a minor injury to the skin or the nail of the foot to create an opening for the fungus to to begin to grow in your feet. Your feet are also highly susceptible to fungal infections because your feet provide the perfect breeding ground for fungus. Fungus thrives in warm and moist environments.
Treatment options for fungal nails
A fungal infection is different from a verruca in that it will not go away on its own. With a fungus, you cannot simply wait it out – it will never run out of keratin to break down. If left unresolved, the problem will only worsen.
Toenail fungus is a common problem that can be difficult to treat. Although there are many over-the-counter antifungals available, they are often ineffective because they don’t penetrate the nail. However, success rates may improve with frequent use. It can take up to 12 months to see any significant difference.
Nail fungus can be a difficult problem to treat. It may take several months for the fungus to be completely eliminated, and any damage done to the nails during that time may be permanent. Therefore, it is important to be patient and diligent in treating nail fungus.
When you think you may have a fungal infection, it is important to seek the care of a podiatrist. Podiatrists are experts in diagnosing and treating conditions of the foot, ankle, and lower leg. By seeing a podiatrist, you can be sure that you are receiving the best possible care for your condition.
At The La Preme Clinic, we focus on giving you the best possible treatment for your individual condition. We will take the time to assess your situation and then recommend the best course of action, which may include oral medication, a fungal spray for your shoes or a cream for your feet. No matter what route we take, you can be confident that you are receiving the best possible care at our clinic.
If you believe you have a fungal infection, please reach out to us. We would be happy to help you treat the condition.
*This blog contains general information about medical conditions and is not advice. You must not rely upon the information in this blog as medical advice. Medical advice should always be sought from an appropriately qualified podiatrist such as ourselves.