We only pay little attention to the overall health of our toenails. Its tiny size makes it almost unnoticeable. But once it gets infected, broken and has discoloration, it leaves a nasty impression about our personal hygiene. Fungal infection is more common to toenails than fingernails. To prevent this from happening, read this article to know more about toenail fungal infection.
Symptoms of Toenail Fungus
Healthy looking nails should be pink or mauve in colour. They have a smooth surface and bit ridges and are not brittle. However, fungal infected toenails become yellowed. It thickens the nail and is often distorted and cracked. It is painful and gives a foul odour. Your infected toenails may lift off of the nail bed and have white marks on the rough surface. If left untreated, toenail fungal infection can spread to other nails.
Causes of Toenail Fungus
A type of fungus called dermatophyte is the root cause of this infection. Toenail fungus is prevalent in warm and damp environments. Most of the time, toenails are cramped in socks and shoes that make them vulnerable to nail fungus. Too much exposure to public swimming pools, dirty socks and sneakers, and damp locker rooms make your toenail vulnerable to nail fungus. Injured toenails are also sensitive. The immune system and poor blood circulation contribute to the susceptibility of your nails to the fungus.
Treatment of Toenail Fungus
Going to your foot doctor or podiatrist may help you diagnosed and find the right treatment for nail fungus. Podiatrists may recommend oral and non-oral medication such as pills and creams available at pharmacies. However, oral medication may have side effects.
Modern toenail fungus treatment like Photodynamic Antimicrobial Therapy or Photodynamic Anti-mycotic (fungal) therapy (PACT) is now available in Singapore. It can kill the infection in a quick, painless and effective procedure. This nail fungus treatment is highly recommended for kids and elderlies as it has no side effects.
If you want your nail fungus to be treated with PACT, visit East Coast Podiatry. Aside from nail fungus, they also specialize in treatment for Achilles tendonitis, Peroneal tendonitis and other foot disorders.
