Fungal nails are also known as fungal nails. The medical term for fungal nails is Onychomycosis.
2% to 14% of all adults experience a fungal nail infection at one time. The fungus feeds on the keratin (a protein) in the nail. Fungal colonies thrive in a moist environment and penetrate the nail bed through the outer edge of the nail.
The fungal nail infection can cause the nail to thicken and become painful when wearing shoes. Sometimes the fungal nail infection can even stop the nail from growing or crumble or come off completely.
When the infection is just beginning, the nail edges may discolour slightly to a yellow, brown or green color. Small spots may also form on the nail. In an advanced stage, the nail often turns white yellow to brownish yellow. The fungal nail can thicken, crumble and stop growing. The nail may even become loose, while there is an accumulation of nail substance under the nail.
How do I know if I have fungal nails?
If you want to know for sure whether there is actually a fungal nail infection, you can have a culture taken from the nail, for example at the GP.
What is the cause of fungal nails?
The cause of a fungal nail infection cannot always be determined. These fungi belong to the group of dermatophytes. These fungi are mainly found in areas where it is warm and humid. For example: the bathroom, saunas and changing rooms. These are often the ideal places for fungi to multiply and spread. Since fungal nails are contagious, transmission of an infection is easy. Fortunately, coming into contact with the fungi does not always cause an infection. However, there are a number of risk groups that are more likely to be infected:
- When one has a low resistance due to, for example, flu or old age
- When you are undergoing chemotherapy or have just finished it
- When one has damaged nails
- When one maintains poor oral hygiene
- When you have diabetes
- When one has AIDS
How can you treat fungal nails?
We can treat the fungal nails by means of laser therapy. In addition to the treatment, we provide instructions at home to achieve an optimal result of the treatment.
When is treatment not possible?
Treatment is not possible if you have one of the following indications:
- When you have neuropathy
- If you have a bruise under the nail (you cannot be treated temporarily)
- If you have cuticle inflammation (cannot be treated temporarily)
- When you are pregnant
- If you suffer from hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar)
- If you suffer from hyopglycemia (low blood sugar
- If your nails are too thick (you should have them milled thinner by a medical pedicure before treatment)
