Mersin Dermatology Clinic Nail Fungus Treatment

Nail fungus can be caused by several different types of fungus. Fungi thrive in the moist and airless environment inside shoes. Toenail fungus can prepare the appropriate environment for nail fungus.

What is the expected duration of nail fungus disease?

To prevent nail fungus:

• You should wear comfortable shoes and socks that allow your feet to breathe.
• Shoes, sandals or slippers belonging to others should not be worn in the shared shower and dressing rooms.
• Wash your feet every day. Dry completely and use a good quality foot powder.
• Wear clean socks every day.
• Keep your nails short.
• Disinfect pedicure tools before use.

How is nail fungus disease treated?

Treatment can begin with the removal of the infected nail as much as possible by your doctor. This can be done as follows:

• Cutting the nail with scissors
• Filing
• Dissolving with a cream containing urea

If your infection is mild and limited to a small area of your nail, your dermatologist may prescribe an antifungal cream or a medicated nail polish.

If the infection is in a large area of your nail or in several nails, your doctor may prescribe an oral antifungal treatment such as terbinafine or itraconazole. Both drugs can sometimes cause troublesome side effects. Itraconazole can cause serious drug interactions.

In very severe cases, if the nail fungus is resistant to treatment, it may be necessary to surgically remove the entire nail.

How does the nail look after treatment?

Many individuals can be treated with oral antifungal medication for several months. However, even after the fungus has died, the nail may not return to its normal appearance.

Some individuals may relapse even after successful treatment with oral antifungal medication.

"Consult your dermatologist when you have a skin disease. Entrust your skin to your dermatologist."

What are the signs of nail fungus?

Nail color changes to yellow or brown. The nail thickens and grows excessively. It could be a foul-smelling lump under the nail. As the infection progresses, the nail may gradually crumble or become thick enough to cause discomfort or pain in the shoe.

How is nail fungus disease diagnosed?

Your dermatologist can make a diagnosis by looking at the appearance of fingernails and toenails. Sometimes small samples may be taken from your nails. These samples are sent to the laboratory for testing and the diagnosis can be made definitively.

What factors can increase the risk of nail fungus?

• Occupations whose feet remain damp for a long time (soldier, athlete, miner, etc.)
• History of disease (diabetes, circulatory disorder, HIV) that may reduce resistance to infection or prevent blood flow in the toes
• Nail damage, trauma
• Wearing narrow and pointed shoes that pinch the toes,
• Use of communal areas such as changing rooms, swimming pools and showers
• Wearing the same shoes
• Manicure and pedicure with non-sterilized instruments in an unhygienic environment
• Stepping on the ground with bare feet
• Humid environment caused by excessive sweating of the feet
• Poor foot hygiene

Source:turkdermatoloji.org.tr