Fungal Toenails
Fungal Toenails
Fungal toenails (medically called Onychomycosis) appear different in colour to that of normal nails, they often appear a yellowish colour. It is the result of infection by several dermatophytes the main one being Trichophyton rubrum this is the most common dermatophyte involved in onychomycosis there are also several yeasts and moulds that can cause this infection.
Fungal toenails often occur when poor hygene is used to cut nails, we are finding this more and more in cheap nail bars where no acceptable forms of sterilisation is used. Fungal toenail infections often occur following nail trauma typically bruising to the nail as the nail grows out a cavity is created below the nail plate which is an ideal portal of entry.
There are numerous topical preparations available on the market, however we find these have a almost negligable cure rate. There are also oral preparations that may be taken these again have a low cure rate although it is slightly higher than the topical preparations. The big problem with this medication is the side effects that it may cause it is toxic to the liver and some patients also report a change in smell and taste sensations.
The latest treatment for fungal toenails is the use of laser this involves using a laser to destroy the fungus within the nail plate since the fungus is dead after the exposure to the laser light the nail grows out normally clear of toenail fungus.
Brighton Podiatry has always kept up with the latest technological advances with in the Podiatry profession as such we were the first clinic to employ the use of laser to treat this condition. We have been using the laser for over 12 months now and are getting clearing of nails in around 80% of patients.
We are the first to admit it does not work for everyone but the high cure rates coupled with no side effects (apart from the nail warming up) make it a good alternative to other treatments on the market.
Fungal Toenails
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