Fungal Nails

Fungal nails is a unsightly condition which can be difficult to treat. Many patients become very conscious about a fungal nail condition and refuse to wear sandals and have their feet seen in public. It is caused by microscopic organisms called Dermatophytes. Dermatophytes grow in the nail bed, beneath the nail and live off keratin, the protein in the nail.

The fungal nail condition usually begins towards the far end of the nail and may start with patches of white or yellow discoloration. If the condition is left untreated, it will proceed to the base of the nail. It will attack the nail root (matrix) and cause the fungal nail to grow very thick and deformed.

The big toe is usually the first nail to be affected with the condition spreading to adjacent nails. In rare cases the fungal nail condition can also affect the skin surrounding the nails.