Fungal nail infection (mycosis)

A fungal nail infection is caused by a fungus that grows inside the nail. Fungi thrive in warm and damp places.

The fungus can also affect the skin between the toes. This can cause the skin to become soft, itchy or cracked.

Fungal nail infections often occur in conjunction with athlete’s foot or damp feet.

Possible causes include:

• damp shoes or sweaty feet;
• walking barefoot in swimming pools, sports halls or showers;
• a damaged nail;
• athlete’s foot that spreads to the nail;
• lower resistance;
• reduced blood flow;
• diabetes.

A fungal nail infection often starts with discolouration at the edge of the nail.

You may notice that:

• the nail turns yellow, white, brown or green;
• the nail becomes thicker;
• the nail crumbles or breaks off;
• the nail may come loose;
• cutting becomes more difficult;
• the nail is rubbing against the inside of the shoe;
• the skin between your toes itches or becomes sore.

Wearing well-ventilated shoes and drying your feet thoroughly reduces the risk of a fungal infection.

A healthy lifestyle can influence the development of the condition. Your general immune system plays a part. Getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet and looking after your skin can help keep your feet healthy. If you have diabetes, reduced blood circulation or a weakened immune system, it is particularly important to keep a close eye on any changes to your nails and skin. Our lifestyle coaches to help develop healthier habits and a lifestyle that contributes to a strong immune system and healthy feet.

A fungal nail infection does not always need to be treated. If you feel pain or pressure on the nail, or if you have diabetes, it is advisable to have it assessed and, if necessary, treated.

You can:

• dry your feet thoroughly, especially between the toes;
• wear clean socks;
• make sure your shoes dry properly;
• wearing flip-flops in public showers;
• Do not share nail clippers and nail files with others;
• ask for advice on antifungal cream, nail varnish or medicines;
• Please get in touch if the nail is causing pain, is ingrown or is causing pressure.

Our podiatrists en pedicures can assess whether the nail is causing pressure or poses a risk of ingrown nails or cuts.

Treatment may consist of:

• thinning or filing down a thickened nail;
• cleaning the area around the nail;
• advice on foot hygiene;
• shoe advice;
• treatment of the ingrown toenail, if applicable;
• referral to a GP for medication if necessary.

In the case of diabetes, we pay particular attention to pressure points, minor wounds and the safe care of the toenails.

Not every thickened, discoloured or brittle nail is a fungal nail infection. Nail problems can also have other causes. For example, pressure from shoes, damage to the nail or changes to the skin or nail. Furthermore, it is not always possible to reliably distinguish between different types of fungi or yeasts by sight alone.

Our pedicures We therefore look not only at the appearance of the nail, but also at your symptoms and circumstances. If there is any doubt about the cause of the symptoms, further investigation or a referral may be necessary in order to select an appropriate treatment.