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Common
Foot Conditions
Fungus Nails
Fungus nails is a unsightly condition which can be difficult
to treat. Many patients become very conscious about a fungus
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
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 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 this condition can also affect
the skin surrounding the nails.
Appearance
of Fungus Nails
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At an early stage, the nail may have white or yellow patches
of discoloration. There may also be yellow horizontal streaks
in the nail.
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At a later stage, the nail will grow thick, deformed, discoloured
and have a foul odour (musty smell). It may also split and
start to crumble.
Symptoms
of Fungus Nails
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The nail may become brittle and split in to several pieces.
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The actual condition is not painful. However, if the nail becomes
thick and deformed it may grow into the skin at an angle and
become an ingrowing toe nail.
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In severe cases, inflammation may arise from an ingrowing toe
nail which may result in a secondary infection.
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It will affect a patients day to day activities as the pressure
from the nails against the shoes causes discomfort.
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If the condition is left untreated for along period of time,
the nail will become very brittle and the patient may experience
episodes of total removal of the nail followed by re-growth.
Fungus
Nails Treatment |
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