Fungal Toenails

Fungal nail infections are a common affliction that affects between 1.5 and 2 million Australians.

While they look unsightly, they are generally not painful for the large majority of people. However, in rare cases, they can result in permanent nail damage if not attended to promptly.

At Gold Coast Foot Centres, we have treated thousands of cases of fungal toenails over the years. So, rest assured, if you are suffering from this condition, your feet will be in good hands.

What are Fungal Toenails

Fungal toenail infections happen when a fungus starts to grow underneath or on your nails. Officially, this condition is known as onychomycosis and is common among all age groups, although your risk of it increases as you get older.

It is triggered by moulds, dermatophytes, or yeasts that infect the nail matrix, plate, or bed of the nail and can manifest in several different ways. Most typically, it affects the colour, shape, and overall aesthetic of your nail.

Causes of Fungal Toenails

Fungal nail infections can be caused by various factors. These include:

• Suffering from athlete’s foot

• Damaging your nails

• Using unsterilised nail equipment

• Having close contact with someone who already has an infection

• Swimming in public pools.

• Wearing closed-in shoes (the warm, dark, and moist environment provides optimal conditions for the fungi to thrive)

Symptoms of Fungal Toenails

There is a good chance you have fungal toenails if any of the following symptoms are present:

• Yellow or whitish discolouration in your nail

• Unpleasant smell coming from your nails

• You have had a nail trauma or detachment that is lifting

• Your nail is brittle and has debris under it

• If you notice moisture in your footwear

However, while these symptoms are atypical for fungal infections, they are also similar to other afflictions like psoriatic nail condition, which can be more serious.

Therefore, it is worth making an appointment with our Gold Coast podiatrists to accurately diagnose your condition.

Diagnosing Fungal Toenails

During your appointment, our experienced podiatrists will undergo a thorough examination of the affected toenails.

If they deem it necessary, they may also run diagnostic testing to help them accurately determine your specific type of fungal infection and devise the best cause of treatment.

Treatment Options for Fungal Toenails

Fungal toenail infection can be treated in various ways. However, there is no ‘quick fix’ treatment available, given the slow-growing nature of nails.

Indeed, treatment times can range from anywhere between 6 months and two years. Additionally, the effectiveness will be determined by the severity of the infection and whether you are suffering from any underlying medical conditions. 

At Gold Coast Foot Centres, our goal for any patient who is suffering from fungal toenails is to eradicate the infection, prevent reinfection, and restore the toenail, where possible, to a good-looking state.

One of our friendly podiatrists will run you through the range of treatment options available and develop a bespoke plan based on your individual needs.

This plan might include one or more of the following treatments:

• Cutting and filing of your toenails

• Oral Medications

• Topical Nail medication

What these involve will be explained in full detail before they are administered to you.

What Happens if I Ignore Fungal Toenails

We do not recommend you just live with fungal toenails because they can be an insidious problem if they are not treated promptly.

For instance, the infected nail can become very itchy and painful, separate from your nail bed, and even make wearing shoes difficult.

If you have a compromised immune system, an untreated fungal toenail infection can also make you susceptible to a more serious infection, such as cellulitis, which is a severe bacterial skin infection.

Additionally, it can result in you suffering from athlete’s foot if it spreads to other toenails and the skin on the sides and in between your toes, or needing to have the nail removed surgically.

How to Prevent Fungal Toenails

While fungal toenail infections are very common, there are several things you can do to reduce your chances of suffering from them.

They include the following:

• Always thoroughly dry your feet after a bath or shower

• Regularly clean your floors and showers

• Wear thongs when at swimming facilities or in communal showers

• Don’t get your nails painted regularly – give them some time polish free

• Don't get shellac treatments too regularly

• Avoid sharing nail clippers, socks, and shoes

• Change your socks regularly

• Air shoes out, particularly after prolonged use, and keep them clean and dry

• Wear comfortable shoes to minimise nail trauma

• Wash your socks at 60 degrees as fungus dies when exposed to that temperature

When to Seek Medical Attention

You should consider seeking medical attention if you notice your natural nail colour change or if there is debris under it.

Similarly, do this if you experience bleeding around the nails, they become painful or swollen, or you have difficulty walking.

If you suffer from diabetes, it is also worth conferring with one of our expert podiatrists.

FAQs about Fungal Nail Infections