What are fungal nail infections?

Fungal nail infections are common conditions that are caused by particular types of fungus under the surface of the nail. The fungus is easily spread from person-to-person through direct contact or through carpets, socks, shoes and stockings. The micro-organisms grow and spread in warm and moist environments like communal showers, gyms and swimming pools. Thankfully, fungal nail infections can be easily treated; however they do take around 9 months to be fully eliminated and get your nails looking bright, smooth and healthy once more.

Healthy nails vs fungal nail infection:

Fungal nail infections are pretty easy to spot when compared to healthy nails, as healthy toenails are smooth and pink-ish in colour with a thin white stripe on the tip, while fungal nail infections on the other hand will alter the nails colour and appearance. Fungal nail infections only affect a small part of the nail initially and discolouring it. An infection can cause the nail to turn white, yellow to brown, green or black, so you’ll easily be able to tell when a fungal infection has attacked! They should be treated as soon as possible, as the infection will only spread deeper in the nail when left untreated.

When the infection has spread further into the nail it will cause the nail to become particularly thick or especially brittle and flaky. They can often cause pain and discomfort and in some cases when the infection is left, it can result in detachment of the nail. Without quick treatment, the infection can also spread to other nails on the foot, making treatment longer and more difficult.

Treating a fungal nail infection:

Fungal nail infection treatments work by lowering the nails pH balance. This will therefore create an environment that will discourage the growth and spread of fungi in order to stop the spread of infection. Main ingredients that assist with the creation of this environment include citric acid, isopropyl alcohol, sodium benzoate, urea, glycerin and pantheol. Throughout treatment you are also advised to file the nail surface using disposable files that are discarded after use alongside applying the treatment until the nail has returned to its normal colouring.