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One Step Ahead: Fungal Nail Treatment & Prevention
21 March 2022
Medical experts believe 1 in 10 people suffer from fungal nail infections (also known as onychomycosis). With warmer months approaching, let's look at some of the ways you can prevent and treat fungal nails.
Fungal nails are very common and contagious infections that are easily spread on your fingernails or toenails, causing them to become discoloured (yellow, brown or white), thick and cracked. Anyone can be liable to get infected, but it is more common in people who suffer from any of the following:
There are three main stages of fungal nail infection.
Stage 1: This is the earliest stage where the nail plate is still transparent and shiny. Yellow and white spots begin to show at this stage, and it is easiest to treat once diagnosed at this early stage.
Stage 2: The nail plate loses its transparency at this stage and is visibly more damaged with more yellow spots than before. The nail bed begins to erode.
Stage 3: The nail plate has thickened a lot and the nail begins to lag the nail bed. Erosion of the nail bed intensifies.
Use Treatment that Works:
Early treatment and recognition will tackle the fungus most effectively. One form of treatment that can be used is the Medicare Fungal Nail Pen. This is a medical device that is clinically proven to show results in 1-2 weeks. It is designed to improve overall nail appearance and reduce discolouration in the nail.
Another form of effective treatment is the Medicare FungeX Fungal Nail Plaster. The plasters offer a comfortable, precise fit that allows optimum results. When applied daily, the plaster gently smooths out the layers of the nail plate allowing it to heal. The plasters make the nail grow 30% faster and are clinically proven to show visible results within just 2 weeks.
Consult with your local pharmacist or GP if treatment does not appear to be working or if the infection has spread to other nails.
Resources:
- An existing nail injury
- Athlete's foot
- A weak immune system
- Diabetes
- Blood circulation problems
- Over the age of 65
- Maintain good hygiene: Ensuring you are washing your hands and feet regularly can minimise your risk of catching infections. Following up with a good moisturiser is also good practice.
- Wear the correct footwear: Choosing a shoe that allows your feet to breathe is essential for prevention as fungus thrives in warm, moist environments. Having a couple of pairs of shoes and alternating between them will help keep your feet fresh. Get rid of any shoes that you think have gone past their use-by date.
- Choose your nail salon carefully: Ensure your nail salon has good sterilisation routines with their manicure and pedicure tools, as the fungus is extremely infectious can be passed on very easily from tool to nail.
- Wear footwear when around pool areas: Not only can you be exposed to fungus, but you are also at risk of picking up verrucae and athlete's foot. Wearing footwear like flip-flops when walking around the pool and locker areas can prevent infection. For treatment of verrucae and warts, try the Medicare Wart and Verruca Cryotherapy Pen which freezes the wart to the core with an easy-to-use pen applicator.
- Care for your nails: Maintain a short and smooth nail surface. Make sure when cutting your nails to cut straight across to prevent ingrown nails. the Medicare Toenail Clippers feature sharp, strong cutting edges for a clean and precise cut. Disinfect your clippers after every use. We have an extensive range of foot care products and pedicure tools to protect your feet from infection and always keep them looking and feeling their best.
There are three main stages of fungal nail infection.
Stage 1: This is the earliest stage where the nail plate is still transparent and shiny. Yellow and white spots begin to show at this stage, and it is easiest to treat once diagnosed at this early stage.
Stage 2: The nail plate loses its transparency at this stage and is visibly more damaged with more yellow spots than before. The nail bed begins to erode.
Stage 3: The nail plate has thickened a lot and the nail begins to lag the nail bed. Erosion of the nail bed intensifies.
Use Treatment that Works:
Early treatment and recognition will tackle the fungus most effectively. One form of treatment that can be used is the Medicare Fungal Nail Pen. This is a medical device that is clinically proven to show results in 1-2 weeks. It is designed to improve overall nail appearance and reduce discolouration in the nail.
Another form of effective treatment is the Medicare FungeX Fungal Nail Plaster. The plasters offer a comfortable, precise fit that allows optimum results. When applied daily, the plaster gently smooths out the layers of the nail plate allowing it to heal. The plasters make the nail grow 30% faster and are clinically proven to show visible results within just 2 weeks.
Consult with your local pharmacist or GP if treatment does not appear to be working or if the infection has spread to other nails.
Resources:
