Onychomykose

Onychomycosis is the most common nail disease. It is caused by a germ ( dermatophytes and non dermatophytes, candida) and intrudes in the nail sub-layer.

It makes the nails thicker, change colour (white, off-white colour, yellow, green), their shape is deformed, they become more fragile and they have an intense smell.

If this infection of the nail plate isn’t treated immediately, there is a danger of expanding to the other nails as well (hands and legs ).

The treatment requires  enough time because the re-ejection of the nail takes from 6 to 18 months. Onychomycosis usually infects old people with suppressed immune system, people with diabetes, people who take medicine, people with skin distortion as well as people who suffer from “the athlete’s foot”. 

Fungi can spread from tools and files (manicure, pedicure) that haven’t been sterilized, disinfected, from the sand, from communal places (locker rooms, pools, beach showers etc) from tight shoes that cause temperature rise thus hyperhydration. 

The image of the nail sometimes confuses the patient that is why an essential prerequisite is the identification of the nail damage with a microbiological test ( culture) of part of the nail. Receiving the exams, the appropriate treatment can be administered to restore it. The medication that is administered (depends on the expansion of the infected area) and the cleaning of the infected area by the podiologist  makes nail fungi belong to the past. 

For the prevention of  onychomycosis you should:

1) Not walk barefoot in communal places with moisture.

2) Change socks daily (preferably cotton socks).

3) The shoes mustn’t be tight and must be changed every 1-2 days. 

4) Avoid moisture  (heat and moisture favour the development of fungi .

5) Dry your feet after the shower very well especially between the toes.6) Regular care by the podiologist.