How common are fungal infections of the nails?
Fungal infections are the most common infection of the nails, representing about 18-40% of all nail problems. It is more common as people get older and is found to be more common in men than in women.
Fungal infections of the nails (Onychomycosis) occurs on average in up to 8% of the general population but can be much higher in diabetic patients and regular swimmers. As the rate of nail growth decreases by 0.5% per year, elderly patients are particularly vulnerable.
Which factors increase the risk of fungal infections?
- Trauma (injury)
- Bone and joint disease
- Vascular disease (disease affecting the blood vessels and circulation)
Onychomycosis most commonly affects the toenails (7-10 times more frequently than the fingernails) and is often ignored. The nail of the big toe is particularly commonly affected up to 92% of the time.
How does a fungal nail infection affect me?
Fungal infections are responsible for symptoms such as pain and discomfort during walking in half of the patient’s affected, general discomfort and pain in another third and in 10% of cases, professional or other activities are restricted. Progressively, it can affect your quality of life as the condition deteriorates. It is important to realise that the infection will get worse if it is left untreated and to recognise the benefits of early diagnosis and effective treatment.
How is a fungal nail infection treated?
In cases that do not involve the nail matrix (nail bed), or where less than 80% of the surface area of the nail is affected, direct treatment on the nail (topical) is usually indicated.
- The advantages of topical treatment are rapid absorption through the nail plate to the nail bed, (NB: your nail does not have to be removed), low risk of side effects compared with oral medications, high cure rate and the reduced cost.
- If the infection has progressed further to involve the nail matrix, or if there are more than 3 nails affected, your doctor may prescribe oral medication in combination with a topical treatment, which is usually prescribed.
- The chances of cure are significantly improved when oral medications are used in combination with a topical treatment.
- It is important when treating fungal infections to always complete the course of treatment, even when you may feel the infection has been cured.
- Fungal infections of any type have a nasty habit of reappearing. It is important to continue with your treatment as prescribed.
- The infected nail needs to be replaced by new healthy nail growth. A nail grows at a slow rate, so, this can take up to 6 months for fingernails, and 9 – 12 months for toenails.