Telehealth Now available
bulkbilled through medicare and DVA where applicable *
Nail fungus is a fungal infection of the toe nail due to microscopic organisms. One of the most Common pathogens responsible for the fungal infection includes deramatophytes such as Trichophyton rubrum (T rubrum), and T. interdigitale,others include yeasts such as candida albicans and moulds such as Scopulariopsis brevicaulis and Fusarium species. The organisms often initially infects the end of the toe nail and move towards the nail bed , although it can also initiate from the nail plate or in the superficial layers of the nail.
See the following categories:
1. WHITE SUPERFICIAL ONYCHOMYCOSIS – is caused by fungal invasion of the superficial layers of the nail plate to form “white islands” or patches on the plate. It accounts for only 10 percent of onychomycosis cases.
2.PROXIMAL SUBUNGAL ONYCHOMYCOSIS– is fungal penetration of the newly formed nail plate through the proximal nail fold.
3. DISTAL SUBUNGAL ONYCHOMYCOSIS- is the most common form invading at the end nail(distal edge), and spreads eventually into the nail plate.
These organisms will thrive in the right environment which combines darkness,warmth and moisture. Feet provide the perfect situation. Certainly other factors include age(elderly), complex health conditions(diabetes), and regular visits to indoor pool areas,public change rooms – particualrly shower bases, and pedicure bars(poor sterilization techniques) will increase the risk of infection. The organism is a parasite that consumes the proteins of the nail,causing the colour, texture and structure of the nail to change , leaving discoloration and deformity. Our podiatrists are highly specialized in this field, being one of the first practices to make pact treatment available. Several years of research and experience has enabled our podiatrists to form the best strategy for treatment. They use a researched system of categorization- “Onychomycosis Severity Index” of the fungal nail infection, this helps to advise an appropriate treatment plan.
Certainly, nail fungus is more difficult to treat than skin fungus due to the natural barrier of the hard nail . So the earlier it gets attended to, the better.Our podiatrists here at cheltenham podiatry highly recommend attending the clinic as early as possible for Pact Nail fungal therapy to avoid the infection spreading, this also means less appointments are required.
Latest News
Ankle Fracture at the Talus bone
Talar Fractures at ankle Classification system The talus is a bone[…]
