EXPERIENCE

DEDICATION

COMPASSION

Fungal nails refers to any number of fungal nail infections that can occur on the foot. Since fungal nails are usually more resistant and more difficult to treat than Athlete's Foot, topical or oral antifungal medications may be prescribed.

There are numerous factors that predispose patients to onychomycosis (fungal nails) including genetic predisposition, diabetes mellitus, immunosuppression, poor circulation, repeated trauma (due to poor shoe gear)and psoriasis.

Treatment

Topical Nail Lacquer- Clear nail polish applied to affected nails

Oral Medications: Require a simple blood test prior to initiating treatment

Preventing Fungal Nail Infections

After a fungal nail infection has cleared up, take steps to prevent the infection from recurring. Keeping fungi at bay will help prevent a fungal infection of the skin from reinfecting the nail. Before bed, thoroughly wash and dry your feet, and apply a nonprescription antifungalantifungal cream to the entire foot from the ankle down. Use the cream every night, then gradually apply it less often. Keep your feet dry. Dry feet are less likely to become infected. Apply powder to your dry feet after you take a shower or bath.

Other suggestions for preventing fungal nails include:

• Don't share nail clippers or nail files with others.
• Don't share shoes or socks with others.
• Try not to injure your nail, such as by cutting it too short (trauma to the nail may lead to infections).
• Wear dry cotton socks and change them two or three times a day if necessary.
• Wear dry shoes that allow air to circulate around your feet (tight, enclosed, moist shoes contribute to fungal toenail infections).
• Wear shower sandals or shower shoes when you are at a public pool or shower.
• Bring your own instruments to the nail salon. OCFA offers Dr. Carolyn's Saavy Nail Kit.
• Spray your sandals and shoes with Lysol Disinfectant and leave in the sun for 30 minutes. This will prevent re-infection.
• Clean bathtub/shower with bleach at least once a week.