Do I have toenail fungus?
Onychomycosis or nail fungus infection is a fungal infection of the nail bed, the nail
itself or the area immediately surrounding the fingernail or toenail. It usually affects
the end of the nail first, before spreading further up towards the cuticle. Toenails are
much more likely to be affected than fingernails.
Symptoms
The affected area turns white-yellow or yellow-brown and the nail may thicken,
develop a crust and the surrounding area may become red and swollen, causing
discomfort. The nail can also become pitted and misshapen with grooves or ridges
appearing and it could crumble and separate from the nail bed. The thickening,
discolouration and irregularities are plainly visible and in some cases an
infection can develop causing the skin to ooze pus. As there are a number of
conditions that can look like a fungal nail infection, it is important to get a correct
diagnosis by a specialist. At Beauchamp Foot Care if we are uncertain as to the
cause of your condition, our podiatrists will arrange for a nail sample to be sent
away for analysis.
The effects of onychomycosis aren't only aesthetic. Affected nails may loosen
and fall off and misshapen nails could cause you pain if they rub on the inside of
your shoes.
