Thick, yellow nails are usually caused by the presence of a
fungal nail infection. A fungal
infection of the toe nails is a common foot problem. Nail fungus (onychomycosis) is an infection of
the nail plate and nail bed. It is caused
by various types of fungi, which are commonly found throughout the environment.
Fungi are simple parasitic plant organisms that do not require sunlight for
growth. A group of fungi called
dermatophytes have evolved to attack human nails and skin.
The infection of the nail begins with some type of trauma to
the nail. The dermatophyte gains entry into the nail and begins to feed on the
nail protein called keratin. The big toe nail is the most commonly infected toe
nail.
Our big toe nails can get damaged or traumatized from:
- The way we walk or run. ( because of a unstable low arched foot or bunion)
- The shoes we wear ( tight fitting shoes or high heels)
- The type of job (the requirement to use steel-toed safety boots).
Furthermore, the environment inside of a shoe is dark and
damp which provides a perfect growing climate for nails and skin fungus. Other
contributory factors are a history of athlete's foot (fungal skin infection of
the foot) and sweaty feet.
Several research studies have estimated onychomycosis
affects 3% to 13% of the population. The
vast majority of people who have fungal nails don't even recognize the
existence of a problem and therefore don't seek treatment for many years because
their thick nails are not yet causing them pain.
The rate of fungal infections rises sharply among older
adults above 65 years as they start to experience more medical problems. For instance, those who suffer chronic
diseases, such as diabetes, circulatory problems, or immune-deficiency
conditions, are especially prone to fungal nails. This can result in fungal
nails being considered a minor problem in comparison to other concurrent
medical problems.
Fungal infections of the nail can be graded as mild,
moderate or severe. The severe fungal nail
infection occurs when the infection extends into the nail matrix (the area of
the nail at the base which has white half-moon). A severe fungal nail infection is very
difficult to treat and has a poor prognosis.
Fungal nails can be treated by:
- Thinning the nail plate
- Removing diseased nail and fungal debris back to healthy appearing nail.
- Applying topical nail softeners and topical anti-fungal medication exposed nail bed and remaining nail plate
- Application of laser to nail plate
- Oral anti-fungal medication
If you suspect you have a fungal nail infection you should
visit a chiropodist/podiatrist to confirm if you have a fungal nail infection
and discuss your treatment options.
