Athlete's foot and discoloured nails

Fungus in the nail is very common and is made up of tiny organisms that can infect fingernails and toenails. These organisms are called dermatophytes. The infection is also called onychomycosis.It usually appears in the toenails because socks and shoes keep the toenails dark, warm, and moist. This is a perfect place for the fungus to grow. The organisms that make up nail fungus can sometimes spread from one person to another because these organisms can live where the air is often moist and people's feet are bare. This can happen in places like showers, bathrooms, or changing rooms, or it can be passed along when you share a nail file or clippers with someone who has a nail fungus infection. Nail fungus may also spread from one of your nails to other nails.

Anything that damages a nail can make it easier for the fungus to move in, such as: An injury (like banging a fingernail with a hammer)
Tight shoes that pinch the toes

Anyone can get a fungal infection and it can affect even the cleanest of people.
The most common examples are :

• People who share changing rooms, bathrooms, showers, and swimming pools.
  
• Anyone whose feet sweat a lot at work or at play
  
• People who are hard on their feet, such as athletes, runners, and dancers
  People who have had athlete's foot in the past (a fungal skin infection that makes the skin between the toes get itchy and sore and causes it to crack or peel)
  
• People who get manicures or pedicures in salons that don't keep nail clippers, emery boards, and other tools clean
  
• People over 65 years of age
  
• People with medical problems, such as poor circulation (blood flow), diabetes, or immune system disease (such as AIDS or HIV infection)
  
  

Signs of a fungal infection:

• You may see, smell, or feel a nail fungus infection once it takes hold.
• It often has the smell of mushrooms.
• Nails may look brownish, yellowish, or have little white patches. Some may even be brown or black.
  
• Nails may get flaky, brittle, and chipped.
  
• Bits of "gunk" or debris may collect under your nails.
  
• Toenails may get so thick that wearing shoes causes pain.
  
  

A podiatrist will often see the problem and diagnose it on sight as a fungal infection. However, a sample of nail can be analysed and this will give a positive result.

The best treatment for a fungaly infected nail is Lamisil tablets which are available on prescription only from your GP.

You will need to take a course for two to three months (one tablet per day) and then allow the nail to grow out. You will not see an immediate effect - the tablets work from the nail root outwards so you have to wait for the nail to grow. This treatment is used usually if many toenails are infected and if the fungus has reached the base of the nail.

A prescription polish is also available. It must be applied to the infected nail daily for up to 48 weeks.

A nail fungus infection is a medical condition that often will not go away without treatment. It can keep getting worse. It may spread from one nail to another, or to someone else. If you think you have an infection, your podiatrist can diagnose nail fungus infection and help you decide how to treat it. Q: Why is it even more important for people with diabetes to treat nail fungus infection?

People with diabetes are nearly three times more likely to get nail fungus infection as people without diabetes, and because people with diabetes have circulation problems, left untreated, the infection can often lead to more severe health problems on the foot.

If you have diabetes, check your feet and nails regularly for changes in their appearance. If you spot something, be sure and tell your GP, podiatrist, dermatologist, or healthcare professional about it right away. Any type of infection can be more serious in a person with diabetes.

What you can do :

• Keep your feet as clean and dry as possible.
  
• Wear shoes that "breathe," such as canvas or leather shoes.
  
• Wear shower shoes when you're in public swimming pools, public showers, or locker rooms.
  
• Clip your toenails straight across.
  
• Wear comfortable shoes that fit properly and don't pinch your toes.
  
• If you get manicures or pedicures, make sure your salon follows the rules for cleanliness. States require that nail salons be licensed and follow strict health rules. Salons must sterilize instruments and footbaths.