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All medications from licensed pharmacies
GPhC reg. no. 1120610
When a nail is infected with a fungus it will usually thicken and change color. Often it will turn white or a greeny-yellow colour. This change in colour usually shows where the nail has become separated from the nail bed. Sometimes the nail will begin to crumble and pieces of the nail may fall off. The skin around the infection may also become sore and red. Fungal nail infections are not normally a source of discomfort but, if left untreated, they can become painful.
These types of infections are usually caused by fungal spores growing in the nail bed. Often this happens when skin infections spread. A skin infection such as athlete’s foot can spread into the nails. Candida, yeast that lives on the skin, can also cause nails to become infected. Sometimes, however, there will be no obvious reason why nails have become infected.
If your nails are weak or damaged then there is a greater chance that you will get an infection in the nail bed. Washing your hands a lot or biting your nails can lead this to happen. If your hands or feet are sweaty then there is also a greater change of getting an infection.
If you suffer with psoriasis or diabetes or you have an immune system that has been weakened by either illness or medicines then your chance of getting a fungal nail infection increases. You are also more likely to get a fungal nail infection if you are a smoker.
In order to stop the spread of a fungal nail infection you should get treated quickly. If the infection is mild then you may not need to be treated. Good hygiene may be enough to get rid of the problem.
If the infection is more serious then your doctor may test your nail for fungal spores. If the test comes back positive you may be given anti fungal medication or anti fungal solution to apply to the nail.
At Private Doctor Direct we are able to prescribe various treatments for fungal nail infections. Simply fill in the online consolation form and we can prescribe the appropriate treatment.
