What Causes Fungal Nail Infection?
Fungal infection of the nail, Onychomycosis, is generally caused by dermatophytes, most commonly Trichophyton Rubrum or Trichophyton Mentagrophytes. These microscopic organisms grow beneath the nail and in the nail bed and live of the protein, or keratin, of the nail. The condition usually begins at the far end of the nail and often appears as patches of white or yellow discolouration initially. Left untreated, it can advance into the base of the nail where it can attack the nail matrix. This will cause the nail to become thickened and deformed as it grows. The nail may then grow into the skin and become ingrowing. Infected nails may also become brittle and split or crumble easily. Whilst dermatophytes are present on most people’s skin, those with a lower immunity due to other systemic conditions such as Diabetes or poor circulation may be at greater risk of fungal nail infections. Treatment Initially, a sample of nail will be taken to be sent to the laboratory for analysis to confirm
