NAIL FUNGUS.

By Dr Ronnie Katureebe

Fungal nail infection, medically known as onychomycosis. Unfortunately,up to 50% of people over the age of 60 have one or more nails infected.

Nail fungus is unpleasant and embarrassing. Many patients try to conceal that their nails have become yellow, thick, and scaly, but the infection can advance significantly and quickly spread to the other nails, making it difficult to control. Nail fungus can also become a potentially painful problem.

CAUSES OF FUNGAL NAIL INFECTIONS:

Fungal nail infections are caused by the infiltration of the nail bed and nail plate by a fungus. The kind of fungus that causes nail infections is most often spread through direct contact often picked up in public pool areas, changing rooms, public showers and gyms because fungus thrives in warm and moist environments.

Signs that you may have nail fungus include:

• A white or yellow discolouration of the nails

• Rougher nail ridges or thickened nails

• Crumbling, flaky or brittle nails.

• The nail may start to lift up and come off at the end.

RISK FACTORS

Fungal infections are more common among diabetics, and people with poor circulation or weak immune systems. Poor circulation causes nails to grow more slowly and thicken, making them more susceptible to infection. However, these factors can increase your risk of developing a nail fungal infection:

• Smoking

• High carb diet

• Perspiring heavily

• Working in a humid or moist environment

• Wearing socks and shoes that hinder ventilation and don’t absorb perspiration

• Walking barefoot in damp public places, such as swimming pools, gyms, and shower rooms.

When to Seek Medical Advice.

Once a nail fungal infection begins, it can persist indefinitely if not treated. Seek medical care which we offer at Kampala Dermatology skin clinic at the first sign of infection, which is often a tiny white or yellow spot under the tip of your nail.

Screening and Diagnosis.

The first step to beating a nail fungal infection is getting a diagnosis. Your doctor will visually examine your nails first to test for fungi; your doctor may scrape some debris from under your nail for analysis. The debris can be cultured in a lab to identify what is causing the infection. Other conditions, such as psoriasis, can mimic a fungal infection of the nail. Microorganisms, including yeast and bacteria, also can infect nails. Knowing the cause of your infection helps determine the best course of treatment.

Nail fungal infections can be challenging to treat, and repeated infections are common. Over-the-counter antifungal oral medications are available, but they aren’t very effective, and some have toxic ingredients. The oral medications available to help clear up nail fungal infections take approximately 12 weeks of therapy to destroy the infection. And the side effects vary in which the risk can be higher with older people.

THERE IS A BETTER WAY:

At Kampala Dermatology skin clinic we offer patients an advanced, FDA (Food & Drug Authority Of America) approved, effective for nail fungus treatment—Laser Therapy.

We perform this procedure with the Light Pod Neo Laser with its patented 650 Microsecond Technology which is the first clinically proven laser device for treating patients with toenail fungus and is finally available. Stop suffering from the pain and embarrassment of unsightly toenail fungus. This laser therapy offered by Kampala Dermatology skin clinic is an easy and convenient treatment to transform your discoloured and disfigured nails into clearer, healthier-looking nails.

Safe and effective, this in-office toenail fungus treatment is pain-free, has no harmful side effects, and typically takes only 30-minutes to complete.

Thankfully, at Kampala Dermatology skin clinic we have taken advantage of the technological advancements in recent years, meaning that we can treat these fungal nail infections more effectively than ever before, using anti-fungal laser treatment.

To schedule a session at Kampala Dermatology skin Clinic located at Bugolobi Bandali Rise in Kampala, Uganda. To find out more about this new exciting laser treatment option, contact a professional certified and licensed dermatologist Dr Ronnie Katureebe at Kampala Dermatology skin clinic to schedule a consultation/session. Submit to our online option form website options or call +256 780 907156 today.