People can get toenail fungus at any time of the year; however, summer is usually the season where they are most likely to suffer from it. This is due to factors such as: higher local humidity (due to sweating or contact with water), the use of tight shoes, sports practices or the use of nail polish and nail polish remover, among others. All this damages the keratin of the nails, altering its integrity, allowing the entry of contaminating agents. Next, Dr. Carlos Sordo, dermatologist at Clinica Ricardo Palma, gives us more information.

Symptoms

At the beginning, the fungal infection does not usually give symptoms; however, pain and purulent discharge may occur in the nail bed and edges, depending on the type of fungus or if there is an added bacterial infection. In most cases, only some structural alterations are observed, such as: changes in color, separation, thickening or destruction of the nails.

Prevention

The following measures will help prevent such an infection:

• Perform proper hygiene by keeping skin and nails dry, as well as moisturized.
• Avoid damaging or removing the skin that surrounds the nails (cuticle), since it constitutes the seal and barrier that prevents the entry of water and infectious agents.
• Wear loose and comfortable socks and shoes, as well as suitable shoes when practicing sports, as they allow good ventilation without deforming the feet.
• Avoid walking barefoot.
• Use tweezers, scissors or personal nail clippers specifically designed for affected nails, disinfecting these utensils after use.

Treatment

Prior to treatment, a direct examination and culture of the nails should be performed to confirm and determine the type of fungus. Then, depending on the degree of compromise and the number of affected nails, as well as the age and type of patient to be treated, local or systemic treatment can be established, which will determine its duration.

Frequent mistakes that interrupt treatment

• Using inappropriate antifungal agents for the type of fungus or administering them in insufficient doses and for less time.
• Do not disinfect clothes, shoes or showers at home.
• Go to public areas without proper protection.
• Failure to take adequate preventive measures.
• Self-medicate treating nail conditions due to other factors, such as fungal infections

Most frequent complications

• Compromise of other toenails producing thickening, deformity and discomfort when walking.
• Contagion of the nails of the hands or other parts of the body; can also infect the family.
• Promote localized infections (paronychia) or more severe (cellulitis) which puts the patient’s health at risk.
• Side effects of treatment may occur, hence the importance of timely medical control and follow-up.

Dr. Carlos Sordo
Dermatologist at Clínica Ricardo Palma