Fungal Nails (Onychomychosis)

Fungal nail is a common condition caused by a fungus that invades the cells in the nail matrix and causes the nails to have a yellow/brown discolouration. As the fungus travels deeper into the nail it damages the nail further and causes it to become brittle, thickened and crumble. Once is infected the only way to get rid of the fungal nail is for the fungal part to grow out. Growth of a full new nail can take from 9-12 months.

Symptoms:

• Thickened
• Whitish to yellow-brown discoloration
• Brittle, crumbly or ragged
• Distorted in shape
• A dark colour, caused by debris building up under your nail
• Smelling slightly foul

A fungal nail infection is often caused by the same fungus as Athletes foot and is contracted in the same way through communal showers and damp environments.