10% na nakup
Ob prijavi na naše e-novičke prejmete kupon
za 10% popust na vaš nakup.
*S prijavo na e-novice se strinjate s politiko zasebnosti.
Fungal Infection
Fungal foot infection (mycosis) is an irritating and highly contagious skin disease, however, it is possible to fight it off quickly with early treatment. The infection is caused by yeast, mould, and dermatophytes.
In most cases, fungal infections are diagnosed by physicians after taking a sample. However, a trained podiatrist is also able to identify a fungal infection by examining the feet.
If the infection is discovered early and is only superficial, we treat it with appropriate antifungal agents at the An.nika Medical Pedicure Centre. Although we treat the fungal infection in our centre, it is extremely important to strictly follow the podiatrist’s instructions for foot care at home, as antifungal agents, creams, and sprays must be applied to the affected foot for a longer period of time. Consistency and perseverance are the key to success
The figures below show a severe fungal foot infection that caused toenail deformation and an ingrown toenail (Figure 1). After treating the infection and attaching the VHO-Osthold brace, the results of the treatment were visible just after 5 months (Figure 2). After a year, we took the VHO-Osthold brace off (Figure 3), and a year and a half after that, the fungal infection was gone and the toenail was almost fully healed (Figure 4).
Figure 1
Following their physician’s advice, the patient entrusted us with the treatment of an infected toe. After a thorough examination, we found a severe fungal infection and severe inflammation that caused the toenail to grow into the nail fold and resulted in severe pain. The fungal infection damaged the nail, caused the nail structure to change, and also caused an ingrown toenail.
Figure 2
Shows the condition after seven months of treatment. The VHO-Osthold brace helped the nail plate to flatten. The swelling and pain are gone. The ingrown toenail is healed. We continue to treat the fungal infection.
Figure 3
It shows the toenail after a year and a half of treatment—the fungal infection is gone, however, it is necessary to proceed with the prevention measures which the client can implement at home according to our instructions.
How to prevent fungal foot infections::
- Avoid public swimming pools;
- Avoid taking a joint shower after sports activities. If you cannot avoid it, NEVER go barefoot;
- After each shower, dry your feet thoroughly, even the areas between the toes; You can even use a blow dryer to make sure your feet are completely dry;
- As fungi do not like acidic environments, choose soaps and shower gels with a pH values below 7;
- Wear footwear made of natural materials;
- Change your footwear several times a day (keep an extra pair of shoes at work);
- Only wear cotton socks;
- Avoid wearing synthetic materials. Pantyhose, for example, provide an ideal environment for fungi.
- Eat a healthy and balanced diet;
CAUTION: Psoriasis can also cause brittle and damaged toenails.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF A FUNGAL FOOT INFECTION?:
- A change in the colour of toenails and skin (nails turn yellow or slightly darker);
- Thickened toenails or a change in texture (thickened yellowish and/or bristle toenails, distorted shape of the toenail, etc.);
- Whitish, scaly, and wet skin on the feet, which may be itchy (depending on the level of infection);
- Dry and/or scaly skin.