46. Fungal Nail Infection Flashcards
What?
Fungal nail infection (Oncomycosis)
Or discolouration of Nail,
Starts flaking and peeling.
Can lead to thickening of the nail and separation of the nail from the bed.
Signs and symptoms of Fungal nail Infection?
Discolouration of the nail
Thickening of the nail
Nail may become brittle and start flaking
Pain and Discomfort, particularly when using or placing pressure on the affected toe or finger.
Separation of the nail from the nail bed.
Risks factors for fungal Nail infection?
Any damage to the nail
Skin fungal infections are also risk factors.
Olderly
Treatment options For fungal Nail infection?
Nail laquare: Amorolfine. Apply 12 times weekly
Treatment is often needed for several months. It can take up to 12 months to confirm successful treatment, due to the slow growth of the nail unit.
On prescription: Oral antifungal treatment: Terbinafine and Itraconazole.Treat for 6 weeks for FINGERNAIL & 12 weeks for TOE NAIL (Not suitable in pregnency)
Nail paint: Amorolfine (Nail paint Not effective which have thickend) or removal of the nail from the bed.
How to practise good foot hygiene?
Keep your nails clean and trimmed. Avoid cutting the cuticles.
If your fingernails are affected, avoid repeated hand washing and use of detergents and other chemicals. Wear protective gloves.
Treat any other fungal infections such as athletes foot.
Keep your feet cool and dry by wearing breathable footwear and cotton socks as fungal infections like warm and damp places.
Wear clean socks every day.
When using shared showers, eg, at the swimming pool, wear protective footwear.
Don’t share nail clippers and scissors with others.
How to use amorolfine?
Before applying amorolfine file down the infected areas of the nail using a nail file.
Clean the nail surface with a cleaning pad or cotton wool. Do this each time just before you apply amorolfine and file if needed to remove any remaining lacquer.
Using the spatula provided, apply the amorolfine paint over the entire surface of the infected nail. Do not apply to the skin around the nail.
Allow the paint to dry for about 3 to 5 minutes.
Avoid the use of cosmetic nail varnish (nail polish), artificial nails or dressings over the nail during treatment with amorolfine.
It may take several months after you finish treatment to see the full benefit of amorolfine. When used to treat nail infections, it takes time for your new healthy nails to grow out and replace the infected nails.
Side effect of Nail paint?
Burning feeling,redness and itchiness around the skin
