FungilacSET

Fungi are microorganisms that naturally live in and on our bodies and usually don’t cause any issues. However, when they multiply excessively, when we come into increased contact with them from external sources (such as swimming pools, gyms, or by sharing nail files with infected individuals), or when we’re under stress, fungal infections can occur. Fungal infections are among the most common causes of skin conditions and are a frequent reason for visits to general practitioners and dermatologists.

But not all fungal infections are the same – when it comes to fungal nail infections (also known as onychomycosis), treatment requires a different approach than infections of the skin. One of the most common skin infections is athlete’s foot (Tinea pedis), which affects the skin on the feet.

The main reasons lie in the structure of the nail and its slow growth. Nails are thick, hard, and relatively impermeable, which makes them more difficult to treat than skin infections. What’s more, due to their slow growth (fingernails grow about 3.5 mm per month, while toenails grow only around 1.6 mm⁴), treatment takes a long time. Typically, therapy lasts 6 to 9 months for fingernails and 9 to 12 months for toenails. It’s also common for treatment products to require daily application, which often leads to people giving up on therapy altogether. Quitting treatment – or not starting at all – isn’t a good idea, as the nail will continue to deteriorate and complications may occur. And lastly, let’s be honest – fungal infections don’t look nice either.

In most cases, using a topical treatment is enough. Thickening, crumbling, or discoloration of the nails – most often turning yellow, white, or a mix of both – may be signs of a fungal nail infection. If more than half of the nail is affected, in addition to a topical product, you should also seek medical advice.

In general, there’s no need to visit a doctor – simply head to your pharmacy and pick up a treatment that can effectively resolve the problem.

If you already have a fungal nail infection, the best advice is to start treatment as soon as possible. If you don’t, here are a few simple steps to help you keep it that way:

• Don’t share nail files, scissors, or clippers with anyone who has a fungal infection.
• Change your socks and footwear regularly.
• Maintain good hand and foot hygiene by washing or showering regularly.
• Always shower after visiting a swimming pool, and be sure to wear appropriate footwear (such as flip-flops, sandals, or pool shoes) while you’re there.