Fungal Nail Infections should be taken care of

Ludhiana: Fungal Nail Infections are quite common and are mostly ignored unless we see our nails getting discoloured, thick, and even getting cracked and broken. Such infections are more common in toenails than fingernails, says Dr Sunil Gupta (Professor & Head of Dermatology, DMCH).According to Dr Sunil Gupta, A fungal nail infection usually isn’t painful unless it becomes severe.

According to Dr Sukhjot Kaur (Associate Professor, Dermatology), a severe case of nail fungus can be painful and may cause permanent damage to your nails. it may lead to other serious infections that spread beyond your feet if you have a suppressed immune system due to medication, diabetes or other conditions.

If you have diabetes, you may have reduced blood circulation and nerve supply in your feet. You're also at greater risk of a bacterial skin infection (cellulitis). So any relatively minor injury to your feet — including a nail fungal infection — can lead to a more serious complication. See your doctor if you have diabetes and think you're developing nail fungus.

Dr Jaspriya Sandhu (Assistant Professor of Dermatology) says that the precautions suggested for keeping these infections include:-
 Keep your hands and feet clean and dry.
 Clip your fingernails and toenails short and keep them clean.
 Don’t walk barefoot in areas like locker rooms or public showers.
 Don’t share nail clippers with other people.

Fungal infections can be treated successfully, if you take regular medicines and follow your Dermatologist’s instructions, said the medical expert.