BAJAN SUN
Bajan Sun Magazine
JULY 2014
SKIN GURU
By Dr. Andrew Forde
Tinea Unguium (Nail Fungus)
Dr. Dorde’s office is located in the
Pine Medical Centre, Suite 3, 3rd Ave,
Beleville, St. Michael, Barbados.
Tel: (246) 429 - 5863
Email: [email protected]
A fungal infection of the nail or onychomycois is
more common with increasing age. It is often seen in
men and individuals with circulatory problems or
diabetes. Excessive wet work and warm sweaty
conditions can contribute to infections of toe and
fingernails. Untreated Tinea (ring worm) infections
on the hands/feet and nail trauma can be precursors
to infection.
Signs of a nail infection are;
from the crumbly end of the nail being sent to the lab
for culture and analysis.
Few infections respond to topical antifungal
applications in practice. Oral antifungal treatment is
usually required for 2 to 3 months. Infrared lasers are
now being used successfully but are not available in
Barbados. Removal of the nail is a desperate last
resort.
White or yellow discoloration
Brittle, crumbly nails with jagged edges
Thickening of the nail with separation from the nail
bed
Curling or distortion of shape
Patterns of infection of a nail vary and are as
follows;
Distil and lateral - involving the side and tip of the
nail
Superficial – white flaky patches on the surface
Proximal – spots appear in half moon (Luna) area
Subungual – scaling under the nail
Complete nail destruction
The diagnosis of nail fungus is usually via clinical
examination. This can be confirmed by nail clippings
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