On•ych•aux•is
Abnormal thickening of the nails.
On•y•cho•my•co•sis
A fungal infection of the nails.
Thick & Fungal
Onychauxis
What is it?
- Onychauxis is a thickening (hypertrophy) of the nail plate.
- Onychogryphosis is long-standing thickening, in which typically a curved hooked nail (ram's horn nail) occurs.
What does it look like?
- The nail appears thicker and more yellow.
How do you treat it?
- A chiropodist can use a special hand drill, to reduce the thickness.
How do you prevent it?
- Proper fitting footwear, enough room or width in the toe area of the shoe or boot.
Onychomycosis
What is it?
- Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nails.
- Most commonly, as part of an infection called athlete's foot.
What does it look like?
- Mild infections may produce few or no symptoms.
- In severe infections, the nails turn white to yellow-brown in color, thicken, and detach from the nail bed.
How do you treat it?
- Keep the toenails trimmed.
- Applying a topical antifungal prescription medication.
- Oral prescription medication from your family physician.
How do you prevent it?
- Always wear flip-flops or sandals in public showers or public areas - this helps prevent contact with fungal infections.
- Wash and thoroughly dry your feet.
- Change socks and footwear daily.
- Avoid trauma to the toenails.
