WHAT CAUSES A FUNGAL NAIL INFECTION?

a fungal nail infection is caused when a fungal infection gets in under the nail plate and infects the nail bed. Infections may be caused by dermatophytes, yeasts or moulds. An effective treatment should work against all three. This type of anti-fungal treatment is known as broad spectrum4. Loceryl® is a broad spectrum fungal treatment that is used just once a week and penetrates the nails. 2, 3, 4

Dermatophyte Infections
a fungal nail infection affecting the toe nail is more commonly the result of a dermatophyte infection. Dermatophytes usually result in the nail becoming thicker, lifting from the nail bed and changing colour.

The most common dermatophyte infections are caused by Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton mentagraphytes or Epidermophyton floccosum.

Loceryl® is an effective broad spectrum treatment for fungal infections including those caused by dermatophytes. 4

Yeast Infections
While there are several types of yeast infection, candida albicans is the most common. Whilst this yeast predominantly affects finger nails, it may also be involved in 10% of toe nail infections.

Growth of candida albicans is thought to be facilitated by repeated contact with sweet substances, detergents, water or nail care products.

Loceryl® is an effective broad spectrum treatment for fungal infections including those caused by yeasts. 4

Moulds
Moulds are responsible for about 11% of toe nail infections. These infections usually take hold in nails that are vulnerable due to age, injury, trauma, or psoriasis.

Some species of moulds include - Scopulariopis brevicaulis, Fuscarium spp. and Scytalidium spp.

Loceryl® is an effective broad spectrum treatment for fungal infections including those caused by moulds. 4

How Can The Fungal Infection Enter the Nail Bed?
Fungus may enter the nail from any one of four entry points. But first there must be some damage to the nail that has interfered with the nail's normal protective function.


References:
2:Zaug M. “Amorolfine Nail Lacquer: Once Weekly Application in Onychomycosis”. Suppl. To JAMA SEA July 1993.

3:Franz TJ “ Absorption of Amorolfine through Human Nail” Dermatology 1992: 184 (suppl 1) :18-20

4:Polak AM. “Preclinical data & mode of action of amorolfine” Clinical & Experimental Dermatology 1992: 7 (Suppl. 8-12).