Dermatophyte Testing
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Do I have a Fungal Nail Infection?
The most common cause of thickened and discoloured toenails is a fungal infection that attacks the nail, the medical term for this is Onychomycosis. Fungal infections tend to be located underneath the nail. Early symptoms are often ignored as there is little if any discomfort, but the longer it is left untreated, the more the infection spreads within the nail, to other nails and to the surrounding skin. It may start with a yellow spot under or at the side of the nail that gradually spreads through the nail. Fungal nail infections gradually eat away at the Keratin; the protein that makes nails hard and strong.
Testing to confirm diagnosis of infection
Not all thick or discoloured nails have Dermatophyte fungal infections. Mould infection, Systemic disease, Psoriasis, complications of Chemotherapy and Trauma can also cause changes to nails. This is why we perform a test to establish that infection is present. Testing is the ONLY way to accurately diagnose the presence of dermatophyte/fungus.
The Diafactory test kit we use is fast and highly accurate (97%). Performing this test allows us to give you an immediate diagnosis We will discuss with you the different treatment options available to eradicate the infection and discuss with you the most appropriate treatment plan for you
Please note
Testing is a prerequisite to CLEARANAIL ® treatment.