Nail fungus or nail fungus? Here's how to tell the difference!
Many people are quick to call a thickened, discolored nail a "fungal nail," but that's not always the same as a fungal nail. It's helpful to know the difference to find the right treatment:
Fungal nail
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Caused by a fungal infection .
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Nails may turn yellow, white or brown , thicken and become brittle .
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The nail may detach from the nail bed.
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Contagious , so treatment is necessary.
Nail fungus
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Not always caused by mold, but can be caused by:
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Trauma (e.g. bump or crush)
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Psoriasis or other skin conditions
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Hereditary predisposition
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Nail may be thickened or rough , often with white or yellowish color .
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Not contagious and has a different approach than a fungal nail.
In short: a fungal nail isn't necessarily a fungal nail. Sometimes it's just a nail that needs some extra care! And you can get that extra care at My Dear in the form of a specialized pedicure.
Take the test!
At My Dear, you can book an appointment for a "Nail Fungus Test." We'll take a sample of your nail and add it to a solution. You'll know before you go home whether you have a fungal nail or a fungal nail!
What to do about a fungal nail?
At My Dear, we always work with herbal products. And that's exactly what we do when treating fungal nails.
A new discovery has been made of a new type of fungus: the microorganism Pythium oligandrum, also called the Clever Fungus .
Pythium Oligandrum is a biological preparation. It's a fungus that literally "eats" other fungi and can therefore reproduce itself.
This microorganism is a predator that attacks and clears away certain other fungi, while leaving the healthy bacteria on the skin and nails unharmed .
This fungus is unique in that it lives solely on its own, showing no interest in anything else. When its nutrient-rich environment is exhausted, Pythium Oligandrum will leave the human body's surface on its own .
Types of products:
Nail products
FungiSmart® nail products consist of dry tablets used for an intensive start. They also include an oil and a powder for shoes, which are used for support after the intensive start. Would you like more information about using these products at home? Download our free guide .
Dry tablets with a high concentration of Pythium Oligandrum. Used for intensive starting.
The tablet is used to make a liquid to make a nail wrap for two consecutive nights.
Oil with a lower concentration of Pythium Oligandrum. For daily support.
Powdered form with a lower concentration of Pythium Oligandrum. For weekly support.
Skin products
FungiSmart® skin products consist of a dry powder, used for an intensive start. There is also an oil and a powder for shoes, used for support after the intensive start. Would you like more information about using these products at home? Download our free guide.
Dry powder with a high concentration of Pythium Oligandrum. Used for an intensive start.
The powder is used to make a liquid for taking a foot bath for two consecutive days.
Oil with a lower concentration of Pythium Oligandrum. Used as a daily supplement.
Powdered form with a lower concentration of Pythium Oligandrum. Used weekly as a supplement.