Phenol for Nail Fungus
Although fungal nail infections are rarely life-threatening, they can raise cosmetic concerns. Chronic, painful, and severely deforming fungal nail infections might require permanent removal methods, such as phenol, to be cured.
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Description & Risk Factors
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Onychomycosis is the medical term for fungal infection of the toenails or the fingernails. Risk factors for nail fungus infections include increasing age, a weak immune system, prior trauma, physical activity, public bathing, and airtight footwear.
Nail Fungus Causes
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Three main classes of fungi are responsible for nail fungal infections, indicates Medscape: dermatophytes, yeasts, and non-dermatophyte molds. Candida yeast rarely causes nail infection, except in people with a weakened immune system.
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Nail Unit Anatomy
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Fungi can infect any component of the nail unit, including the nail matrix, nail bed, or nail plate, Medscape indicates. The nail plate (nail body) is the actual nail, and the skin underlying it is the nail bed. The nail rests upon the matrix, which gives rise to the nail root and produces the cells that become the nail plate.
Permanent Nail Removal
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Permanent removal methods include phenol, surgical removal, and laser. The phenol procedure involves applying phenol, an acidic chemical, to the nail matrix to destroy the growth cells of the nail, according to California Foot & Ankle Associates.
Post-Procedure Period
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The nail plate rarely grows back after permanent removal, according to Park Plaza Foot Specialists. After a phenol procedure, the body generates a hardened skin that covers the sensitive nail bed.
Advantages & Drawbacks
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The Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association (Volume 90) reports drawbacks of the phenol procedure, such as possible minor chemical burn, potential trauma to the nail bed, and significant healing time. Advantages include a low risk of post-operative infection, little or no pain, little scarring, and good appearance after complete healing.
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References
- Park Plaza Foot Specialists: Nail Problems
- California Foot & Ankle Associates: Nail Disorders & Treatments
- Medscape: Onychomycosis
- "Journal Of The American Podiatric Medical Association;" A Modified Approach to the Phenol and Alcohol Chemical Partial Matrixectomy; Stephen J. Kominsky, D.P.M. and Mikel David Daniels, B.S.; Volume 90 (4); 2000
