Psychosomatics of nail fungus
A fungal nail infection makes a nail brittle, discoloured or thicker than usual. According to the NHS, it is not serious but can take a long time to treat: pharmacy nail treatments are used for 6 to 12 months, until healthy nail grows out. Fungus likes warmth and damp, not "untidiness". See a doctor if the infection is severe, has spread to other nails or you have diabetes. The Ladder method helps you notice shame about your nails and does not treat the fungus.
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When to see a doctor
A pharmacy first, or a general doctor, ideally a dermatologist. Before treatment a doctor may take a sample of the nail to find out which fungus it is. See a doctor if the infection is severe and treatment is not working, it has spread to other nails, or you have diabetes or a weakened immune system. With diabetes, foot problems can be more serious, so do not wait. Only a doctor prescribes tablets, and they may need a blood test.
In the Ladder method
In the Ladder method, nail fungus is not explained as "you have not accepted yourself somewhere". It is not your fault: fungus catches on in warm damp shoes, at the pool and from other people's things, and it is treated with medicines. Questions to yourself belong next to treatment, not instead of it.
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In the method, nails suit the image of a boundary and appearance: what you show to people, what you hide and what you are ashamed of. It is an image, not the cause of the infection.
On the ladder this shows up as the steps "something is wrong with me" and "if they see it, they will judge me". You can work through them while the nail is treated and a healthy one grows.
These are questions for reflection, not an explanation of what causes the condition and not a treatment.
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How it shows up
Book a doctor’s appointment if you notice:
- The nail gets thicker
- The nail turns white, yellow or dark
- Brittleness, the nail crumbles
- The nail lifts off the nail bed
- Pain or swelling of the skin around the nail
- Shame: you hide your feet or hands
What medicine knows
Fungal infections usually affect toenails and sometimes fingernails. It starts at the edge of the nail, which gets thicker, turns white or yellow, becomes brittle and crumbles. Sometimes the nail lifts off, and the skin around it swells and hurts (NHS).
Fungus appears where feet are constantly warm and damp. The risk is higher if you wear trainers for a long time and your feet sweat. It does not mean you are untidy. The NHS advises treating athlete's foot early, keeping nails short and feet clean and dry, wearing clean socks every day, wearing flip-flops in showers at the gym or pool and not sharing towels, shoes or nail clippers.
Treatment takes time. A pharmacist may suggest an antifungal nail medicine that you apply daily or weekly for 6 to 12 months. It may not suit you if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. A nail counts as cured when healthy nail grows at the base. If pharmacy treatments do not work, a doctor can prescribe tablets for up to 6 months and check your blood to keep an eye on your liver (NHS).
Not every changed nail is a fungus. MedlinePlus writes that nails can show signs of lung, heart, kidney and liver diseases, as well as diabetes and anaemia, while white spots and vertical ridges are harmless. So if you are unsure, show the nail to a doctor instead of treating it by guesswork.
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Frequently asked questions
Why does nail fungus appear?
According to the NHS, a fungal nail infection can develop if your feet are constantly warm and damp, for example if you wear trainers for a long time and sweat a lot. It can spread to the nail from athlete's foot if that is not treated early. It is not a sign of untidiness and not your fault.
How long does nail fungus treatment take?
A long time. According to the NHS, antifungal nail treatments from a pharmacy are used for 6 to 12 months, and improvement may not show for several months. A doctor prescribes tablets if pharmacy treatments have not worked, usually for up to 6 months.
Is nail fungus psychosomatic?
No, it is an infection and it is treated with medicines. Nail fungus has no proven "meaning". In the Ladder method it becomes a reason to ask yourself what you are ashamed of and what you hide. It is a question to yourself, not a diagnosis, and it does not replace treatment.
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Answers to common questions
Psychosomatics does not replace tests and treatment. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis.