By Rachel Chan

SMOKERS, beware.

Other than cancer and lung diseases, a smoker is also more vulnerable to fungal nail infections, or onychomycosis.

The National Skin Centre is seeing more than 300 new cases of fungal nail disease every year. According to clinical studies published by the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology in 2000, the risk of having fungal nail infection increased by 87 per cent for each pack of cigarettes consumed per day.

In fact, it is becoming so prevalent that Loceryl, formerly a prescription treatment for the disease, is now allowed to be sold over the pharmacy counter. The anti-fungal nail lacquer is produced by Galderma, an international dermatological products and services company based in Switzerland.

Although smoking does not directly cause fungal nail disease, Dr Chan Yuin Chew, a consultant dermatologist at Dermatology Associates, said: "Smoking increases the risk of having fungal nail infection by decreasing peripheral circulation.

"When there is decreased blood flow to the distal parts, such as the fingers and toes, this not only impairs the ability of the body's immune system to fight off harmful organisms, but also creates a conducive environment for the uninhibited growth of these organisms."

Onychomycosis is a painful condition that can look unsightly, as the infected nail may experience a build-up of debris, become thickened, scaly, distorted or discoloured. It can also become "crumbly" and fall off.

But smokers aren't the only ones susceptible to the disease.

Risk factors include a family history of fungal nail infection, old age, a weak immune system, repeated damage to the nail and ill-fitting footwear.

It's also a job hazard for those who have to immerse their hands and feet in water for long periods.

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