Fungal nail infections are very common and whilst can be unsightly, are not harmful.
The infection may cause nail to become discoloured (yellowish/brown) and sometimes it may become thick and crumbly.
These are commonly picked up from communal areas such as changing rooms and swimming pools.
It can also be spread by sharing towels, footwear and hosiery.
Hot sweaty feet and dry cracked feet are ideal breeding grounds for the infection.
You can reduce the risk of picking up a fungal infection by having good foot hygiene, always drying between your toes after bathing, keeping your skin in good condition with regular moisturising and avoiding walking barefoot in communal areas such as changing rooms and swimming pools.
Treatment is not always necessary.
These nails can be managed by regular filing to reduce thickness, to maintain comfort and improve appearance.
Treatment options
Fungal nail infections are very resistant to treatment; however below are best management options to consider.
- Antifungal lacquers can be obtained from pharmacy or GP prescription. These are applied directly to the nail, but they only help a very small number of fungal nail problems.
- Oral Terbinafine can be prescribed by your GP if deemed suitable as they can affect kidney and liver function.