Fungal nail infections are very common and often aren't painful at first, so people tend to ignore them. Left alone, though, they can spread to other nails and make nails thick and difficult to cut.
Signs to look out for
- Yellow, white or brown discolouration
- Thickening of the nail
- Brittle or crumbly edges
- The nail lifting away from the skin underneath
- An unpleasant smell in some cases
Why it happens
Fungi love warm, damp places. Sweaty feet, tight shoes, communal showers and changing rooms, and athlete's foot on the skin can all make an infection more likely. A damaged nail is also easier for fungi to get into.
What helps
Your pharmacist can recommend an antifungal nail treatment. These work best when the nail has been thinned first, so the treatment can soak in. That's where we can help, by gently reducing and filing the nail and removing the crumbly, infected parts.
Fungal nails take a long time to clear because a healthy nail has to grow out completely, which can take a year for a big toenail. Be patient and keep going.
Stopping it coming back
- Dry carefully between your toes every day
- Change socks daily, or more often if your feet sweat
- Wear flip-flops in communal showers
- Don't share towels or nail clippers
- Treat athlete's foot quickly if it appears
See our fungal infection page for more on how we can help.
Quick answers
Is a fungal nail infection contagious?
It can spread to other nails and occasionally to other people, so don't share towels or clippers.
Should I see a GP?
See your GP if the infection is severe, spreading, or if you have diabetes. They may suggest tablets in some cases.
Can you cure fungal nails?
We can't prescribe, but nail reduction makes over the counter treatments much more effective and nails more comfortable.