Toenail fungus (onychomycosis) is a common, contagious condition that may be the cause of up to half of all nail problems. A severe case of nail fungus may be painful and can also cause permanent damage to your nails or other serious infections that spread beyond your feet. Early detection and treatment increase your chance of preventing long-term nail damage and other issues.Warm, moist conditions make summer the perfect time for developing toenail fungus. This season also increases the risk of spreading fungal infections, as many walk barefoot at home, on pool decks, or in locker rooms. While wearing shoes offers some protection, sweaty feet and socks can create the perfect environment for fungus to grow.Contributing risk factors that encourage toenail fungal infections include:Older ageHaving had athlete’s foot in the pastHaving a minor skin or nail injuryHaving a skin condition such as psoriasis, which can affect the nailsHaving a weakened immune system, diabetes, or blood flow problems PreventionFollow these foot hygiene tips to help prevent toenail fungus and stop its spread.Wash your feet regularly, including between your toes, and wash your hands after touching infected nails.Regularly clean showers and other surfaces your bare feet contact.Avoid going barefoot in public areas; wear sandals, even in public showers.Consider using an antifungal foot powder to keep feet dry.Don’t share socks, shoes, towels, or nail tools with other people.Keep toenails clean, dry, and trimmed straight acrossDisinfect clippers and files after each use with rubbing alcohol, especially between infected and healthy nails.Choose nail salons that sterilize manicure and pedicure tools for each customer.Wear breathable shoes to reduce sweating.Discard old shoes or treat them with antifungal powders or disinfectants.Rotate shoes daily to allow drying between wears.Wear absorbent socks and change them as needed throughout the day. Do You Have Nail Fungus?Common signs of a nail infection include nails that are:BrittleCrumblyDiscolouredMisshapenRaggedSeparated from the nail bedSmellyThickened Treatment OptionsToenail fungus can be treated with oral medicines, topical treatments, laser therapy, or physical removal. Sometimes methods are combined for better results.Topical antifungals – Medicated creams or nail lacquers can be applied directly to the affected nails and surrounding area.Oral antifungals – Pills or liquid medicines treat fungal infections from the inside out, travelling through the blood stream to the nails. These are preferred for more serious infections but might affect your liver or interact with other medications. They often require regular blood testing during treatment.Nail removal – Sometimes a doctor or podiatrist (foot specialist) may remove part or all of a nail to help treatments work better.Laser treatment – Focused light (lasers) can be used to heat and destroy fungal cells on and around the nail without harming the surrounding skin. There are minimal side effects, but multiple sessions may be needed and it might not cure the infection on its own. Treating toenail fungus takes patience. The nail won’t look significantly better until the damaged part grows out. This can take 12 to 18 months. While you are waiting for your new nail to grow, you can help improve the appearance of infected nails by carefully trimming them as they grow or by visiting a podiatrist to help clean away damaged areas. Do not apply regular nail polish or nail stickers, as they can trap the infection on the nail or interfere with treatments. A Happy EndingA happy ending starts with a smart beginning—and that means keeping prevention and early treatment top of mind.If you think you have a toenail infection, you can start by asking your pharmacist for advice. Drop in to your local London Drugs pharmacy or book a convenient appointment time. In many provinces, pharmacists can assess suspected toenail fungus, recommend treatment, and if appropriate they may prescribe medication to treat your nails. They can also give advice on how to prevent the infection from spreading to your other nails or to people you live with. If your symptoms are not typical or are more serious, your pharmacist may refer you to a doctor for further care.Don’t wait if you think you have a fungal nail infection. Early treatment can help you get back to healthy nails faster. Speak to a pharmacist or your physician to learn about your treatment options.Related
