Fungal Nail Treatment

Yes, fungal nail infections are contagious, and they can spread quite easily between people who live in close quarters.

It can also spread in warm, damp environments like communal showers, gyms, public swimming pools and changing rooms.

Fungal nail infections are common and will usually be nothing to worry about, however, they can take a long time to treat.

They can cause the nail to become brittle causing breakages, pain, and swelling in the skin around the nail.

There are multiple treatment options to treat a fungal nail infection, such as paint-on solutions and nail pens from trusted brands like Curanail and Scholl.

Fungal nail infections aren’t nice, so the NHS have set out some guidelines on how to prevent yourself from developing one:

Treat athlete's foot as soon as possible to avoid it spreading to nails, keep your feet clean and dry, wear clean socks every day, wear flip-flops in showers at the gym or pool and throw out old shoes.

Avoid wearing shoes that make your feet hot and sweaty, don’t share towels, nail clippers or scissors and don’t wear other people’s shoes.

You wouldn’t go a week without showering, so we shouldn’t go a week without checking the health of our feet - they work hard carrying us around all day, after all!

Make sure that there aren’t any sores, cuts, swelling or infections, like athlete’s foot or a fungal nail.

Clean them thoroughly when you shower or bathe, but be careful not to dry them out.

Afterwards, lather them in moisturising lotion and trim your toenails if needed, as it can be painful if they get too long and become ingrown.

Finally, always pick comfortable, supportive shoes if you’re on your feet all day.