Most fungal nail infections occur as a result of the fungi that cause athlete’s foot infecting the nails.

These fungi often live harmlessly on your skin, but they can sometimes multiply and lead to infections. The fungi prefer warm, dark and moist places like the feet.

You’re more likely to get a fungal nail infection if you:

• don’t keep your feet clean and dry
• wear shoes that cause your feet to get hot and sweaty
• walk around barefoot in places where fungal infections can spread easily, such as communal showers, locker rooms and gyms
• have damaged your nails
• have a weakened immune system
• have certain other health conditions, such as diabetes, psoriasis or peripheral arterial disease

Fungal nail infections can be spread to other people, so you should take steps to avoid this if you have an infection.

Treatments for fungal nail infections

Treatment isn’t always needed for a mild fungal nail infection because it’s unlikely to cause any further problems and you may feel it’s not worth treating.

Whether you decide to have treatment or not, you should still practise good foot hygiene to stop the infection getting worse or spreading to others.

Speak to your GP or Podiatrist if you’re bothered by the appearance of the affected nail, or it’s causing problems such as pain and discomfort. They’ll probably recommend:

• antifungal tablets – tablets taken once or twice a day for several months
• antifungal nail paints – special paints applied directly to the nail over several months
• reduction of the infected nail with a podiatry drill

A procedure to remove the nail completely may be recommended in severe cases. Laser treatment, where a high-energy laser is used to destroy the fungus, is also an option.

Preventing fungal nail infections

You can reduce your risk of developing a fungal nail infection by:

• keeping your hands and feet clean and dry
• wearing well-fitting shoes made of natural materials and clean cotton socks – these will allow your feet to “breathe”
• clipping your nails to keep them short – don’t share clippers or scissors with other people
• not sharing towels and socks with other people, and ensure your towels are washed regularly
• not walking around barefoot in public pools, showers, and locker rooms – special shower shoes are available to protect your feet
• replacing old footwear that could be contaminated with fungi
• treating athlete’s foot as soon as possible to avoid the infection spreading to your nails