Fungal Nail Infection

A Fungal Nail infection is caused by the same infection as Athlete’s Foot.

It can cause your nails to become white, black, yellow or brown and often thick. Sometimes they might be crumbly when you cut them.

You are 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 shared showers, locker rooms and gyms
• have damaged your nails
• have a weakened immune system and have certain other health conditions, such as diabetes.

Fungal nail infections can be difficult to treat but treatment isn’t always needed for a mild nail infection if it is not causing you any problems.

If you are bothered about the nail’s appearance or it is causing discomfort, speak to your Pharmacist or GP about treatments suitable for you.  These might be

• Anti-fungal nail paints – special paints applied directly to the nail over several months
• Anti-fungal tablets – tablets taken once or twice a day for several months
• A procedure to remove the nail may be recommended if the nail is very painful.