What can I do to help myself?
Take medication as directed, and do not give up without discussing this with a doctor.
Side-effects are uncommon with modern medication, but tell a doctor if you notice any problems with treatment.
Tips on nail care if you have a nail infection, with or without taking medication, include the following.
- Keep your nails cut short, and file down any thickened nail.
- Use a separate pair of scissors to cut the infected nail(s) to prevent contaminating the other nails. Do not share nail scissors with anyone else (for the same reason).
- Avoid injury and irritants to your nails. For example, if fingers are affected, use cotton and vinyl gloves for wet work. Use heavy cotton gloves for dry work.
- If toenails are affected, wear properly fitted shoes with a wide toebox.
- Keep your feet as cool and dry as much as possible.
Studies suggest that in about 1 in 4 cases where the infection has been cleared from the nail, the infection returns within three years. One way to help prevent a further bout of nail infection is to treat athlete's foot as early as possible to stop the infection spreading to the nail. Athlete's foot is common and may recur from time to time. It is easy to treat with an antifungal cream which you can buy from pharmacies, or get on prescription. The first sign of athlete's foot is itchy and scaling skin between the toes. See separate leaflet called 'Athlete's Foot (Tinea Pedis)' for further detail.
Also:
- Try to avoid injury to nails, which may increase the risk of developing a nail infection.
- Wear footwear such as flip-flops in public places, such as communal bathing/shower places, locker rooms, etc.
- Consider replacing old footwear, as this could be contaminated with fungal spores.
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