Nail hygiene: As important as medication or laser in battling fungal infection

Fungi thrive in a warm, moist, dark environment

Make it as difficult as possible for fungi to survive both on your nails and in your home.

Avoid situations where you may be exposed to nail fungi:

• Keep your nails cut short and file down any thick areas.
• Don’t use the same nail trimmer or file on healthy nails that you’ve used on infected nails.
• Don’t scratch, pick or rub the treated toes/fingers.
• Wash all socks, stockings, washable footwear, sheets and towels in an antifungal detergent regularly. These detergents are available from pharmacies.
• Air your shoes in a warm, sunny place when you’re not wearing them.
• Wash or replace insoles regularly if possible.
• Wear open-toed sandals or thongs while you are indoors. Don’t go barefoot since this could lead to the spread of the fungus and transmission to others in the household.
• Wear clean, dry socks every day.
• Change your socks if your feet are sweaty or wet.
• At the gym, don’t walk barefoot. Wash your socks and air your shoes as soon as possible after exercise.
• If your fingernails are affected, wear cotton gloves if handling objects used by other people (e.g. steering wheels)
• Discard all current nail polishes to avoid reinfection from contaminated brushes.
• Reduce the risk of re-infection by avoiding public pools, spas and saunas.