In this article:
1. What is fungal nail infection?
2. What causes fungal nail infection?
3. How do I recognise fungal nail?
4. Is nail fungus contagious?
5. How to treat fungal nail?
6. How to prevent fungal nail?
7. What is the best fungal nail treatment?
8. NHS Recommendations?

1. What is fungal nail infection?

Fungal nail, also called Onychomycosis or tinea unguium, is a fungal infection that infects the nails. The fungal nail infection develops slowly and if hard to notice in the early stages. Once infected, it is very hard to treat, since the infection is hard to reach.

The infected nail is often yellow, green, or brown discolored and can be a bit brittle, making the nail look damaged. You can have a fungal nail on your fingers, but it is more common with toenails.

2. What causes fungal nail infection?

The surface of your skin is covered in bacteria and fungi, some good, some bad. This should not be a problem, we need the good ones to defend us from the bad ones. The moment the fungi start to overgrow, they can become a problem when they penetrate the skin.

Sweaty socks and shoes are an ideal breeding location for fungi thrive in warm, moist environments. The moment you develop foot fungus (also called athlete's foot) the fungi could penetrate the (damaged) nail and cause fungal nail infection.

3. How do I recognise the symptoms of nail fungus?

You can recognise a fungal nail infection by:

· Thickening of the nail
· Distored or brittle nail that my lift off from the nail bed
· Discoloration of the nail
· An odor coming from the infected nail

If you are unsure about your fungal nail infection, always visit your GP for a diagnose!

4. Is nail fungus contagious?

Nail fungus is very contagious and does not heal by itself! If left untreated, the infection can easily spread and infect other nails or even other people! Always ensure to wear flip-flops or sandals in public places like the swimming pool, sauna or in the gym.

5. How to treat fungal nail?

Do you want to get rid of your fungal nail? Then first ensure you are not suffering from foot fungus (athlete's foot). Fungal nail usually starts with foot fungus. The fungi spores are easily transported by sweat into socks, shoes and in the shower where they can become a source of continuous re-infection.

To treat fungal nail, several simple treatments are available:
· Vinegar
· Laser treatment
· Fungal nail treatment

Vinegar
Vinegar is a natural solution that can help mild cases of fungal nail infection. The acidity of the vinegar can kill off fungus spores. What you have to do is soak the infected nail daily in pure vinegar for at least 15 minutes. After treatment rinse your feet with water.

Laser treatment
Although costly, laser treatment is another way to treat fungal nail infections. Several licensed podiatrist offer this treatment in their practice. The laser heats the nail and thus killing of the funugus. Treatment with laser could take several months, up to 1 year to fully treat the fungal nail infection.

Fungal nail treatment
In the United Kingdom you can find a broad selection of prescription and non-prescription (OTC) products available to treat fungal nail infections. But which treatment is the best? How do you chose the treatment that is right for you?

To help you choose, we have found a website that makes chosing much easier (see the blue section below).

6. How to prevent fungal nail?

The most important method of prevention is avoiding contact with contaminated surfaces. Always wear foot protection - like flip-flops or sandals - in public spaces.

· Prevent damaging your nail
A damaged nail gets infected much faster.

· Keep feet clean & dry
Ensure your towel is clean!

· Treat athlete's foot (foot fungus) immediately
To prevent it from spreading

· Disinfect your shoes
Fungi spores spread into your shoes, making them almost impossible to treat

· Wash socks at minimum 60°C.
99% of fungi don't survive temperature of 60°C. or higher

· Do not use normal nail polish
Buy a special breathable nail polish, to prevent damage to the nail.