General Tips Fungal Nail Infection

• People who are in warm/damp environments or who are exposed to water can develop this infection. Try to avoid such areas to the best they can e.g. gyms, swimming baths, communal areas.
• Change socks and footwear particularly after exercising.
• Avoid wearing synthetic trainers, wear comfortable (not tight fitting) leather shoes. Allow feet to breathe.
• Wear cotton socks.
• Change shoes every two to three days.
• Wear rubber gloves when washing up.
• Try to cut down/stop smoking (risk of nail infection increases with the no. of packs of cigarettes smoked each day)
• Keep feet as open to air as possible.
• Wear sandals and flip flops.
• Do not share towels, socks, gloves, nail clippers, scissors if one has a nail infection.
• Clip nails to keep them short. Nail files used on infected nails should not be used on healthy nails.
• Regularly remove the thickening of the nail to allow treatment of the nail be more effective (nail lacquer treatment can soak and get deep into the nail).
• Disinfect pedicure tools before you use them.
• Try to avoid swimming and running (can damage nail) for the time being.
• If you had a previous fungal infection or have one currently with nail infection one needs to treat and prevent those infections as early as possible.
• Do not pick on infected nails.
• Wash hands regularly.
• Foot hygiene is very important, wash regularly every day and dry thoroughly.
• Use dusting powders (if suitable) in socks and shoes to prevent re-infection
• Use foot sprays (if suitable) to prevent infection.
• Keep nails short to prevent nail infections and it will also help to keep the nail bed cool.
• Feet tend to be often forgotten about as it is one part of the body which is hidden away. It is prone to roughness due to constant rubbing against the shoes and the ground and should be regularly exfoliated or using a foot file with a foot and heel balm to remove dead skin. One needs to moisturise the feet on a regular basis to prevent dryness.

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Foot care Patient Advice (especially diabetics or with poor foot circulation

• Look at feet each day. If you are not able to check if someone else can, particularly if you have reduced sensation in feet.
• If you get a cut, bruises, redness, blister bleeding; please see your medical doctor, in the meantime cover it up with a clean dry dressing.
• If you have dry skin, use a moisturising cream or oil but do not use between toes (one may have athletes foot or be at risk).
• Cut your nails along curvature with toe nail clippers, not straight across. Do not damage your skin.
• Wash feet regularly everyday in warm soapy (anti-bacterial soap) water especially between toes and ‘pat dry’ thoroughly.
• Try to avoid foot burns:

• • Check bath temperature with hand before you put your feet in.
  • Keep your feet away from hot objects e.g. hot water bottles, electric blankets, close to fire, hearers
  • Avoid slip on shoes
  • Avoid top flat shoes, pointy shoes (have broad front with room for toes, sandals and flip flops that cause rubbing).
  • Always feel inside shoes for stones or rough edges before you put them on.
  • Always wear comfortable low heel shoes/trainers, (heels too low can strain the foot arch, cause sore and cracked heels)
  • Make sure they fit well (comfortable fastening, liner and buckles to prevent rubbing otherwise can get blisters). Take into account any corns, bunions, awkward shape. (If have no choice, consider specially fitted shoes to take account of bunions, corns deformities)
  • When buying new shoes, wear your usual socks.
  • Gradually break in new shoes.

• Always wear comfortable socks (not too tight) with footwear. Socks protect you from a rubbing shoe.
• Do not walk bare foot anywhere. One may damage their feet.
• Rotate ones ankles move feet up and down and do regular feet exercise to improve suppleness and blood circulation.

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Natural treatments and tips (DR Axe)