How to Prevent Fungal Nail Infections

All you need to know about fungal nail infections

Did you know that fungal nail infection affects 1 in 4 people?¹ Despite being quite common and highly contagious, fungal nail can be easily treatable if tackled early.

Due to your feet not being on top of your mind, you may miss the signs of fungal nail infection. If you spot it early enough you can treat it with a specialised product like Scholl Fungal Nail Treatment, before the infection gets severe or painful.

Types of infection^2,3

There are two common types of Fungal Nail Infection. Here’s how to tell the difference:

Distal Subungual Onychomycosis (DSO) is the most common type of fungal nail infection. It infects both the nail and the nail bed - the skin under the end of the nail. The nail may often turn yellow or brown and you may notice it crumbling. ^2,3

White Superficial Onychomycosis (WSO), is the second most common fungal infection. You’ll spot it on the top layer of the nail, initially forming white spots on the surface.^2,3

Causes of fungal nail infection

We often take our hard working feet for granted, but even well cared for feet can catch a fungal nail infection. These particular fungi are highly contagious and thrive in moist, warm environments, like warm sweaty shoes, walking barefoot in communal showers or gym for example. ¹

Fungal nail infections can also occur if not keeping your feet clean and drying your toes properly, wearing shoes that cause your feet to get hot and sweaty. Also, if you have athlete’s foot, this can easily spread to the toenail and give you a fungal nail infection or even if you have a damaged toenail, this can increase the risk.

How can you prevent fungal nail infection?

Unfortunately you can’t completely prevent fungal nail infection but with a few simple changes you can minimise your chances of it happening.¹

Treat your feet to well fitting, good quality leather shoes so they can breathe properly and not get too hot and sweaty.¹ Using Scholl Fresh Step foot spray regularly will also help keep you one step ahead of fungus.

Avoid walking around barefoot in public pools, showers and locker rooms – fungus heaven. Wear protective footwear like flip flops instead.¹

Give your nails some care. Check they are trimmed carefully and regularly. Always make sure your nail clipper is disinfected.¹

If you have athlete’s foot, you should treat it as soon as possible with a specialised product like Scholl Athletes Foot Cream to help prevent the infection spreading to the nails.

Keep your shoes and feet fresh and dry by using a specialised foot spray regularly like Scholl Fresh Step foot Spray.

If you do notice any signs of fungal nail, reach for Scholl Fungal Nail Treatment. It’s specially designed to treat mild fungal nail infections, with a discreet, easy to use liquid that penetrates into the nail to treat the infection at its source. It also helps to prevent the spread of the fungus and protects against recurrence. It is an effective, caring solution that can be used at home without prescription.

RB-M-03423. Always read the instructions