How do you recognise a fungal nail?

A fungal nail turns yellow or brown, thickens and starts crumbling at the free edge.

The explanation

It usually starts at the edge of the big toe, with a yellow or white spot slowly growing towards the cuticle. The nail becomes opaque and there is often loose material underneath. Pain is usually absent, unless the nail becomes so thick that it presses against the shoe.

Fungi like warmth and moisture. Shared showers, pool floors, shoes that never dry and athlete's foot between the toes spreading to the nail are the usual routes.

Treatment is a matter of patience: a toenail renews itself in nine to twelve months and the fungus literally has to grow out. Products from the chemist or pharmacy only work if the nail is thinned first, so the product can reach the nail plate.

Patty's advice

Treat athlete's foot between the toes at the same time if present, wash socks and towels at sixty degrees and let shoes dry properly.

Read more about cracked heels? See the treatment page or request an appointment straight away.