Fungal Nail Infections: Prevention

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Prevention

After your fungal nail infection has been successfully treated, take steps to prevent the infection from recurring.

• Before bed, thoroughly wash and dry your feet or hands and apply a topical antifungal, such as terbinafine (Lamisil) or ciclopirox (Penlac), directly to your skin or nail. Use the topical medicine for 1 year.⁷
• Keep your feet and hands dry. Dry skin and nails are less likely to become infected. Apply powder to your dry feet or hands after you take a shower or bath.
• Wear dry cotton socks and change them 2 or 3 times a day if necessary.
• Wear sandals or dry roomy shoes made of materials that allow moisture to escape. Injury to the tips of the toes because of tight shoes may be the biggest single factor that leads to a fungal nail infection returning.⁷
• Wear shower sandals or shower shoes when using a public pool or shower, and let them dry between uses.
• Don't share shoes, socks, nail clippers, or nail files with others.
• Avoid injuring your nail. Cutting nails too short is a common cause of nail injury. If you decide to get artificial nails or have a manicure, go to a salon that uses sterile instruments. Nail manicure and certain nail products can damage the nail or cuticle, making the nail more susceptible to infection.
• Control chronic conditions such as diabetes.
• Stop smoking.

Last updated:	July 24, 2008
Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS
Reviewed By:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC