Our 10-Step Fungus Prevention Plan
If your toenails have become infected once with fungus, it is a sign that you are prone to this infection and are likely to become re-infected in the future. To avoid the risk of re-infection you will need to carefully follow our 10-Step Fungus Prevention Plan.
- Use a PediFix ShoeZap Shoe Sanitiser – PediFix ShoeZap 15 Minute UV Shoe Sanitizer is the fast, easy way to kill fungus and bacteria using UVC germicidal light. One-size sanitizer fits in any shoe, and can also be used on small items that fit into the Protection Bag. Don’t place your newly treated, healthy toes inside fungus-filled shoes!
- Use antifungal powder or spray in your shoes. Sprinkle some antifungal powder inside the toe box of your shoes and inside your socks. We recommend Akileine / Daktarin powder.
- Wear moisture-wicking socks to help keep your feet dry and change them every day. We recommend Injinji toe socks or Wig-Wam socks.
- Wash your socks with an antifungal wash (eg. Canesten wash) in hot water and dry them on a hot dryer setting (60C).
- Avoid toe nail polish as much as possible. If you are tempted to paint your nails, choose a polish like Dr’s. Remedy Enriched Nail Polish as it is infused with a blend of organic antifungal essential oils (eg tea tree oil, lavendar etc) with no harsh chemicals like most nail polishes. It is the best alternative to traditional nail polish. You may also paint your nail with an antifungal nail lacquer (eg: loceryl, fungistop) before applying nail polish. Don’t leave nail polish on your nails for more than a few days.
- Avoid nail spa pedicures – unless you are sure of strict infection control procedures.
- Keep your feet protected in shared bathroom settings. Wear thongs in communal bathrooms, gym change rooms, at the swimming pool or when camping.
- Wear breathable footwear and keep your feet dry throughout the day.
- Avoid gardening barefoot.– the soil in our garden harbours fungus that can easily find its way beneath your toenails, causing infection.
- Treat tinea between the toes – use an antifungal cream.
For further advice please get in touch with one of our experienced Podiatrists or contact us.
