*Welcome to the OutUK series looking at gay men and their health brought to you in association with the NHS* website.**
	Each week we'll tackle a different topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We'll have features and advice on everything from relationships, sexual health, mental and physical conditions and how to stay fit. You can follow any of links provided below for more information direct from the NHS website, or view any of our Previous A to Z Features.

You should also know that OutUK has produced a special report about: Coronavirus Covid-19.

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This Week - F : Fungal Nail Infection

Check if you have a fungal nail infection

Fungal nail infections usually affect your toenails, but you can sometimes get them on your fingernails, too.

A pharmacist can help with fungal nail infections

Speak to a pharmacist if the look of your nail bothers you or it's painful.

They may suggest trying an antifungal nail medicine that you brush onto the affected nail.

These medicines:

should be used daily or weekly, depending on the type
need to be used for 6 to 12 months - it may take several months before you start to see an improvement
may not be suitable for you if you're under 18, pregnant or breastfeeding

The infection is cured when you see healthy nail growing back at the base.

Find a pharmacy

Diabetes or a weakened immune system

See a foot specialist (podiatrist) if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system and get a fungal nail infection. Left untreated, an infection can cause serious health problems.

See a GP if:

You have a fungal nail infection that:

is severe and treatment has not worked
has spread to other nails

Treatment for a fungal nail infection

A GP can prescribe antifungal tablets if you have a fungal nail infection and treatments from a pharmacy have not worked.

But before they give you tablets, they should take a sample of your nail and have it tested, to find out what type of infection you have.

You may also need to have a blood test before starting treatment and during treatment to check your liver is working properly.

You may need to take antifungal tablets for up to 6 months.

The tablets can have side effects, including:

headaches
an itchy rash
stomach ache
feeling sick and diarrhoea

You cannot take antifungal tablets if you have certain conditions, such as liver or kidney disease. They may also not be suitable if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.

Badly infected nails sometimes need to be removed. It's a small procedure done while the area is numbed (under local anaesthetic).

Preventing fungal nail infections

You can get a fungal nail infection if your feet are constantly warm and damp.

You're more likely to get an infection if you wear trainers for a long time and have hot, sweaty feet.

There are some things you can do to help prevent fungal nail infections.

Do

treat athlete's foot as soon as possible to avoid it spreading to nails
keep your nails short
keep your feet clean and dry
wear clean socks every day
wear flip-flops in showers at the gym or pool
wear shoes that fit well and do not have high heels or narrow toes
throw out old shoes

Don't

do not wear shoes that make your feet hot and sweaty
do not share towels
do not wear other people's shoes
do not share nail clippers or scissors

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We'll have more information and advice next week on another topic in our A to Z of Gay Health. We have covered many subjects in this series and you can catch up with all of our Previous A to Z Features. If you want to find out more about this week's subject you can visit the Original article on the NHS website. If you are worried by any aspect of your health make sure you go and see your doctor or book an appointment at your local clinic.
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