Before you start: the fungal nail treatment checklist

Summary

Confirm the diagnosis is plausible, prepare the nail, gather the kit, pick a consistent daily time, and set realistic expectations about regrowth.

Check first

Rule yourself out where appropriate.

• Not diabetic, and no neuropathy or circulation problems
• No pregnancy or breastfeeding without pharmacist advice
• No allergy to listed ingredients, read the leaflet
• Skin around the nail is intact, not broken or infected

Prepare the nail

The evening before day one.

• Remove all nail varnish and let the nail dry
• Cut the nail as short as is comfortable, straight across
• File the surface lightly to take off loose, flaky material
• Wash and dry the foot thoroughly, including between the toes

Have to hand

So nothing interrupts the daily routine.

• Your pack of hydrogel nail patches and its printed guidance
• Nail clippers and a file to flatten the nail surface
• A clean towel used only for the treated foot
• Antifungal cream if you also have athlete's foot
• Antifungal shoe spray for weekly footwear treatment

Set expectations

A pack covers three weeks of nightly care. The cosmetic result arrives months later as the new nail grows out. Photograph the nail on day one so progress is visible.

When to seek medical advice

Speak to a pharmacist before starting if you take regular medication, or to a GP if the nail is painful or the surrounding skin is inflamed.