A quarter of Brits suffer from nail infection according to new research

New research just published has revealed that a staggering 25% of the UK population is likely to be suffering from nail infections.

More worryingly, only 11% are aware that they have a nail infection and 89% of sufferers don’t know that nail infections are contagious.

This is all according to a new report published by footcare brand Excilor.

52% of people questioned in the poll said that the pain was the worst thing about having a nail infection while 32% said they were embarrassed about it – showing that fungal nail infections can impact sufferers’ day-to-day lives.

Over half (57%) said that a nail infection stopped them from wearing open-toed shoes and 56% revealing that it stopped them from going swimming and being active.

If you think a client developed a fungal infection, it’s important that you refer them to a GP or directly to a podiatrist as soon as possible.

Not sure how to recognise and treat fungal nail infections? Read this article to find out.

GP and foot expert Dr Gill Jenkins explained, “Fungal nail infections are notoriously hard to get rid of without treatment and they can cause pain, swelling and itchiness.

“For many sufferers, these painful symptoms have a serious impact on their lives, making it harder to be active on a daily basis.

“Not only does a painful foot stop you from exercising, but it often makes it hard to fall asleep too.”

Fast treatment is key because fungal nail infections are contagious between feet, hands and between people.

Dr Jenkins added, “Should you be unlucky enough to get an infection you need to treat it as soon as possible.

“They are often incredibly contagious, so contagious in fact, that even touching the feet, and then touching other parts of the body, can cause the fungus to spread.”

Symptoms of nail infections

Of those surveyed in the Excilor study:

• 36% said they had a hardening and thickening of the nail
• 36% had toe pain
• 36% had red skin around the nail
• 30% said they had pus
• 23% had experienced the nail separating from the nail bed

Pharmacist Noel Wicks, part of the Excilor expert hub, warned that people need to keep on top of their foot health in case of complications down the line.

There are now five million people living with diabetes in the UK, and they need to be even more wary of nail infections, as these can lead to more serious health issues such as foot ulcers.

Wicks said, “Common signs of a fungal nail infection are discolouration and the hardening and thickening of the nail in question.

“In most cases, fungal nail infections tend to look unhygienic.

“The infection usually starts at the rim of the nail, which changes colour to whitish-yellow, brown or green.”

He added, “As the fungus develops, it grows under or into the nail causing the nail plate to thicken and crumble.

“This can sometimes cause the nail to partially detach, or sometimes, come off completely.

“However, treatment should be implemented early to avoid this level of fungus development from occurring.

“If not treated, these infections can lead to further complications such as permanent loss of the nail, a resurgence of the infection and even in extreme cases a spread of infection to other areas of the body, or even the bloodstream.

“If not addressed fungal nail infections can actually last for years.”

Have you experienced any clients with nail infections? Let us know in the comments…

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