1. What are the treatment choices for toe nail fungus infections?
2. Should I see a healthcare professional to treat my toe nail fungus infection?
3. Why is it even more important for people with diabetes to treat toe nail fungus infection?
4. What can I do to keep my nails healthy while I'm treating the infection?

Q: What are the treatment choices for toe nail fungus infections?
A: Your healthcare provider can prescribe medicine for your fungal infection that you take by mouth. For nail fungus infections, treatment usually lasts 12 weeks. This medicine travels through your bloodstream to reach the fungus where it lives deep under the nail in your nail bed.

A prescription polish is also available. It must be applied to the infected nail daily for up to 48 weeks.

To find out if one of these medications is right for you, talk with your healthcare provider.

Some people use products not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for nail fungus infections, such as over-the-counter creams, lotions, and polishes from a drugstore or pharmacy. Others use home remedies, such as vinegar or other solutions. But these products may not work very well because they don't reach the fungus where it lives under the nail.

Q: Should I see a healthcare professional to treat my toe nail fungus infection?
A: A nail fungus infection is a medical condition that often will not go away without treatment. It can keep getting worse. It may spread from one nail to another, or to someone else. If you think you have an infection, your healthcare provider can diagnose nail fungus infection and help you decide how to treat it.

Here are some other reasons you may want to talk to a healthcare professional:
• Your nails-especially toenails-may hurt.
• Nail fungus infection can lead to other medical problems for people with circulation problems in their feet and/or people with diabetes.
• You may feel embarrassed by the way the fungus has made your nails look.

Speak to your primary care physician, podiatrist, dermatologist, or healthcare professional before the condition of your nails gets worse.

Q: Why is it even more important for people with diabetes to treat toe nail fungus infection?
A: People with diabetes are nearly three times more likely to get nail fungus infection as people without diabetes*. Because people with diabetes have circulation problems, left untreated, the infection can often lead to more severe health problems on the foot.

If you have diabetes, check your feet and nails regularly for changes in their appearance. If you spot something, be sure and tell your primary care physician, podiatrist, dermatologist, or healthcare professional about it right away. Any type of infection can be more serious in a person with diabetes.

Q: What can I do to keep my nails healthy while I'm treating the infection?
A: Take these steps while you are being treated and afterwards to take care of your nails. You might want to share these tips with people close to you.

• Keep your feet as clean and dry as possible.
• Wear shoes that "breathe," such as canvas or leather shoes.
• Wear shower shoes when you're in public swimming pools, public showers, or locker rooms.
• Clip your toenails straight across.
• Wear comfortable shoes that fit properly and don't pinch your toes.
• If you get manicures or pedicures, make sure your salon follows the rules for cleanliness. States require that nail salons be licensed and follow strict health rules. Salons must sterilize instruments and footbaths. Licenses must be posted so customers know the salon has been inspected.