Fungal toenails anxiety

[Goldmedal2024]

Hi, name changed for this one!

I have a couple of fungal toenails and I need terbinafine to try and clear them up. I haven't been able to take it yet due to my previous pregnancy and then breastfeeding and I'm pregnant again and was planning to breastfeed again.

My nails are causing me a lot of anxiety, mostly around the worry that my DD will pick it up and then the baby too once born and I'm in a dilemma over whether to breastfeed this baby or bottle feed so I can start taking the tablets. It's really affecting my mental health and causing me OCD. I know my fear isn't rational and they aren't that bad but I cant stop worrying and obsessively cleaning anything that my feet may have touched. It's getting to the point where filing my toenails is almost a military operation, the bath needs cleaned anytime I've been in it etc and it's just really getting me down and affecting my relationship too as my husband doesnt understand.

Has anyone been in a similar situation or have any advice? I am on the lowest dose of sertraline which is the safest in pregnancy but I have contacted my Dr today to see if it's worth switching to fluoxetine or whether I should wait until baby is born, I only have another month or so to go.

Thanks

Have you tried Vicks Vapo Rub on them, OP? I had one for years, nobody else ever got it.

I've heard about that but not sure if it's ok to use during pregnancy? I guess it probably is. I'll maybe try that once baby is born to see if it helps. Thank you

@Goldmedal2024 - I second the Vicks. I use it daily on my toenails and they're really clear. I'm not sure if it'll come back if I stop though as have heard that anecdotally. I just keep doing it as it's no bother. Good luck, I hope you get it sorted.

Hi @Goldmedal2024 I just wanted to post to say that I’m in exactly the same situation as you. I’ve got a toddler DS and am pregnant with my second - also planning to see a chiropodist once I’ve planned to stop breastfeeding my second child.

I don’t think it’s advisable to use Vicks whilst pregnant as I was using that prior to my first pregnancy.

Just to add that I was really paranoid DS would pick up my fungal nail but so far he hasn’t, DH hasn’t either in all the years that I’ve lived with him. I’m still cautious and wear socks most of the time around DS and I do wash his socks separately to mine, I also cut my toenails wearing rubber gloves and cut them into a plastic bag. Once done I make sure I disinfect the bathroom floor. I know this might seem a lot but it helps me
control it and I hardly think about it being an issue now.

I hope you get it sorted and I’m looking forward to the day I can eradicate it once and for all but please don’t let overshadow your pregnancy or time with your new baby.

Margaret Dabbs Foot Hygiene Cream is what you need. https://www.margaretdabbs.co.uk/foot-hygiene-cream/

I don't know is this is suitable or not during pregnancy but it's excellent/

amzn.eu/d/hN6JtWU