Can you get a pedicure if you've got fungal toenails?

[NowhereToSleep]

If someone turns up for a pedicure and they've got nasty yellow fungal toenails, will they be shown the door?

Asking for a close friend.

I've tried all sorts but can't take the anti fungal medication due to interactions with other tablets. I listened to a BBC sounds documentary on it (Sliced Bread) with a consultant doctor giving advice. Unless you're prepared to keep treating your nails and socks, shoes, towels forever there isn't an easy solution. I've given up but it's miserable never being able to get a pedicure. I do my best at doing my own now.

You need a proper chiropodist, not just a pedicure. My late husband had a fungal toe-nail, and it took months of work to clear it up.

I took Terbinafine - took a few months to clear the infection, but I'd had it for several years, so was happy!

I don't think I'm going to ever get a pedicure again after reading this thread. Surely it's not worth the risk of catching a fungal infection that you then have for decades?

I have a grotty toenail it is an absolute nightmare to try and shift. I’d be too embarrassed to go for a pedicure irrespective of whether a salon would do it or not

Have you had the tablets from the GP? I battled it for over 10 years. I completely lost my big toe nail. Got 3 months prescription for anti-fungal tablets when they had swabbed it. All clear and new nail grew through within 8 weeks. Wish I’d done it sooner!

I have what salons assume is fungal nails (thickened yellow nails) but that the podiatrist assures me is nail damage from the repeated impact of running, which is why treatments aren't improving it.

Grim. Why would you even want to?

You can get some polish with fungicide in it.

To avoid contaminating polish use a Q tip dipped in it once to use on the infected toe, then throw it out.

Exactly -
trauma can cause the nail to thicken and discolour but a damaged nail is more likely to be affected by a fungal infection as it lifts off the nail bed .

OP - your friend can try asking the GP for tablets (Lamisil is one of the best known) a 12/52 course is usual for toenails .
You can belt&braces with topical application as well.
Most GPs will want a positive fungal nail sample before treatment and a blood test (liver ) , it;s a long job.
And it works on the new nail growth so after finishing you need to wait for results , you;ll see the nail growing clear from under the cuticle (eponychium)

Tea Tree Oil works but takes months

If your friend has diabetes they should definately see their GP , fungal nails can spread

Nail removal (avulsion) is done with phenol under local analgesic and considered permenant if they thinks of that .
If the nail is damaged then it will grow thicker anyway even after treatment

Edit , I've made your friend a "he" !

For anyone that's been trying to clear this for a few years... I 100% recommend going to your gp for the tablets. I had 20 years of trying every cream and powder and anything i could find, and the tablets sorted everything. Such a relief to be able to wear sandals again with out getting my grim toes out 😂

It depends on what you mean by a pedicure.

I'm from Eastern Europe, and when you get a pedicure there, you get the full treatment; they don't just paint your nails like they do in the UK.

I also have a fungal nail issue, but when I go to my Eastern European pedicurist, she still paints my nails or applies gel. Most of her clients have similar issues and know what products and hygiene procedures to use to avoid spreading it.

I'd suggest looking for Eastern European or non-UK-run salons. Depending on where you live, there are usually at least a few in bigger cities. Their approach to pedicures is quite different from what you'll typically find in the UK.

Topical treatments won't work. The GP will do tests and give oral medication to help. Mine cleared up very quickly with this.