Athlete’s foot and nail infections are caused by the same fungus, which means treating the former if symptoms present themselves (itching, dry skin and an unpleasant odour) could save you dealing with discoloured, crumbling nails. Canesten’s cream contains an anti-fungal to stop the itching and redness caused by athlete’s foot in two to three weeks. Apply daily and massage into the affected area.

Once Daily Athlete’s Foot Cream, £4.49, Canesten at www.chemistdirect.co.uk

You might also like...

How to do a pedicure at home

Five buys for at-home pedicures

Nail problems: what you need to know

Getting rid of a fungal nail infection is no mean feat. Scholl’s Fungal Nail Treatment works by changing the nail’s pH balance to create an environment that’s unfavourable for the growth and spread of fungi. The first phase is applying the liquid once a day and filing the infected nail once a week (to help the liquid penetrate its layers) for a month. The second phase can last for up to 12 months and simply involves applying the liquid once a week until the damaged nail has completely grown out.

Fungal Nail Treatment, £19.40, Scholl at www.boots.com

You might also like...

How to do a pedicure at home

Five buys for at-home pedicures

Nail problems: what you need to know

Ingrown toenails occur when the nail is ripped and the pointy remains dig into the toe, causing infections and pain. The best way to prevent them is by trimming nails regularly and not letting them tear. Sally Hansen’s set of precision clippers and file is more than up to the task. Use the arrowhead end of the file to push skin away from the affected area and use the opposite end to gently file the nail.

Ingrown Be Gone, £17.69, Sally Hansen at www.amazon.co.uk

You might also like...

How to do a pedicure at home

Five buys for at-home pedicures

Nail problems: what you need to know