Few women here would think twice about getting a pedicure, which is easily available here.

But a pedicure is not the way to keep your nails healthy.

Ms Joann Lim, senior podiatrist at Changi General Hospital, said: "If you really want to maintain healthy nails, you shouldn't be painting them."

Fungi, which thrive in dark, warm and moist environments, can grow in between your nails and the nail polish, she said.

But the temptation to put on the vast array of pretty nail polish may be too much for many women.

So, if you are someone who finds it hard to steer clear of a nail salon, it pays to exercise some caution to avoid getting a fungal infection on your toenails.

Here are some tips.

Make sure the instruments used for trimming your nails are properly sterilised, for instance, by an autoclave steriliser.

An autoclave steriliser is a machine that will kill all the bacteria on the instruments.

A fungal infection can spread through tools that have not been properly cleaned.

It can also spread through nail polish, if the person using it before you has a fungal infection.

"Getting an infection from unclean equipment used during a pedicure happens quite often," said Ms Jessica Tennant, a podiatrist at Orchard Clinic.

If you can, buy your own tools and ask the pedicurist to use your own equipment.

Or visit salons that use disposable items such as emery boards.

Get a square shape for your toenails.

Square shapes not only look fashionable, they are good for you. That is because round toenails can dig into your skin and cause ingrown toenails.

Save some money and take a break from your regular pedicure sessions.

Painted toenails and open-toe stilettos may be your signature look but being a slave to this may increase your chances of getting a fungal infection.

"If you paint your nails all the time, this can promote fungal infection," said Ms Lim.

She also advised that you do not keep nail polish on for too long.

"Leave it on for maybe a week and let your nails rest for maybe a few weeks before you get another pedicure," she said.

If you have a fungal toenail infection, fight the temptation to mask your unsightly nails with nail polish.

"If you paint your nails to hide the fungal infection, it will promote the growth of the nail fungus and make it worse," said Ms Lim.

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