For millions of people around the world, toenail fungus is a very real problem. Therefore, toenail fungus prevention is a very real concern. While not physically debilitating in its early stages, it is an unsightly condition which can have a severe effect on a person’s self confidence. Even in mild stages, toenail fungus causes intense discoloration and cracking of the nail itself.
Many of us take being able to walk barefoot or wear open-toed shoes for granted. Not having this type of freedom can be very uncomfortable for a person.
The Truth About Treating Toenail Fungus
It is also important to realize that while toenail fungus is not a particularly dangerous medical condition, there is a chance that it could be an indication of something more serious, like diabetes.
It is also important to realize that there is a chance of the infection spreading to the toe itself. In this case, however, the fungus undergoes somewhat of a transformation and becomes a whole new problem entirely. Taking care of our feet is certainly more important than we realize.
The rather unfortunate truth is that at least 50% of the population will have dealt with nail fungus in some form or another by the time they reach the age of 70. This seems like an exaggerated statistic but the truth can be a little scary. Not every person will deal with severe infections but even a mild fungal growth can be fairly uncomfortable and embarrassing.
A Few Simple Toenail Fungus Prevention Tips
The good news is that toenail fungus prevention is really all about being hygienic. With a little forethought to the way you take care of your feet, you could avoid nail fungus altogether.
- If it is particularly hot out or if you have been exercising, make sure to remove sweaty shoes and socks.
- Use a generic brand of foot or baby powder to keep your feet dry during the day or when you are at the gym.
- When showering at the gym or using any similar public facilities wear flip-flops to protect your feet from bacteria on the floor.
- Wear breathable materials on your feet. Synthetic socks are a definite no-no – always opt for 100% pure cotton wherever possible.
- Be sure to keep your toenails trimmed as short as possible (without being uncomfortable).
- Protect your toes from injury. A sensitive nail bed is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria.
- Do not share toenail clippers with anyone. The tip of the clipper is a great place for bacteria to take hold and be transferred from one person to another.
- Thoroughly cleanse feet with soap and warm water at least twice daily. Be sure to dry feet completely after cleansing and apply a light moisturizer.
What You Need to Know
In case the toenail fungus prevention tips are not enough, here are some additional precautions:
- Any nail fungus is more likely to grow when the conditions are moist enough.
- Cracked nails, hangnails, cuts and abrasions are ideal breeding grounds.
- Always put on clean, dry socks if your current pair becomes wet or sweaty.
- Watch out for proper hygiene in nail salons.
- Try to wear open-toed shoes whenever possible.
- Watch out for rashes which may spread to the nail area.
- If you notice any signs of an infection, seek medical help immediately instead of self-treating.
- Over-the-counter, topical ointments are not the best cure for toenail fungus.
The Clear Toes Clinic Is Your Best Bet for Finding A Cure
What many people forget is that toenail fungus is not as simple to detect or treat as a skin condition. Topical treatments are often very effective when it comes to treating skin conditions, however, this is not the case with nails. Nails are fairly hydrophobic and they do not absorb topical ointments very well. Oral medications can sometimes do the trick, but these courses tend to take time and might not be 100% effective.
The Clear Toes Clinic offers laser treatment therapy that is completely effective, painless and effortless. A few minutes under a cosmetic laser is all it takes to completely rid yourself of unsightly and uncomfortable fungal infection. This laser quickly heats and instantly kills the bacteria causing the fungus – it literally takes a fraction of a second to get the job done.
