Toenail fungus infection is actually fairly common. For one, the fungus exists in places people are often exposed to, such as gyms, spas, swimming pools, locker rooms and public bathrooms. In healthy people, infection usually begins from exposure to this fungus, exacerbated by other conditions, such as having athlete’s foot or trauma to skin in and around the toenails. There are toenail fungus risks that one should be aware about in order to prevent an infection or minimize one’s exposure.
Who’s Susceptible to Toenail Fungus Risk?
Not everyone who is exposed to the fungus that causes toenail infection will have a problem with it. Others, however, develop symptoms of the infection that can start mild and progress from there, especially without proper treatment. People who are at high risk of developing toenail fungus include:
- Individuals who often perspire or work in moist or humid environments
- People who walk barefoot in public places with moist, damp or wet surfaces
- People who wear shoes and socks that prevent proper ventilation
- Individuals who have athlete’s foot, diabetes or a weak immune system due to a disease
- An individual who has a damaged or injured nail
- The elderly, due to prolonged exposure to the fungi, less efficient circulatory system and slower nail growth
- Individuals who share personal items (such as towels, clothes and shoes) with other people who have fungal infection
Toenail Fungus Risks and Complications
Toenail fungus risks usually involve one or a combination of any of the following:
- Itching, inflammation and redness in the affected area
- Dry, scaly, flaky skin
- Pain and difficulty moving or walking
- Toenails can become raised, thickened and deformed, causing pain and discomfort
- Infected toenails can develop an ingrown, a sore or an ulcer
- Infected skin could develop a wound, increasing the risk of a bacterial infection that could spread to other areas
- Toenail fungus infection could lead to cellulitis, a condition characterized by inflamed skin, particularly in the elderly
- Infection may seriously limit movement and quality of life in people with diabetes or other conditions involving the blood vessels
- Infection is contagious and may be spread to other parts of the body or to other people
Preventing Toenail Fungal Infection
Understanding the type of risks you are exposed to will help you minimize your exposure to the type of fungus that causes toenail infection. For some people, however, exposure to an environment where the fungus thrives can’t be helped. By performing a few preventive measures, it is possible to avoid getting infected or spreading the infection to others.
- Keep feet dry as much as possible. After a shower, wipe dry with a towel before wearing socks or shoes. Dust with some talc if necessary to help absorb moisture. Change socks often and rest shoes for at least one day after wearing them.
- Wear flip flops or rubber sandals when going to public bathrooms and showers, spas and swimming pools.
- Keep toenails short and clean. If getting a pedicure, go to a reputable nail spa or salon.
- Wash hands after handling infected toenails.
- Once initial symptoms appear, apply an anti-fungal cream on clean, washed and dried skin, making sure to cover the entire infected surface and surrounding area. Repeat the treatment twice to thrice a day. Even after the symptoms have subsided, continue the treatment for several more days to ensure the complete elimination of the fungus.
- If symptoms worsen, seek medical help immediately.
Why Consider Laser Treatment?
For those who may have contracted toenail fungus, at least you can rest assured that there is a treatment that has a proven 90% effectiveness rate. Laser treatment is not only a direct method for curing the effects of toenail fungus but is also fast and pain-free. Clear Toes Clinic can help those with this ailment, eliminate it’s threat to both the health and aesthetics of the infected foot. Because when toenail fungus risks are your reality, it’s good to know someone is there to help.
