No one can argue that sweaty feet are an embarrassing ailment to deal with. There is the constant discomfort of moist stickiness when wearing shoes, however the idea of taking one’s shoes off when anyone else is around is completely laughable too. Unfortunately, there is something more serious lurking between sweaty toes than mere embarrassment. Research has shown that a sweaty foot condition can cause conditions such as athlete’s foot and toenail fungus. It can also aggravate existing toenail fungus infections.
Are Sweaty Feet the Perfect Environment for Toenail Fungus?
While toenail fungus and mushrooms are not the same at all, it helps to create a mental connection to picture them in a similar way. Mushrooms almost always sprout up in areas where the ground is moist, covered in leaves and warm enough to generate growth. Toenail fungus presents itself in situations where a person’s feet are clammy, warm and always covered by socks and shoes. This probably is not the most appetizing way to think about it — but it does make sense.
Does Sweaty Feet Affect Toenail Fungus?
When a person has any condition that causes their feet to sweat almost constantly, it should come as no surprise that this creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Toenail fungus is, essentially, a bacterial infection of the nail bed and nail. Bacteria needs a source of warmth and dampness in order to replicate. Sweat is somewhat of a source of food for this micro-organism. Mould and fungal agents are also particularly adept at growing in clammy, warm conditions.
Sweat causes skin to become inflamed, especially in cases where the feet are in a constant state of perspiration. This inflammation coupled with the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and fungus, causes the nail bed and then nail to become infected.
How to Prevent Perspiration of the Feet
The measures taken to prevent perspiration of the feet are fairly logical. Make sure to allow your feet to breathe whenever possible. Try to avoid wearing shoes and socks whenever you have the chance. If you do need to wear shoes all day long, consider covering your feet in baby powder. Always make sure to change your socks at least once a day. If you need to use communal showers, don’t walk barefoot — try to wear sandals or flip flops.
What to do if you Already Have Toenail Fungus?
Toenail fungus takes hold of the tougher, keratinized part of the toe, which means that topical lotions probably will not do the trick. Clear Toes Clinic offers laser treatments that painlessly kill of the fungal infections that spread throughout the toenail.
