Most people only worry about their infected toenail once they already see it bleed and produce pus. To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to know the different stages of toenail fungal infection to act immediately and prevent the problem from getting worse.
The Stages of Toenail Fungal Infection
- Initially, toenail fungal infection does not cause any pain at all. This prevents the person from knowing that he or she is already infected. Nevertheless, the person will sooner or later feel some discomfort on the area that is infected by fungus.
- Once the early stage of infection is not provided with proper remedy as soon as possible, the toenail will eventually turn yellow and will start to thicken. This will also detach from the nail bed and a dark color will appear as a result of the accumulation of debris.
- If the infection enters the late stage, it is possible that the person will lose his or her toenail. Usually, a bad odor will be noticed from the nail bed.
Basing on these stages, it is very necessary to take immediate action during the initial phase of the infection. This is to make sure that the condition won’t get worse and to prevent causing permanent damage to the toenail. In fact, fungal infection does not only stop on toenails. It can also affect other parts of the body such as the skin.
Ways to Prevent the Causes of Nail Fungus
- Always wear the right kind of shoes and socks for the feet. It is necessary to wear socks and shoes that are dry to prevent fungal infection from flourishing. Cotton-based socks are also necessary to keep the feet dry all the time.
- Always wear shoes or slippers outdoors — walking barefoot on public places increases the risk of fungal infection.
- Make use of antifungal creams and products — Antifungal products such as powder and sprays are readily available in drugstores. Once you can observe a developing nail fungal infection, it is advisable to treat it immediately.
- Always eat well — make sure that the food included in the diet is healthy and nutritious. This will aid in boosting the immune system, which can combat the side effects of toenail infection.
- Always maintain proper hygiene — maintaining good hygiene is always necessary to prevent acquiring diseases and other health problems. This includes fungal infection of the toenails.
