How do I avoid Toenail Fungus?
Prevention is the best cure!
Toenail and athlete's foot fungi like to grow in
warm, moist areas, which include public areas such as spas, swimming
pools, locker rooms, or showers. For short periods of time the it can live
in warm puddles on tile floors, awaiting someone to step in and pick up
the spores. If you can wear sandals, water shoes, or swimming booties they
would help in keeping your feet from touching the floor directly. Some
public swimming pool areas have small wade-through pools which help to
keep the toenail and athlete's foot fungi in check. After your session at
the pool or other public area, wash your feet thoroughly and dry them
well.
Pure 100% cotton, wool, or silk socks are the best
to wear because they absorb moisture from your feet (from sweating) and
provide good ventilation. When you do get your socks damp, it is a good
idea to take them off and dry your feet before putting on a fresh pair of
clean, dry, cotton socks.
Synthetic socks such as nylon are not advised
because they don't allow the moisture to pass through away from your skin.
The best shoes to wear are those that allow plenty
of air and moisture exchange. Look for air-breather holes on the sides,
natural materials (plastic shoes do not allow air and moisture to pass
through), and a comfortable fit. If you have a fungal condition already,
sprinkle into your shoes a good anti-bacterial product such as
futspa Foot Powder.
Wearing nail polish is considered to be not a good
idea as the polish may encourage fungal growth. The fungus is sealed
beneath the toe nails in a dark, moist, warm environment that it loves to
grow in. We have heard of a report that a woman couldn't get cured until
after she removed her polish.
Of course, if you know of someone with toenail
fungus or any communicable disease for that matter, sharing of towels,
washcloths, shoes, or other personal items should definitely be avoided.
Washing and thoroughly
drying your feet really helps. Because toenail fungi likes warm, damp
environments, if you keep your feet dry, the fungus will find it hard to
survive. When drying your feet, use a towel vigorously to remove dead skin
and improve circulation.
Fungus and bacteria alike flourish in damp
environments, so try to keep your feet as dry as possible. To vigorously
fight the toenail fungus, take your socks off and go without them as often
as you can. Also, it is important to keep your feet and toenails very
clean on a daily basis. Use a nail brush to scrub away dirt, dead fungus
and nail tissue, paying particular attention to underneath the toenails.
Keeping your toenails cut as short as comfortably possible will help keep
the fungus in check.
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