Toenail fungus, however common, is an embarrassing condition that can be difficult to treat, especially as it gets worse. Recurrence is also really common. Toenail fungus can affect part of a nail, the entirety of a nail, or even several nails at a time. The symptoms are easy to spot: nail discoloration, nail distortion, a thickened nail, nail lifting from the nail bed, a brittle and crumbling nail, or even complete loss of the nail.
You definitely don’t want to catch this unsightly condition, and there are substantial ways to avoid it. Here’s a quick list on how to prevent toenail fungus.
- Keep your feet clean and dry.
As with the rest of your body, you should follow basic personal hygiene when it comes to your feet. Thoroughly wash and scrub your feet with soap and water every day, making sure to get in-between your toes. Invest in a nail brush to clean your toenails. Dry your feet off well afterwards. Make sure your feet are completely dry before slipping on your socks and shoes.
2.Trim your toenails regularly.
Contrary to popular belief, there IS a right way to trim your toenails. Cut them straight across to avoid ingrown nails. Keeping your toenails short helps prevent debris build-up under the nails, and reduces the risk of nail injuries that could potentially lead to toenail fungus. Additionally, remember to never cut your cuticles. The skin around the base of your nail serves a purpose, and that is to act as a barrier to infection. As much as possible, avoid sharing nail clippers.
3. Choose the right footwear.
Toenail fungus thrive in warm, moist environments, such as the inside of hot and sweaty shoes. Wear breathable socks and shoes that fit properly. Shoes shouldn’t be tight around your toes, and socks should be made of synthetic fiber (instead of cotton or wool) that pulls moisture away from your feet. Alternate the shoes you wear so that they can air out before you wear them again. Else, wear sandals or open-toed shoes whenever possible.
4. Avoid going barefoot in public facilities.
This includes public pools, lockers rooms, showers, and similar places. These are warm and moist locations that allow the growth of fungi. Wear slippers, sandals, or shower shoes when you spend time in these areas. Make sure to thoroughly clean your feet after each visit.
5. Skip wearing nail polish or acrylic nails.
Nail polish and fake nails, more often than not, trap moisture beneath your nails. This creates a thriving ground for fingernail and toenail fungus. As much as possible, skip the nail polish and fake nails. After all, going au naturel is in nowadays!
6. Be careful in nail salons.
Speaking of nail polish and fake nails, if you must wear them, make sure the nail salon you visit is clean and licensed. The nail technician should use sterilized or single-use instruments. If you can, bring your own nail polish. Otherwise, just do your nails at home.
