Toenail Fungus Avoidance
Toenail fungus prevention may not be at the top of your to-do list, but it should be. Fungi are nearly ubiquitous in our surroundings and environment, and they thrive in damp, dark, and warm locations such as your shoes. This facilitates keeping a safe distance from a toenail fungus infection (onychomycosis). According to a study published in the July 2014 issue of The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, up to half of all nail maladies are caused by toenail fungus infection, and this condition affects approximately 14 percent of the population.
Most toenail fungus infections are caused by microscopic organisms called dermatophytes. These microorganisms thrive on the protein keratin, which is found in hair and nails. There are numerous risk factors that may increase the likelihood of developing a toenail fungus infection. Most people acquire toenail fungus from a fungal infection of the epidermis, such as athlete’s foot, that spreads to the nail. Nails affected by toenail fungus may become brittle, dense, and discoloured. However, if the nail becomes thickened, it could be unpleasant and cause pressure on the nail bed. It may be difficult to eliminate toenail fungus because it may be resistant to treatment, which could take months.
Prevention is essential because nail fungus is so difficult to treat once it has established itself. Healthy feet depend on good hygiene, so it is essential to keep your feet dry and clean. To prevent toenail fungus infection, adopt these preventative measures:
Wear shoes that fit correctly
Shoes must never come into contact with the toenail. Avoid slipping into shoes that pinch your toenails and are too large for the extremity of your shoe. Try to find shoes with a roomy toe box that won’t make your foot uncomfortable.
Clip the cuticles accurately.
Cut your toenails adequately with a sanitised nail cutter or nail scissors, ensuring that you cut them in a straight line. It is acceptable to use a nail file to level out any jagged edges.
Choose breathable footwear
The greater the circulation of air into the feet, the drier and more resistant to toenail fungus they will be. According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Orthopaedics and Medicine, shoes are manufactured with breathable materials such as canvas or leather.
disinfect routinely
Clean your shoes with a cleanser containing chlorine. Spray your shoes with an antifungal or antibacterial spray if you wear them frequently.
Change your footwear
Wearing shoes that are wet from yesterday’s sweaty exertion will only increase the risk of toenail fungus infection, so invest in quality footwear and rotate them. Do not wear the same shoes for longer than two days. Allow the air to escape from your shoes and position them in the open air so they can dry completely. (12)
