Yellow, brittle, sore, itchy nails can mean yeast infection. Nail fungus can compromise our well-being and the appearance of our feet. Find out how you can avoid them.
Anyone who has had toenail fungus knows that this problem is bothersome and, in severe cases, even wearing shoes can cause pain, as well as being aesthetically unpleasant. After all, the appearance of the nails becomes yellowish or brownish and they become fragile and brittle, and may even break, rise or fall. The good news is that avoiding this scenario is within your reach and there is one thing to keep in mind to outline your defense strategy: fungi are very contagious. Find out here eight measures that you can easily put into practice in your daily life to prevent fungus in your toenails.
Keep your nails short
Do not let the nail length exceed your fingertips. This prevents the accumulation of dirt under the nail and reduces the risk of injury. Cut them straight to keep them strong and prevent them from jamming. Also, never remove the cuticles: they are there to act as a barrier against infections.
Clean and dry your feet thoroughly
Wash your feet with soap and water every day and dry them well, not forgetting the area between your toes. Change socks daily or whenever your feet feel sweaty, for example after walking or going to the gym.
Wear suitable shoes
When choosing shoes, you should choose shoes that do not touch your toenails and that are not too tight, letting your foot “breathe”. Prefer effective leather shoes and socks to keep feet damp.
Prefer “breathing” shoes
Fungi “love” heat and moisture, like sweaty shoes. Whenever possible, opt for sandals and alternate your choice of shoes over the days so that they have the opportunity to air before putting them back on.
Use antifungal sprays and powders
When necessary, apply them inside your shoes and in your socks to control sweating, which favors the appearance of fungal infections. This strategy is especially important when the weather is warm and before exercise.
Avoid walking barefoot in public places
Like swimming pools or changing rooms. Whenever you are in one of these places (even when taking your shower) it is important to wear flip-flops, such as “stick-in” slippers as fungi can cause athlete’s foot, mycosis and other skin problems.
Don’t share objects that touch your feet
Never wear someone else’s shoes or borrow objects like nail clippers or scissors. Whenever you go to a beauty salon, be attentive and make sure that professionals disinfect all the instruments they are going to use on their feet.
Avoid using varnish
Varnish or false nails can lead to the accumulation of moisture, favoring the growth of fungi on toenails. In addition, it can camouflage the fungus, since, as the nail is covered with varnish, it does not realize that its appearance is altered.
If you see a problem …
It is important that you check your feet and nails regularly. If you notice any changes in the color or texture of the nail, consult your dermatologist. It is important that treatment be started as early as possible.
When diagnosis is early, nail fungus can be treated with antifungal creams, lotions, gels or varnishes. However, most fungal nail infections require the prescription of antifungal medicines. Laser treatments are also currently available.
Agustin J. Shield 