No one wants toenail fungus. Not only can it be uncomfortable, but it can also be embarrassing. Luckily, toenail fungus is fairly easy to prevent as long as a person follows these simple steps:
- Always wear slippers or protective shoes when using a public shower, locker room, swimming pool, or restroom. Toenail fungus is contagious, and the risk of the fungus spreading in one of these facilities is extremely high.
- Trim and clean your toenails on a regular basis. When you trim your toenails, always trim them in a straight line and never round them off.
- Use anti-fungus sprays/powders on your feet and inside of your shoes. Try to not wear the same pair of shoes everyday as this will give your shoes enough time to air dry. This also goes for socks. If possible, try to switch between open toe and closed toe shoes.
- Not only wash your feet often, but make sure you completely dry your feet after each washing since fungi grows mostly in damp areas.
- Do not use nail polish to cover up existing toenail fungus. This can make the fungus worse by trapping the fungus and moisture on the nail.
- If you visit a manicurist or pedicurist, make sure they sterilize their equipment after each customer. If you have your own equipment to work on your nails with, make sure you sterilize it just the same.
- When treating a fungal infection, make sure you thoroughly wash your hands after each treatment so you don’t spread the infection onto other nails.
- Never pick at the skin around your nails. It is possible that the skin could break, making it easier for germs and fungi to infect the toe.
- Make sure you visit a doctor the moment you notice the symptoms of a toenail fungus infection. It’s always best to treat the fungus as soon as possible.
- Keep your immune system healthy by eating a nutritious, well balanced diet.
So by following these simple steps, a person can easily prevent the embarrassment and discomfort of toenail fungus.