It’s the warm season, but your unsightly toes won’t let you confidently rock the flip-flops or walk barefoot strolling the beach. Your feet deserve fresh air and fun in the sand too, but toenail fungus can cause self-esteem issues to the extent that you can’t showcase your feet. Toenail fungus Bakersfield is characterized by thick, yellow, and brittle nails that are not painful. Treating the unsightly appearance at home is hardly productive, but you can prevent toenail fungus infection. Below are straightforward tips to keep toenail fungus at bay.
Trim the nails
Long nails provide fungus an environment to hide, bleed, and infect you. The moisture easily trapped by the long nails and the dark environment is optimum for fungal growth, emphasizing the need to trim and keep them short and clean. Also, remember to file jagged or thickened nails to minimize the moisture that can help the fungus grow.
Keep your feet clean and dry
Washing your feet ideally daily with clean water and soap is recommended as you strive to keep them healthy. Besides eliminating the germs, it is a chance to examine your feet for any developments that can help you catch issues before they get out of hand. Remember to clean and dry the areas between your toes since the fungus can easily hide in dark spots.
Wear the right shoes
The right pair of shoes does a lot to keep your feet and nails safe. Tightly fitting shoes lead to more heat and sweating, meaning your feet will often be dumpy and at high risk of toenail fungus. Leaving enough room for your feet to breathe makes it easier to keep them drier. Also, avoid shoes made from materials like plastic or rubber since they easily trap moisture. Besides the shoes, you should reconsider other footwear like socks and stick more to those made from cotton and wool. Such breathable fibers make it easier to maintain good aeration levels.
Protect your feet
Germs are everywhere, emphasizing the need to protect your feet more so in public spaces. If you use public bathrooms or pools, wear shower shoes to minimize exposure. Also, keep your home bathroom clean by regularly disinfecting it with bleach. As you pick a salon for your nail needs, also ensure that you consider their hygiene. Sterile manicure tools are non-negotiable to keep toenail fungus and other infections at bay. Remember to take a break from the nail polish and artificial nails over time to allow your nails to breathe.
Frequent footwear changes
Change the socks and shoes more often since wearing the same dumpy pair you had the previous day increases the risk of fungal infection. Allowing your footwear to air dry minimizes chances of harboring fungus, more so when disinfection includes using an antifungal spray.
Toenail fungus can be frustrating, but you can prevent or minimize recurrence with practical measures. While often a cosmetic concern, prompt treatment is recommended when conservative options like topical applications could be viable. Contact Diabetic Foot and Wound Center for more on toenail fungus and treatment options.
