Prevention
We’ve all heard “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” - an expression that has just as much credibility today as it ever did. Preventing a disease or illness is certainly easier than treating it once it arrives; and most of us would likely rather put our energy toward prevention than expend energy in trying to get well. Once we have nail fungus - either fingernail or toe - we are invested in finding appropriate treatment to rid ourselves of uncomfortable, unattractive, and even painful symptoms. However, avoiding nail fungus is much easier. A few simple steps can reduce your risk of contracting nail fungus again if you’re a repeat sufferer or avoiding it all together if you’ve been lucky enough to have never faced it.
Change Your Socks and Shoes
It may sound simple enough, but wearing clean, dry socks and shoes can dramatically reduce your chances of contracting toenail fungus. Because fungi thrive in warm, wet environments, they are especially happy in your sweaty shoes and socks. Keep your feet clean, dry, and in clean footwear at all times.
Clean and Trim Your Nails
It is important to keep your fingernails and toenails clean, trimmed and dry. Maintaining a good personal hygiene routine can go a long way towards keeping you fungus free.
Properly Treat Cuts
Fungi are microscopic and, therefore, very adept at entering our bodies through the smallest of spaces. Be aware of even the smallest of cuts on your hands and feet and treat them properly. Be sure to cover cuts so that bacteria do not have easy access. Wear gloves on your hands when working in water.
Put Yours Shoes On
Going barefoot - other than in your own home - is often not a good idea. Be sure to wear shoes around public swimming pools, locker rooms, saunas, and in other public areas.
These are just a few ideas for avoiding nail fungus. The bottom line is to be aware of the environments in which fungi are most likely to thrive and the ways in which fungi can enter your body. Be exercising just a little bit of caution, you can reduce your risk of infection.
Change Your Socks and Shoes
It may sound simple enough, but wearing clean, dry socks and shoes can dramatically reduce your chances of contracting toenail fungus. Because fungi thrive in warm, wet environments, they are especially happy in your sweaty shoes and socks. Keep your feet clean, dry, and in clean footwear at all times.
Clean and Trim Your Nails
It is important to keep your fingernails and toenails clean, trimmed and dry. Maintaining a good personal hygiene routine can go a long way towards keeping you fungus free.
Properly Treat Cuts
Fungi are microscopic and, therefore, very adept at entering our bodies through the smallest of spaces. Be aware of even the smallest of cuts on your hands and feet and treat them properly. Be sure to cover cuts so that bacteria do not have easy access. Wear gloves on your hands when working in water.
Put Yours Shoes On
Going barefoot - other than in your own home - is often not a good idea. Be sure to wear shoes around public swimming pools, locker rooms, saunas, and in other public areas.
These are just a few ideas for avoiding nail fungus. The bottom line is to be aware of the environments in which fungi are most likely to thrive and the ways in which fungi can enter your body. Be exercising just a little bit of caution, you can reduce your risk of infection.
