Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis, affects millions of people each year across the planet. Studies have reported that nearly 2 out of every ten people in the world will have toenail fungus at some point in their lives. Toes are particularly susceptible to fungal infections because they are kept in a dark, warm, moist place - inside your shoes. That is an ideal environment for the fungus to to thrive.
An unsightly and frequently painful fungal nail is something no one wants. While there are treatments available to get rid of the fungus, battling toenail fungus can be a lengthy and expensive procedure.
There is no sure-fire way to avoid ever contracting a toenail fungal infection, but certain steps can reduce your odds of getting a fungus infection. As the old saying goes "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."
The fungus that infects toenails is highly contagious. For that reason, so your first goal in preventing a fungal infection should be to avoid situations where your toes can come in contact with the fungus in the first place. Among the steps you can take are:
Treat any cuts or other minor skin injuries on your feet where the fungus can enter the skin
Avoid common breeding places like swimming pools, locker rooms and public showers when your feet are most susceptible to fungal infection.
Wear shower shoes or other protective footwear in damp public places where the fungus is likely to be.
Do not share personal items that may have come into contact with other peoples' feet. Examples include towels, nail clippers, socks, shoes, and sandals.
Unfortunately, unless you live in a bubble, you cannot always avoid exposure to the fungus that causes toenail infections. The fungus is nearly everywhere. Therefore, your second goal in preventing toenail fungal infections from taking hold is to make the environment less inviting for the growth of the fungus.
Since fungus thrives under warm, moist conditions, your goal should be to eliminate that environment to the extent possible. That includes:
Keeping your feet clean and dry
Washing your feet frequently
Changing your socks and shoes often
Avoiding the unnecessary use of nail polish
It is wise to rotate your shoes so that they can dry thoroughly between wearings. If possible, switch to sandals at times to give your feet a chance to dry more completely.
Preventing toenail fungus should be your aim. However, if you already detect the signs of fungus in your feet, seek a toenail fungus treatment as soon as possible to get rid of the fungus before it becomes deeply rooted. One infected toenail on your feet can quickly spread to your other nails and your toenail fungus infection can easily spread to family members.
