Fungal nail infections normally appear in the form of yellow or brown nails or nails that lift up from the nail bed or split or crumble. In some cases the nail can lift off from the skin and start to crumble. In most cases the infection is not serious but some cases can make it very painful to wear shoes. Although both fingernails and toenails can be affected, it is more common to get infections of toenails. The official term is onychomycosis (fungus: Tinea unguium), referring to a fungal infection of the nail. Aging is the most common risk factor for onychomycosis due to diminished blood circulation, longer exposure to fungi, and nails which grow more slowly and thicken.
To find out how to tackle toenail fungus, we have received sound advice from the American Academy of Dermatology. This was via leading dermatologist Dr. Joshua Zeichner, who advises “since fungal nail infections are contagious, it’s important to take precautions to reduce your risk of getting an infection.”
To help to prevent getting an infection Dr. Joshua Zeichner provides the following advice to Digital Journal readers:
Keep toenails trimmed short. This good hygiene measure prevents debris from building up under the nails and lowers the risk of nail injuries. It is good practice to cut your nails straight across to keep them strong.
Wear shoes that properly fit. Yours shoes should never touch your toenails. It is also a good idea to alternate the shoes you wear each day so that they air dry before they are next worn.
Choose breathable footwear. Fungi like warm and moist areas (such as sweaty shoes). The choice of socks is also important, in order to reduce moisture build-up.
Use antifungal sprays or powders. Spraying or sprinkling an anti-fungicide inside your shoes and on your socks helps. This is more so during hot weather.
Avoid going barefoot in public facilities like pools and locker rooms. These areas are reservoirs for fungal infections.
Never wear someone else’s shoes or share nail clippers and files.
In essence, Dr. Zeichner says, by following such advice then nail fungus can be prevented and it’s something that is “is better prevented than treated.
