The fungi that cause nail fungus are widespread in our environment. However, there are simple steps you can take to lower your chances of being infected — or reinfected — with nail fungus.
Here's what experts suggest for good nail health:
- Keep it clean.
- Wash feet regularly with soap and water and dry them carefully.
- Change is good.
- Change socks or hosiery daily, and vary the shoes you wear to allow them to dry out between wearing. Synthetic socks wick away moisture better than cotton or wool socks. Get rid of those tight-fitting shoes. Make sure you get your feet measured when you purchase new shoes. Feet tend to grow over time.
- Don't bare it.
- Wear flip-flops in gym showers and other shared showers, spas and around pools. Weather permitting, sandals also are a great way to keep fungus from making a home in your nails.
- Don't sweat it.
- Do your feet perspire excessively? Try applying unscented antiperspirant or sprinkle antifungal foot powder on your feet after you shower or bathe.
- Treat the itch.
- If you have athlete's foot, treat it early. Ask your doctor for advice on the best way to get rid of this fungus.
- Go natural.
- Moisture that collects under the nails does not have a chance to evaporate when you are using artificial nails or nail polish. Try the natural look with gently buffed nails.
- Glove up.
- For fingernail health, wear protective gloves when gardening or washing dishes.
- Don't cut corners.
- Fungus can gain an edge on your nails if you cut into the nail bed or cuticles. Cut nails straight across.
- Treat it early.
- If you do notice changes in your nail, check with your doctor to get a proper diagnosis. You may have nail fungus. Nail fungus is a treatable infection.
Nail fungus is a recurring infection
It has been reported that even patients who have been successfully treated have had a recurrence. If you have had nail fungus in the past, your doctor may suggest additional measures to help prevent it from recurring.
- Disinfect your shoes with antifungal powders or sprays. Your doctor may suggest throwing out your old shoes.
- Continue to use medications your physician has recommended to treat nail fungus.