Heading into spring and with the summer season fast upon us, how ready are your feet for the freedom of open-toed shoes, bare feet running across the decking to reach the picnic blanket on the lawn, or stretching out on a lounger on holiday beside the pool?
Or is now the time to start checking your feet and, most importantly, your nails to make sure they’re healthy and free from fungus?
Fungus is the most common infection podiatrists see day in and day out. Contagious, unsightly, and uncomfortable, fungus infections in the nails aren’t pleasant.
The good news is treatment is available, and there are things you can do to prevent picking up nail fungus in the first place.
Types of nail fungus
Nail fungus affects people worldwide and can cause considerable pain and discomfort if left untreated.
Thriving in warm and moist environments, the two most common types of fungus are:
Athletes foot – irritating the skin between the toes, and sometimes the sides and the soles of the feet, this fungus appears as red and flaky skin. It is often itchy and can cause an uncomfortable burning sensation. Highly contagious, in severe cases, athletes foot can cause blisters and cracks in the skin.
Nail fungus – nails are thick, yellow, brown, or chalky white, and they might be brittle and crumbly to touch. Nail fungus often starts at the toe’s edge and gradually spreads across the nail, making it challenging to treat.
Treatments for both are available and include antifungal medications in the form of creams and powders.
Podiatry and Chiropody
Anyone can be susceptible to nail fungus; however, we most commonly find this type of infection in:
- Older people (longer history of being exposed to various types of foot fungus).
- Those with poor/reduced blood circulation.
- Those who often walk around with bare feet in public and highly trafficked areas.
- Those with weakened immune systems.
How to prevent toenail fungus
Protect your feet in public places
Places such as swimming pools, public showers, gyms, etc., can host a lot of germs and bacteria on the floor. This means placing your bare feet onto these surfaces and walking freely in these areas will make you more likely to catch something – especially as nail fungus spreads quickly in damp and humid conditions.
Ideally, opt for a pair of sliders or shower shoes that you can wear to protect your feet.
Speak to your nail salon
If you’re in the market for a pedicure and a little colour to add to your toenails, make sure you use a reputable and professional nail salon. A salon that sterilises its equipment, uses clean practices, and washes tools after each customer.
Nail fungus is contagious so clean or new equipment should always be used.
Keep your nails short
When looking at how to stop nail fungus at home, the best and most effective way is to cut your nails….carefully. Nails should be trimmed straight across, smoothing the edges with a nail file.
Keeping toenails short helps to reduce the spread of infection, and nail clippers should be cleaned before and after each use.
Note: Please don’t cut your cuticles; this protective layer is there for a reason.
Keep your nails clean
Make sure when you’re in the shower or bath not to forget to scrub your nails with warm water and soap—cleaning your nails and removing any build-up of dirt and grime.
In addition, make sure to keep your feet dry, removing any excess moisture with a clean towel.
Choose good footwear
Having the right footwear is essential for your posture and comfort, but also for ways on how to prevent toe fungus.
Opt for breathable socks and shoes that don’t rub and that don’t hold moisture and sweat – where bacteria can grow.
Protect your feet
Injuries to your feet and toes do happen. From stubbing your big toe on the corner of the bed frame to dropping something and it landing right on your foot.
As a specialist podiatrist in York, we recommend protecting your feet wherever possible, for example, wearing appropriate footwear and, if an accident does happen, not picking at the nail or trying to repair it yourself. If in doubt, always speak to a professional.
Seek early treatment
As soon as you suspect you have a nail fungus, it’s essential that you speak with a trusted chiropodist who will be able to diagnose the problem and provide you with the right course of treatment before it has time to spread.
How to prevent toe fungus?
- Wear clean socks every day.
- If you have been diagnosed with a fungal infection, change your footwear, as the fungus can live on in your shoes.
- Where good fitting shoes.
- Sprinkle antifungal powder in footwear to keep germs at bay.
- Keep your nails short and clean.
- Keep your feet dry.
- Moisturise dry skin.
- If in doubt, seek treatment straight away.
Chiropodist in York
Helping you find ways to stop toenail fungus, we work hard to help our clients maintain good foot health.
We recommend checking your feet and nails at least once a month, looking for any signs of change such as colour, texture, dry or itchy skin, etc.
Are you looking for a second opinion and a team that can help your feet be summer ready?
Book your appointment with us today.