How to Avoid Nail Fungus - Preventative Measures Whether its toenail fungus or fingernail fungus, this disease is both stubborn and difficult to treat.
And worse, it's contagious.
Nail fungus is medically termed onychomycosis.
And it is caused by a mold germ or an organism.
In the case of toenail fungus it's usually brought on by a organism known as a dermatophyte.
The cause of fingernail fungus is typically associated with candida or other types of nondermatophytic molds that thrive in hot or humid conditions.
Regardless of the type of onychomycosis, there are some basic steps that you can take to avoid attracting the organisms that are at the root of it.
Basically the steps are associated with personal hygiene and a little bit of common sense.
Keep your Nails Short and Clean Keeping your nails trimmed, short and filed properly is a priority.
This stops dirt, grit and debris from getting under the tips of your nails, which disables the organisms' ability to gain entry to a site and begin their destructive process.
Be careful not to cut or nick the skin around the nailbed as this too gives germs a perfect place to breed.
Don't share your nail clippers, files or scissors with other people.
Avoid Going Barefoot in Public Places Swimming areas, pools, public showers and locker rooms are great places for fungus organisms to thrive.
If you happen to be in these kind of locations, use flip-flops or sandals.
Indeed, many gym locker rooms and showers require that you wear some kind of footwear simply for this very reason.
Don't Share Footwear, Towels or Socks Because this disease is contagious, sharing clothing items that come in contact with your feet or hands is an absolute no-no.
You'll only increase your own risk of attracting this disease by sharing these types of personal items.
And if you are unlucky enough to have it yourself, you can easily pass it on to others.
Attend to Cuts or Wounds Again, open areas in your skin on your fingers or toes are perfect places for the germs to gain access to your nails.
Disinfect those areas and keep them clean and dry to minimize the risk of infection.
And if you are washing dishes or gardening, wear rubber gloves to eliminate further risk of attracting fungi spores.
Choose Socks and Shoes Wisely Certain types of socks and shoes seem to retain moisture more than others.
It's wise to choose the kind of footwear made from natural products.
Choose products that absorb moisture and allow for good foot ventilation.
Cotton or wool socks are best, as they allow the moisture to wick away from the feet.
Alternate the kind of shoes you wear and try to pick natural leather or canvas shoes that have side ventilation holes.
In warmer weather try to use sandals or open toed shoes as much as possible.
Manicures or Pedicures Salons providing nail treatments can provide another opportunity for onychomycosis to gain entry into your nails.
Pay attention to the manner in which these establishments disinfect trimmers, clippers or scissors.
The customer before you might just have left a little gift for you on those nail utensils.
While the majority of salons take care to disinfect their tools, it's wise just to ask and avoid the disastrous results of an affected set of nail clippers or a used emery board or nail file.
Watch Your Diet Bad carbohydrates and sugars can increase your blood sugar levels.
High blood sugar levels provide a food source for the dermatophyte molds to feed and multiply.
Restrict these types of foods in your diets in any event, because high blood sugar levels only lead to other diseases such a high blood pressure, stroke and diabetes.
Don't Bite Nails Many of us do this from time to time, mostly unconsciously.
It is simply a habit.
But it's a habit you can break.
The problem is that often times you tear or rip away the skin around your nails, and as said before, this gives a breeding ground for the germs that are associated with nail fungus.
Conclusion Nail fungus is unsightly, embarrassing and it can be painful.
Avoiding the cause of it is the best cure.
There are a number of methods that can be used to treat this disease and if you click on some of the links below this article you will find the 3 main methods used to treat this condition.
But if you suspect you have the disease and before embarking on any specific course of action, be sure to check with your health professional who will diagnose the type of nail fungus.
Then you can determine the best course of action.
And worse, it's contagious.
Nail fungus is medically termed onychomycosis.
And it is caused by a mold germ or an organism.
In the case of toenail fungus it's usually brought on by a organism known as a dermatophyte.
The cause of fingernail fungus is typically associated with candida or other types of nondermatophytic molds that thrive in hot or humid conditions.
Regardless of the type of onychomycosis, there are some basic steps that you can take to avoid attracting the organisms that are at the root of it.
Basically the steps are associated with personal hygiene and a little bit of common sense.
Keep your Nails Short and Clean Keeping your nails trimmed, short and filed properly is a priority.
This stops dirt, grit and debris from getting under the tips of your nails, which disables the organisms' ability to gain entry to a site and begin their destructive process.
Be careful not to cut or nick the skin around the nailbed as this too gives germs a perfect place to breed.
Don't share your nail clippers, files or scissors with other people.
Avoid Going Barefoot in Public Places Swimming areas, pools, public showers and locker rooms are great places for fungus organisms to thrive.
If you happen to be in these kind of locations, use flip-flops or sandals.
Indeed, many gym locker rooms and showers require that you wear some kind of footwear simply for this very reason.
Don't Share Footwear, Towels or Socks Because this disease is contagious, sharing clothing items that come in contact with your feet or hands is an absolute no-no.
You'll only increase your own risk of attracting this disease by sharing these types of personal items.
And if you are unlucky enough to have it yourself, you can easily pass it on to others.
Attend to Cuts or Wounds Again, open areas in your skin on your fingers or toes are perfect places for the germs to gain access to your nails.
Disinfect those areas and keep them clean and dry to minimize the risk of infection.
And if you are washing dishes or gardening, wear rubber gloves to eliminate further risk of attracting fungi spores.
Choose Socks and Shoes Wisely Certain types of socks and shoes seem to retain moisture more than others.
It's wise to choose the kind of footwear made from natural products.
Choose products that absorb moisture and allow for good foot ventilation.
Cotton or wool socks are best, as they allow the moisture to wick away from the feet.
Alternate the kind of shoes you wear and try to pick natural leather or canvas shoes that have side ventilation holes.
In warmer weather try to use sandals or open toed shoes as much as possible.
Manicures or Pedicures Salons providing nail treatments can provide another opportunity for onychomycosis to gain entry into your nails.
Pay attention to the manner in which these establishments disinfect trimmers, clippers or scissors.
The customer before you might just have left a little gift for you on those nail utensils.
While the majority of salons take care to disinfect their tools, it's wise just to ask and avoid the disastrous results of an affected set of nail clippers or a used emery board or nail file.
Watch Your Diet Bad carbohydrates and sugars can increase your blood sugar levels.
High blood sugar levels provide a food source for the dermatophyte molds to feed and multiply.
Restrict these types of foods in your diets in any event, because high blood sugar levels only lead to other diseases such a high blood pressure, stroke and diabetes.
Don't Bite Nails Many of us do this from time to time, mostly unconsciously.
It is simply a habit.
But it's a habit you can break.
The problem is that often times you tear or rip away the skin around your nails, and as said before, this gives a breeding ground for the germs that are associated with nail fungus.
Conclusion Nail fungus is unsightly, embarrassing and it can be painful.
Avoiding the cause of it is the best cure.
There are a number of methods that can be used to treat this disease and if you click on some of the links below this article you will find the 3 main methods used to treat this condition.
But if you suspect you have the disease and before embarking on any specific course of action, be sure to check with your health professional who will diagnose the type of nail fungus.
Then you can determine the best course of action.
SHARE
