Prevention has always been the ultimate remedy to any ailment. It goes the same with nail fungus. Especially because it takes time to cure it. Nail fungus can infect any person. It starts as a whitish or yellowish spot under the tip of the fingernail or toenail. A microscopic organism called dermatophytes, which proliferate in a damp, dark and warm conditions. When fungal infection gets worse, it results to nail discoloration with thickening and crumbling on the edges. It is oftentimes painful. People who are prone to have sweating in hands and feet, defects in nails, and impaired immune system are susceptible to it. It is highly contagious and should be prevented as much as possible.
Nail fungus has the following symptoms: thickened nails, brittle nails, crumbly or jagged nails, misshapen in shape and dark colored nails. Nails can separate from the nail beds that result to pain and reeking odor. Elder people are sensitive to nail fungus because of diminished blood circulation and longer existence of exposure to fungi and nails grow slowly and thicken with age.
Below are preventive ways to avoid nail fungus:
1. Wear protective shoes or slippers when using public facilities such as gym showers, closet rooms and swimming pools. A number of people use these amenities, the possibility of someone with nail fungus using it cannot be discounted. Keep in mind that nail fungal infection is transmittable.
2. Keep nails clean, short and dry. Trimming ones nail regularly and drying ones hand and feet thoroughly after bathing especially in between the fingers and toes. Fungi grow on damp areas.
3. Use antifungal sprays and powders in shoes and feet to get rid of fungus that might be presented.
4. Avoid using closed shoes as much as possible. And if one will wear closed shoes, chose a breathable one and make sure to wear socks underneath.
5.Avoid using only one pair of shoes everyday. Shoes should be given time to air-dry to eliminate any possible fungal growth. The same goes with socks. If there is excessive sweating, it is recommended to change socks more often or use open-toed sandals. Make sure socks are made 100% natural materials such as cotton, wool or silk. These materials allow air to circulate around ones foot and absorb moisture away from foot. Avoid sock made of synthetic materials such as acrylic, nylon, spandex, or polyester, since they don’t allow air circulation or moisture on the skin.
6. Do not share towels, washcloths, shoes or private stuff with any person. This is one way that fungi spores may be spread from person to person. Using your own personal things will spare you from acquiring fungi from other people.
7. Avoid using nail polish. It can trap moisture thereby allowing the faster proliferation of fungus.
8. Go to a reputable manicure and pedicure salon. Make sure they sterilize their instruments after every customer. Or one can bring his/her own. Even if it is only for personal use, it is imperative to clean them every after use.
9. Do not pick at the skin around ones nails or pluck “hang nails” off. It might cause the skin to break and give access to the fungus to grow.
10. See a doctor at the first symptoms of nail fungus. Early care prevents it from getting worse.
11. Eat a well balanced diet to keep the immune system in good condition to fight against fungi and diseases. Nutrition consisting of sugar and refined carbohydrates predisposes individual to nail fungus.
There are some ways to avoid nail fungus. As cliche as it can sound, an ounce of prevention is worth an ounce of cure. It is constantly wise to be cautious to avoid nail fungus.
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