Do you believe you may have toenail fungus? The signs of toenail fungus are yellow, thickened nails that may eventually crumble or split. Toenail fungus is caused by a fungal infection, and along with discoloration, your affected nail may become brittle and unevenly shaped. If you have been affected by an infection of your toenail or if you are wondering about prevention, examine your daily habits.
Here are a few factors that might be contributing to a fungal infection of the toenails and how you can prevent the issue in the first place.
1. Having Repeated Pedicures at the Salon
Going for an occasional pedicure from a reliable salon may not be an issue or cause you any problems, but you might want to limit your pedicures if you have ever experienced a nail infection. While nail polish does not actually cause the infection, applying polish to the toenails will lock in moisture. Fungus thrives in moist environments, so repeated applications may put you at risk.
Unless your salon uses a special type of medicated nail polish, you might want to give yourself a treatment at home. Ask your stylist if they use anti-fungal nail polishes. If not, look for an anti-fungal polish at your pharmacy. If you do decide to use a salon treatment, be sure the facility uses sterilized equipment after each use.
2. Wearing Workout Shoes That Have Not Been Aired Out
If you wear the same pair of workout shoes day after day, you may be contributing to your toenail fungus. After exercise, your shoes may become damp. Damp shoes will create the perfect environment for fungus to multiply. If your shoes become damp after a workout, give them a chance to air out before wearing them again, which will allow them to thoroughly dry between each use.
3. Going Barefoot in the Locker Room or Any Public Place
If you plan on being around public showers or swimming pools, protect your feet from infection. Wear sandals or shower shoes rather than walking around barefoot. Shoes may help you avoid contracting athlete’s foot which can spread to your toenail and cause infection.
4. Failing to Disinfect Your Home Bathtub or Shower
Public pools and shower rooms are not the only places that harbor germs and fungi. If you haven’t been to a public locker room or pool, consider your own bathroom as the culprit, especially if you haven’t recently disinfected it.
Disinfecting your shower or bathtub with a bleach-based cleanser that kills fungi may prevent fungal infections. Read the labels on such disinfectants to learn which organisms they will destroy.
5. Not Checking Your Blood Sugar Regularly
When you think of nail infections, blood sugar levels might not be the first thing to come to mind. However, did you know that high blood sugar may be connected to toenail fungus? If you have toenail infections, you might want to check your blood sugar or be tested for diabetes. Experts believe people with diabetes have a higher risk of fungal nail infections because their blood sugar levels alter their immunity.
Although several factors such as those mentioned above may contribute to your toenail fungus, you still need treatment to clear up the infection. If you experience repeated infections that do not respond to self-care, you should see a dermatologist.
Schedule an appointment with a specialist who can help, such as the professionals at Advanced Dermatology & Skin Care Specialists. Ask about the treatments available for fungal infections of the toenail and learn how to treat the problem effectively.
