Living with toe nail fungus and preventing cross-infection
The best treatment, of course, is prevention. We've noted down some best practices in avoiding infection:
- Keep your nails short. This will help avoid injury to the nail and reduce space under the nail for fungi to breed. When cutting your nails, cut them straight across and avoid any damage to the cuticle surrounding the nail.
- Keep your nails clean, dry and well ventilated.
- Don't share nail care instruments (e.g. scissors, files) with anyone. If you have a fungal infection on one nail, disinfect your nail care instruments carefully, or use different ones for healthy toes, to avoid cross-infection.
- Be selective when choosing your nail salon. Ask how they sterilize their equipment and tools. If in doubt, bring your own instruments.
- If you have athlete's foot, treat it early as the same fungus that causes athlete's foot can also infect the nail.
- Avoid tight footwear for long periods of time and remove shoes after exercising.
- Choose socks that absorb perspiration (sometimes referred to as wicking socks made from man-made fibers which help ‘wick’ away perspiration) especially for exercising. You can wear wicking socks underneath other socks.
- Don't sleep with your socks on as they can harbor fungi.
- Don't wear the same shoes day in and day out. Use alternate pairs and consider wearing shoes with open toes as often as possible. Use an anti-fungal spray or powder on your feet and the insides of your shoes.
- Try and spend some time each day barefoot so that your toe nails can dry out. Sunshine is great for toes and the nail health. Even taking your shoes off for a few minutes during the day will give your toenails a chance to dry out.
- Take extra care in communal places such as at the gym or public swimming pools. Never walk barefoot in these environments. Instead wear sandals or flip-flops. For extra protection, you can wear neoprene slip-on foot covers. These will cover up the toenail fungus completely, reducing any chance of transmission.
- Try not to bite or pick at your nails as you may injure the cuticle or the skin surrounding the nail, creating an entry point for fungi.
Information on this site is intended to be used for informational purposes only. It is not intended as professional medical advice and should not be used to substitute for a doctor's recommendation. Please read our Disclaimer.
