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Keeping our nails in tip-top shape is a must to dodge pesky problems like toenail fungus. Let’s chat about keeping those nails healthy and avoiding the fungus among us, starting with good foot hygiene.
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Preventing Nail Fungus
To steer clear of the hassle and itch of toenail fungus, we can take action with a few smart moves. Dermatologists have some advice—flip flops or shower sandals are our best friends in warm, wet places like gyms, locker rooms, spas, public showers, and pools. This simple habit can help us sidestep fungal infections like nail fungus and athlete’s foot, which love to spread their mischief (1).
Here are some other steps to keep those bothersome fungi at bay:
| Tip | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Rotate Shoes | Wearing a different pair of shoes each day gives them air time and keeps the dampness down. |
| Powder Up | Tossing some antifungal powder in your shoes helps soak up moisture and fend off fungi. |
| Keep ‘Em Short | Short nails leave less room for fungi to hide and are easier to keep squeaky clean. |
| Sanitize Clips | Washing your nail clippers before each use helps stop any sneaky fungi from sticking around. |
If we’re already dealing with fungus, it’s a smart idea to dump the shoes we wore before treatment kicked off since the fungus could be hiding out in them, waiting for a comeback. Tossing those shoes into a UV shoe sanitizer or ozone cabinet shuts down the fungal fun (1).
Maintaining Good Foot Hygiene
Good foot care is a frontline defense against nail nasties. Here’s how we can knock foot hygiene out of the park:
- Daily Foot Scrub: Let’s wash our feet daily, giving extra love to the space between our toes.
- Dry Thoroughly: After a wash, drying our feet completely, especially between the toes, stops moisture from setting up camp.
- Stay Dry: Say no to keeping feet wet or sweaty for too long.
- Moisturize: Keeping foot skin happily hydrated helps avoid cracks that could invite infections.
- Treat Athlete’s Foot Fast: If athlete’s foot hops in, beat it fast to stop it from stepping up to a nail infection.
Weaving these simple habits into our daily routine can give our nail health a big boost and fend off toenail fungus. And if we’re already battling infections, we can explore various treatments and remedies to speed up the healing hustle.
Treating Toenail Fungus
Dealing with toenail fungus might not be our idea of a good time, but finding the right solution can ease our woes. Whether it’s a magical potion from the drugstore or something a doc prescribes, there are various treatments to consider based on how stubborn the fungus is playing.
Over-the-Counter Remedies
Sometimes all it takes are some trusty store-bought options to kick that fungus to the curb. Here are some go-to remedies:
| Remedy | Description |
|---|---|
| Terbinafine (Lamisil) | Think of it as your cream, gel, spray, or powder ally, wiping out fungus bit by bit when applied to the infected area. |
| Tea Tree Oil | This is nature’s gift with antifungal mojo, giving those toenail nasties a run for their money. (2) |
| Snakeroot Extract | A plant-based option that’s almost as tough as ciclopirox. It can be a natural choice for those funky toenails. (2) |
| Vicks VapoRub | More than just tackling coughs, this rub with camphor and eucalyptus might just zap your toenail fungus too. (3) |
| Listerine Mouthwash | Oddly enough, beyond freshening breath, soaking toes in Listerine might help tackle that fungus problem. (3) |
For best results, persistence is key. Make sure we follow the directions like a recipe for Grandma’s cookies—carefully and consistently.
Medical Treatments
If we’re wrestling with a particularly pesky toenail fungus, it might be time to bring in the medical cavalry. These stronger solutions usually come from a prescription pad:
- Oral Antifungals: Terbinafine in pill form takes no prisoners; it’s often the go-to for stubborn fungi that scoff at mere surface treatments. However, it’s a 12-week commitment and we may need to check in on liver health now and then. (2)
- Topical Prescription Treatments: When the store-bought stuff isn’t enough, a doctor-prescribed concoction might dig down into the nail to fight off the infection.
- Laser Treatments: Fancy tech to the rescue! Some clinics offer laser treatments that zap the fungus without bothering the surrounding skin. It could take a few pricey visits, but it’s a modern option out there.
If that nasty fungus won’t take the hint or starts putting down roots, it’s time to chat with a healthcare professional. They’ll work with us to figure out the next step.
Feel like enhancing our toenail routine? Check out our piece on how to keep your toe nails healthy for more tips.
