More Ways to Avoid

Finger and Toe Nail Fungal Infections

While the last page discussed public areas that increase the risk of toe nail fungal infection as well as the types of shoes to wear and those to avoid, this page focuses more on how proper hygiene can help you prevent infection.

Nail Polish No-No’s

Wearing nail polish is not the best idea because it actually encourages fungal growth and can lead to a finger or toe nail fungal infection. This is because the polish traps moisture under the nail, which prevents evaporation and creates a damp environment for the fungus to grow.  One site visitor reported that she could not cure her toenail fungal infection until she completely removed her nail polish. Our advice is to not use it if you suspect that you may have fungi.

 

Early Stage of Finger Nail Fungal Infection

Learn how this Nail was saved

Proper Toenail Maintenance

To avoid a toenail fungal infection, it is also best to keep your toenails trimmed and the rough edges filed. If you have trouble seeing or reaching your toes or handling nail clippers, have your podiatrist trim your nails. Try to trim your toenails straight across and leave them slightly longer than the tip of your toe. Do not round the corners, dig too deep, or break the skin. You could cause an infection. The best time to trim your nails is after a shower or bath when your nails are softer and easier to clip. 

Keeping Clean and Dry 

Do not share towels, washcloths, shoes, or other personal items with anyone regardless of whether you know or suspect that they have a toe nail fungal infection or any other communicable disease.

Then, there is the issue of washing and drying your feet thoroughly. Since it is a known fact that toenail fungi thrive in warm, damp environments, it is best to keep your feet dry. That will make it very difficult for the fungus to survive.  When you dry your feet, use a towel to vigorously wipe the area around the feet and toes to remove dead skin and improve circulation.

Another way to fight toenail fungal infections is to take your socks off and go bare as much as possible.  On a daily basis, clean your feet and toenails, including using a nail brush to scrub away dirt, dead fungus and nail tissue. When doing this, pay particular attention to cleaning underneath the toenails. Cut your toenails as short as possible to also prevent any fungus from growing. 

Using Outside Treatment

When these preventative measures do not seem to work on both finger and toe nail fungal infection, be sure and try the number one nail fungal treatment on the market today. ZetaClear, one such treatment is available without a prescription and works even faster than what a physician would prescribe not to mention that it does not have any harsh side effects. Delivering a one-two punch of topical and oral medication, ZetaClear can effectively treat and prevent toenail fungal infection.