4 Great Tips to Avoid Fungal Toenails

A fungal toenail infection causes your toenails to become brittle and yellow, and the fungi emit a  horrible odor as they invade your toes. When the infection is advanced, it can be very difficult to properly treat since the fungal spores are hiding under your nail. Your foot doctor is the one to go see for hard to treat fungal toenail infections.

The good news is that there are some simple steps you can take to avoid getting a fungal toenail infection in the first place.

4 tips to prevent toenail fungus include:

1)    Cleanliness—Wash and dry your feet daily and change your socks when necessary to keep the fungi from propagating. Also, allow your shoes to dry between wearings.

2)    Proper nail trimming—One of the most important things you can do is to always trim your nails straight across so that the edge of the nail doesn’t grow into your skin. Short nails can cause an ingrown toenail and allow the fungi to get in.

3)    Wear breathable shoes and socks—Canvas or Gore-Tex footwear and moisture wicking socks are great for helping keep your feet dry and fungus-free.

4)    Protect your feet—Especially In public areas such as swimming pools, locker rooms, and showers, remember to wear shower shoes or sandals. Use antifungal sprays inside your shoes to kill any remaining organisms.

If you notice a change in the color or texture of your toenails or a strong smell, see your foot doctor for the proper treatment. At E.J. Nemet, DPM in Twinsburg, Ohio, podiatrist Dr. Nemet helps patients with a variety of foot and ankle conditions. Whether you have a sports injury, pediatric foot problem, diabetic foot complication or nerve problems, Dr. Nemet and his staff provide expert and compassionate care. To contact us at our Twinsburg or Beachwood location, call (234) 212-9940. You can also schedule an appointment online.