Do a quick search on the Internet and you will find several articles on what toenail fungus is and how to get rid of it. Toenail fungus can be extremely hard to eliminate if you get it. Most of the time this is because people who have a toenail fungus infection ignore it, seeking inexpensive treatments. They may also fail to follow through with a full course of treatment.

Prevention is always better than cure. Toenail fungus thrives in damp places so with a little care and attention you can do plenty to prevent infection.

Here are 11 tips for preventing a toenail or nail fungus infection.

1. Start with hygiene – wash your feet daily. Use a nail brush to clean under your nails.

2. Dry your feet thoroughly, including between each toe. Many people hurry this part, leaving moist places for potential infection. Use talcum powder to absorb excess moisture.

3. Wear breathable socks – such as cotton, silk or wool. Avoid synthetic materials unless they are moisture-absorbing.

4. Change your socks daily, twice daily if your feet sweat a lot.

5. Avoid wearing trainers or sneakers for long periods of time or as your main shoes. Trainers don’t allow your feet to breath, contributing to the dark moist conditions the fungus needs to thrive.

6. If your trainers are old, throw them out. They may be full of fungus spores already.

7. Rotate your shoe-wearing. Have at least two pairs of shoes you interchange on a daily basis. Your shoes should be leather or other breathable material as these allow air to circulate and your feet to breathe.

8. If you use a public swimming pool, wear flip-flops in the shower. Public baths and changing rooms are two of the more common places to get a toenail fungus infection. Wash and dry your feet thoroughly after every visit, and wear fresh socks.

9. Maintain well manicured hands and feet – trim your nails straight across and file them so there are no sharp corners to cause ingrown toenails or hiding places for toenail fungus.

10. Never share pedicure items. If you go to a nail salon ensure all pedicure items are sterilized. If you’re unsure – ask to see how they sterilize/disinfect their instruments.

11. Avoid using nail polish if possible. If you must use it don’t layer it on, change it weekly and take a break from it at intervals. Nail polish shuts out oxygen preventing your nail from breathing. Plus, if you are in danger of a toenail infection you’re unlikely to spot it if your nail is always covered up.

Follow these very simple steps and you can easily avoid getting a nail or toenail fungus infection.

BEST TOENAIL FUNGUS TREATMENTS:

1.  Zeta Clear

2. Fungisil

Filed under: Nail Fungus Prevention, Nail Fungus and You, Toenail Fungus Treatments by David M. Hughes
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