Avoid Nail Fungus

Anyone who has seen a fingernail or toenail destroyed by fungal growth wants to avoid nail fungus. Nail fungus infection, or onychomycosis, affects up to 13% of the North American population - that's more than one in ten. The organisms that cause the infection are common in the environment - in the soil, in damp locations, and in the clothing of people who already have onychomycosis. It's almost impossible not to come in contact with these potentially infectious fungi but you can take some precautions to avoid infection.

Preventing nail fungus begins with good hygiene. Onychomycosis usually starts on the feet, so this is where you should concentrate your efforts. Keep your feet cool and dry. This means regular washing and careful drying. Sandals are preferable to closed shoes, whenever possible, and sweaty feet should be allowed to breathe. You can use a foot powder or antiperspirant to keep your feet dry if sweating is a problem. Air your shoes out - don't wear the same pair on consecutive days so they have ample time to dry completely. Laundering your socks after each use will also help avoid nail fungus.

Keep both fingernails and toenails trimmed and clean. Avoid cutting them too short and damaging the delicate tissues underneath and at the sides. Also try to avoid injuries to the cuticle and the skin around your nails: preventing nail fungus means having intact skin to stop the fungi from gaining entry. It's especially important to protect your fingernails, as hands are more often injured during day to day activities. To avoid nail fungus infections in your fingernails, wear work gloves while gardening or cleaning in damp areas like basements and sheds, and wear rubber gloves when your hands will be immersed in water.

If you get professional manicures or pedicures, you'll want to avoid nail fungus risks at the salon. Keep in mind that previous clients may have had onychomycosis, and fungal spores may be present in the salon and on equipment. Ask about the measures being taken in the salon for preventing nail fungus from spreading from person to person. There are regulations that these professionals must follow to protect themselves and their clients. If you are distrustful of your manicurist, take your business elsewhere, or purchase your own tools and bring them with you.

It's common sense of course, but we'll say it anyway: to avoid nail fungus, don't wear another person's shoes, socks or gloves, or use emery boards or nail files that have been used by others. Do wear sandals or flip flops in public changing rooms and showers, on swimming pool decks, and in other public places where fungal spores may linger. And if you see any sign that a fingernail or toenail has become infected, see your doctor immediately.