Avoid Getting Nail Fungus in the Fall

Colder weather signals the end of sandal season for many of us, and should trigger some extra precautions to avoid getting nail fungus in the fall. Although there may be less risk of exposure from going barefoot, there is a greater likelihood of feet being enclosed in sweaty airless shoes for hours at a time – an environment that fungi love. As you’re getting back into shoes, take some extra time to look after your feet.

Autumn foot care to avoid onychomycosis includes keeping your feet cool and dry, because fungi thrive in dark, moist, warm environments. Change your socks frequently, air your shoes, and use foot powder if your feet tend to be sweaty. Try to get your feet out of tight fitting airless shoes as soon as possible: wear slippers or light shoes with plenty of air circulation. Other tips to avoid getting nail fungus in the fall include wearing only cotton socks and dusting shoes with antifungal powder when they’re not being worn.

If you’re moving from the beach to the pool for the cooler months, avoid getting nail fungus in the fall by wearing flip-flops or deck shoes on your feet: damp public places like pool decks and public showers are known to spread the fungi that cause infections from one person to another. Be cautious even in places that you expect to be clean, such as hotel rooms, and health spas. While trips to the sauna and nail salon may be part of your autumn foot care to avoid onychomycosis, these activities may also carry some risk of infection.

Wash your feet thoroughly at least daily and carefully dry between your toes. Avoid getting nail fungus in the fall by paying careful attention to any injuries or breaks in the skin, even minor ones. And don’t cut your cuticles: they are part of your natural protection against infection and should be left alone. When seeking professional care for nails, take your own tools along so that you’re not exposed to instruments that have been used on others. If you’re prone to fungal nail infections, discuss autumn foot care to avoid onychomycosis with your nail specialist or podiatrist.

Even if you have practiced good autumn foot care to avoid onychomycosis, you may experience an infection, Deformed or discoloured nails should be assessed promptly by a medical professional to confirm the diagnosis and start treatment as soon as possible.

Foot Care to Avoid Nail Fungus

Medical research tells us that some people are at greater risk of fungal infection than others, but all of us can lower our risk with good foot care to avoid nail fungus. These infections usually start in a toenail and spread to other toes and then to the hands, so paying extra attention to the feet lowers the risk of fingernail infections too. It’s likely the feet are more often infected because they get less air circulation, are washed less often, and come in contact with contaminated surfaces more frequently.

Good nail hygiene protects nails from onychomycosis. A simple routine of foot washing and nail care can make a big difference. Wash your feet daily, making sure that you wash between the toes where dirt and dead skin cells can easily become trapped (dirt often contains fungal spores and dead skin cells are one of the things fungi use for food, so its important to clear these things away). Complete your foot care to avoid nail fungus by drying just as carefully between the toes using a clean dry area of the towel for each toe. If you put moisturizer on your feet, do not use it between your toes because this can increase the moisture there, which encourages fungi to grow.

Healthy nails are another part of foot care to avoid nail fungus. Keep your nails clean and trimmed, clearing away any material lodged under the nail, and removing jagged or chipped ends. Trim hangnails carefully, doing as little damage to the surrounding tissue as possible, and do not cut the cuticles. If you wear nail polish, clean it off frequently so that you can see the condition of the nail underneath. Remembering that good hygiene protects nails from onychomycosis, always wear shoes in public places and do not share nail care instruments with others. Buy your own tools and take them with you if you visit nail salons.

Keeping your feet comfortable not only makes sense, but it’s important foot care to avoid nail fungus. Footwear that’s tight and airless, sandals that don’t protect your toes from bumps and scratches, and synthetic socks that don’t allow air circulation or absorb moisture all contribute to the growth of fungi. Hot sweaty feet should be washed and dried, as should dirty feet or feet that have been in wet shoes or boots. Even minor injuries can be the start of a problem, so first aid is important.

Though good hygiene protects nails from onychomycosis, it sometimes isn’t enough. If you see discoloration of thickening of a nail that could signal the start of an infection, consult a medical professional promptly for a diagnosis.

Essential Oils for Nail Fungus

Tea tree oil, oregano oil, lavender oil, and olive oils, are all reported to be effective essential oils for nail fungus infection (onychomycosis). The belief that these compounds should have some antifungal properties arises from the fact that, in nature, plants must protect themselves from repeated invasions by fungi and other organisms. Over time, they have developed natural defenses against these enemies, and it’s likely that the essences that protect them will protect us also.

Antifungal plant extracts do exist. Laboratory research has shown that compounds isolated from plants can kill fungi or at least prevent them from growing. Because of this evidence and many anecdotal reports of treatment success, essential oils for nail fungus have become popular alternative remedies for the condition. They are, however, not well accepted by medical professionals in general, and typical recommended treatment for onychomycosis remains oral prescription medication.

Essential oils for nail fungus are now readily available as over-the-counter remedies in pharmacies and natural healing shops. Many are blends of essences from different herbs; a majority probably contain at least some tea tree oil because of the convincing scientific evidence that it’s likely to work (results of scientific trials are not yet conclusive). In purchasing these products, keep in mind that antifungal plant extracts are concentrated formulations that are not meant to be taken internally and may even be irritating to the skin. Use with care.

Despite their attractiveness as an alternative remedy, essential oils for nail fungus should be used without confirming that the condition is actually onychomycosis. There are a number of nail conditions that look very similar, some of which are harmless while others require medical treatment. Before turning to antifungal plant extracts, see your doctor to get a competent diagnosis, with confirmatory laboratory testing if possible. Then take the time to discuss treatment options with your doctor and weigh the alternatives.