Toenail Fungus Tips

TOENAIL FUNGUS TIPS
5 Tips for Summer-friendly Feet

Toenail fungus tips from Dr Jason Morris.

Dr. Jason Morris is a popular, highly acclaimed Georgia podiatrist and one of the founders of Fiore RX – a foot care products company headquartered in Atlanta GA. He offers some timely advice: toenail fungus tips!

Five Steps for Summer-Friendly Feet

It’s summer again, time to get out the sunscreen, the mosquito repellant… and the antifungal nail polish. That’s right, don’t forget to protect your feet this summer, because hot temperatures and high humidity increase the chances of developing fungus around the toenails. If you notice the occurrence of cosmetic changes such as brittle, discolored or thick nails, you may be developing nail fungus. Jogging, hiking, biking, or just taking long walks in the summer heat means your feet will take a beating in a damp, sweaty environment where nail fungus (onychomycosis) proliferates. And if you think a little too much around the waist is enough to keep you from putting on the bathing suit, imagine how an unsightly, discolored, fungus-infected toenail will affect your summer plans in the sun.

Nail fungus has reached epidemic proportions, with an estimated 10% of Americans and as much as 26% of the global population now affected. When summer rolls around, I warn my patients that they need to protect their feet with the same diligence they apply to protecting their skin from sunburn or bug bites. Nail fungus is an ugly, agonizingly painful disease that can lead to ingrown toenails, staph infections and even amputations among the diabetic and circulatory-compromised. On top of that, the stubborn disease is difficult and expensive to treat, so prevention is by far the proverbial best medicine.

Here are five steps that can help you avoid the onset of nail fungus this summer:

1. Use antifungal nail polish Although they are relatively new to the market, there are antifungal nail lacquers that come in fashionable colors for women, matte finishes for men, and clear coats that can be applied as an antifungal base under a favorite nail polish color or brand. Be sure to find a product that is FDA registered and one that uses the active ingredients Undecylenic Acid and Propolis that are proven to protect against onychomycosis.

2. Keep your feet adequately aerated Fungus tends to proliferate in those areas of the body that see a lot of moisture, darkness and warmth; and pools, public showers, and locker rooms are primary locations where fungus infections are transmitted to unsuspecting victims. Wear flip-flops or deck shoes in those environments, and by all means, after a swim or shower, be sure your feet are clean and dry before you put on your socks and shoes. By the way, be sure you let your sneakers air out after use, and wash them regularly.

3. Sanitize, disinfect and trim For extra protection, you should clean your feet with an antifungal soap or apply an antifungal spray before you put on your sock and shoes. Also, be sure to keep your nails trimmed to allow antifungal soap or spray treatment to penetrate around and beneath the nail plate where bacteria grow. Trimming and filing your nails can help you prevent the nail from a complete takeover by bacteria and fungus.

4. Wear sandals As noted already, fungus loves warm, damp environments; but it also hates exposure to dry air and light. Therefore, as much as possible, give your feet a vacation from shoes this summer and don’t be shy about showing off your healthy feet in public. Be sure that you wear supportive sandals because flat shoes with poor arch support can lead to knee, hip and back problems, as well as a painful foot condition called plantar fasciitis. When you do wear shoes in the summer, try to wear shoes with plenty of space for your toes and place a limit on wearing shoes that cramp the toes.

5. Visit your podiatrist Whether you have experienced nail fungus in the past or not, your podiatrist is your best friend when it comes to healthy feet. He or she can advise you about prevention of lower leg, ankle or foot problems including advice on the proper way to trim toenails for better protection against fungus, ingrown toenails and other related issues.

Don’t let sunburn, bug bites or nail fungus ruin your summer. Sunscreen and insect repellant, along with these five preventative steps against nail fungus can ensure you won’t be afraid to come out of the house when the fun begins.

VISIT FIORE RX to learn more toenail fungus tips