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How to "not get" toenail fungus?
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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A very common and unpleasant disease is onychomycosis, or, more simply, a fungus that affects not only nails but also skin. This disease is caused by dermatophyte fungi. Onychomycosis accounts for about 50% of all nail diseases and most often affects the feet.
Read also: What do your nails tell you about your health?
Where does fungal infection occur?
Fungus thrives wherever it is warm and humid. And this is known to be observed in saunas, swimming pools, gyms and, what is most unpleasant, even at home, in your own bathroom. This is especially true for those who do not dry their feet after taking a shower. But it is in the interdigital folds that harmful bacteria like to settle.
Cleanliness is the key to health
First of all, to avoid problems, you need to follow the rules of personal hygiene. Feet should be washed daily and thoroughly and wiped dry. Socks, stockings and tights should be clean. After washing your feet, it is better to use protective products, such as lavender oil or cream with tea tree extract.
[ Personal items
Just like a toothbrush, house slippers should not wander among relatives and friends. Your shoes should be yours alone. When buying new shoes, try them on only on the toe, because dozens of people could have tried them on before you.
Shoes: rules of use
Of course, first of all, the shoes should not be too tight or too big. If you get your feet wet, do not put them on until they are completely dry, otherwise you will simply breed armies of pathogenic bacteria there. To avoid trouble, you can wipe the inside of the shoes with a cloth soaked in vinegar or treat them with antifungal agents.
Read also: Shoes that are harmful to health
Pedicure
If you take care of your nails yourself, then wipe the tools with alcohol after each procedure. As with shoes, the tools should not be used by just anyone. If you trust a specialist, then be sure to ensure that the master follows all the necessary disinfection rules.
Immunity
A weak body is susceptible to attacks of various infections, so you need to monitor your diet and include cereals, vegetables, fish, meat and fruits in your diet. Also, do not forget about physical exercise and walks in the fresh air.
If infection has occurred
If you do get an infection, you should know your enemy by sight. When the nail plate is affected by fungus, it thickens, crumbles and changes color. It is better not to try grandma's recipes, but to go straight to a specialist who will prescribe the necessary treatment.