A common fungal infection, toenail fungus or onychomycosis changes the appearance and texture of a person’s nail bed. At first sight, the condition might look unimportant but that is not true because if it is ignored then it can cause serious nail injury.
To this end therefore, there is need for an individual to ensure that they take good care of their feet by avoiding some mistakes which could aggravate this ailment.
Mistake #1: Ignoring the Early Signs
A major mistake made by a lot of people when dealing with toenail fungus is that they ignore the early symptoms. This is a small white or yellow dot on one nail which will then spread to others if not taken care of.
It can also cause your nails to become thick, brittle and discolored. Many people downplay these early signs as minor problems hence reluctantly seeking treatment that allows the fungus to grow and get worse.
To avoid this mistake, it is important for you to watch out for your toenails and visit a doctor upon noticing the first sign of toenail fungus. Treatment at an early stage prevents the infection from spreading and makes it easier to manage.
Mistake #2: Using Over-the-Counter Medications Ineffectively
Another common fault made by many individuals when addressing their toenail fungus infection is improper use of medications.
Although they may appear as a suitable option for self-treatment, OTC medicines may not be effective all the time. Some people do not follow the instructions properly thus making it difficult for them to use medicine effectively.
To avoid this mistake, it is recommended that you carefully read and adhere to given guidelines before using OTC drugs or oral medications for treating toenail fungus.
Mistake #3 Wear Nail Polish
One mistake many individuals make while dealing with their infected nails is putting on some polish so that nobody may know about it. However, doing this only makes matters worse than before.
Nail paints create a kind of barrier which traps moisture together with heat hence providing conducive conditions for fungus growth.
In addition, such an action promotes further dissemination of these bugs making difficult any form treatment become effective against them. Moreover, removal of enamel may also destroy already weakened plate thereby attracting more fungal nail infections into it.
Mistake #4: Using Sketchy Nail Salons
When hygiene protocols are not adhered to, places like nail salons can easily become breeding grounds for toenail fungus or Tinea Unguium commonly known as ringworms or even worse Onychomycosis.
The reason behind is that most tools used in these salons were never sterilized properly thus if they touch upon an infected nail then someone else might contract same problem due sharing unclean equipment between customers.
Therefore until one gets rid off all signs related with this illness; he/she should refrain from seeking professional help at beauty parlor with bad reviews. But in case where visiting cannot be avoided; let your own devices be carried along while notifying staff members about current health status thereby preventing transmission of fungal nail infections.
Mistake #5: Sharing Nail Clippers
Also, sharing personal items like clippers may result into spreading fungus from one person to another leading to infection. Therefore if someone has got it at home; never use his/her tool or any other appliance which could have touched their infected nails because doing so will only serve as a linkage for transmitting fungal infection.
Mistake #6: Walking Barefoot in Public Areas
Walking bare footed within shared places like gyms, swimming pools among others increases chances of getting infected with fungal nail infection.
Such warm moist places are usually suitable habitats for these organisms where they can easily be picked up by feet if one is not wearing shoes.
Mistake #7: Wearing Tight or Non-Breathable Shoes
Tight fitting shoes or those made out non-breathing materials also contribute towards development of toe nail fungus. This is due to fact that such footwear restricts free movement air around toes thereby creating conditions necessary for growth and spread of fungi responsible for causing onychomycosis. Therefore always go for well ventilated shoe types which allow maximum aeration keeping feet dry most times especially during hot weather periods when sweating tends to increase thus providing ideal environment conducive survival pathogenic microorganisms including dermatophytes – common etiological agents implicated in many cases associated with mycotic infections involving toe nails.
Mistake #8: Not Treating Athlete’s Foot
Athlete's foot, also known as tinea pedis, is a common fungal infection that affects the skin on your feet. If left untreated, it can lead to a toenail fungal infection.
Therefore, it is important to treat athlete's foot promptly with antifungal foot powder or cream to prevent the spread of infection to your toenails.
Mistake #9: Neglecting Overall Foot Hygiene
Negligence of general foot cleanliness is the main reason why toenail fungus or fungal infection happens. How can we keep our feet clean then?
By washing them with water and soap. It is important to dry our feet properly too, especially between the toes where moisture likes to hide. Another big thing is keeping our toenails short and cleaning them regularly through trimming.
Mistake #10: Weakened Immune System
If someone’s immune system gets weak, they become susceptible to various infections caused by fungi including nail fungus.
Therefore, it’s crucial that we look after our overall health such as eating nutritious meals every day, doing exercises frequently as well as resting enough hours during night time.
Mistake #11: Failure To Seek Effective Treatment
Some individuals may attempt antifungal powder treatments or home remedies but it is best to get diagnosed by a healthcare professional.
They will give you proper medical treatment options for your condition based on your symptoms or what works for most people when treated under similar circumstances against this type of fungal infections.
Conclusion
Though it appears minor issue but if not treated soon enough, nail fungal infections could cause permanent damage. So avoid making these mistakes and take precautions that will enable maintenance of healthy nail while preventing any further spread of the disease.
When you suspect having infected toenails consult healthcare provider who knows better about diagnosis procedures followed by appropriate treatment methods prescribed according to severity levels detected.
Manage Nail Fungus with EZ Clear Nails
Thankfully, there is a revolutionary solution that takes the best from modern science and combines it with natural healing. Introducing EZ Clear Nails, an innovative approach that presents a 100% organic remedy without pain as an alternative to existing conventional approaches.
EZ Clear Nails offers a gentle but effective way of solving toenail fungus without any discomfort or systemic risk associated with other therapies, unlike invasive procedures or harsh medications.
Why Choose EZ Clear Nails?
- Natural and Safe
- Painless Treatment
- Effective Results
Direction for Use
- Place the toes inside the toe pan. Pour liquid into the toe pan until the nail is completely covered.
- Soak for 15 minutes three times a week for best results.
- Allow drying in the air.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What do toenail fungus symptoms look like in the beginning stages?
In the beginning stages, one may notice a small white or yellow spot on the nail, very fine lines returning, thickening, brittleness and change in color of the nail. If the same is not fixed then in time the infection may spread and become worse.
Are the medicines that can be bought without a prescription useful in treating toenail fungus?
OTC medications such as creams and sprays can be useful at times, though their usefulness depends on adequate application. Do not skip these recommendations; you may address your doctor if the process does not lead to improvements.
Can I put on nail polish on my toenail if it has fungus?
No, it cannot. Nail polish suffocates moisture and heat where fungus can replicate. It can also cause more good than bad in some treatments.
Can I get a manicure or pedicure when I am being treated for toenail fungus at a salon?
Do not get any manicures or pedicures until treatment is finished. If it is unavoidable, prepare your own utensils and tell the salon's personnel about your condition.
Can toenail fungus be transmitted through the nail clipper?
That’s right, toenail fungus could be transmitted through nail clippers. Share clippers and both types of clippers should always be used under one's control.
