How to Prevent It?
Here at Chemist Direct we have provide you with information on how to prevent toenail fungus from occurring. You will also find information on the different symptoms of toenail fungus so that you will be able to recognise and stop it before it spreads or becomes too big a problem. To find out how you can prevent toenail fungus, read below.
What can help me to prevent it?
Nail fungus is caused by tiny organisms that infect the fingernails and toenails. Also known as Onychomycosis, nail fungus is very common worldwide. Nail fungus happens below the fingernails or toenails, making it difficult to reach and cure at times. The fungus thrives in places that are warm, moist and dark. This is the reason why many who wear shoes constantly in warmer climates have toenail fungus infections. Since prevention is always better than cure, you have to be well aware of the signs and symptoms that indicate Onychomycosis.
Signs that Indicate Nail Fungus:
There are certain signs and symptoms that will warn you of nail/ toenail fungus:
Nails/ Toenails get flaky Nails/ Toenails get brittle Nails/ Toenails keep getting chipped Nails/ Toenails get a yellow, black, or brown tinge or spots Toenails get thick and pain while wearing shoes A bad smell emanates under the toenails While walking, the skin under your toenails feel a stinging pain due to the fungal infection.
Preventative Measures:
To help prevent nail fungus and reduce recurrent infections, practice good hand and foot hygiene by following these steps:
Keep your nails short, dry and clean. Trim nails straight across and file down thickened areas. Thoroughly dry your hands and feet, including between your toes, after bathing.
Wear appropriate socks. Synthetic socks that wick away moisture may keep your feet dryer than do cotton or wool socks (you can also wear synthetic socks underneath other socks). Change them often, especially if your feet sweat excessively. Take your shoes off occasionally during the day and after exercise. Alternate closed-toe shoes with open-toed shoes.
Use an antifungal spray or powder. Spray or sprinkle your feet and the insides of your shoes.
Wear rubber gloves. This protects your hands from overexposure to water. Between uses, turn the rubber gloves inside out to dry.
Don't go barefoot in public places. Wear shoes around public pools, showers and locker rooms.
Don't trim or pick at the skin around your nails. This may give germs access to your skin and nails.
Choose a reputable manicure and pedicure salon. Make sure the salon sterilizes its instruments. Better yet, bring your own.
Give up nail polish and artificial nails. Although it may be tempting to hide nail fungal infections under a coat of pretty pink polish, this can trap unwanted moisture and worsen the infection.
Wash your hands after touching an infected nail. Nail fungus can spread from nail to nail.
ClearZal BAC nail solution is used to treat infections of the nails caused by fungi, bacteria or viruses. These types of infections are often difficult to eradicate, because the nails are hard and difficult to penetrate and take a long time to grow as new healthy tissue.
Before applying the solution, the affected areas of nail should be cut and filed down as thoroughly as possible. This will allow the solution to penetrate the nail better. The surface of the nail should then be cleansed. ClearZal BAC is applied twice a day, around the nail, under the tip of the nail and the base of the nail. It can also be applied to the adjacent toenails or fingernails to prevent the spreading of the infection.
It is important that you continue the treatment without interruption until the infected section of nail has completely grown out; otherwise the infection will just come back. In general it can take six months treatment to clear up a fingernail infection and nine to twelve months for toenail infections. If there is no improvement after three months treatment you will need to see your doctor.
ClearZal BAC can be used with both nail varnish and artificial nails as they do not stop it from working.