Tips For Preventing and Treating Toenail Fungus
Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the toenails which is very difficult to eradicate once the infection has taken hold.
It is much easier to prevent the infection in the first place.
To do this, it is best to wear natural 100% cotton, wool or silk socks.
Unlike synthetics, such as nylon, they help keep feet dry by absorbing sweat and providing proper ventilation.
The best shoes to wear are those that allow plenty of air and moisture exchange.
Look for air holes on the sides, natural materials (plastic shoes do not allow air and moisture to pass through), and a comfortable fit.
Once an infection has taken hold, an aggressive and vigorous plan of attack will yield the best results.
1.
Keep feet dry Nail fungus thrives in warm, moist environments, so it is important to keep your feet as cool and dry as possible.
Take your socks off and go barefoot as often as you can.
2.
Keep feet clean It is also very important to keep your feet and toenails scrupulously clean every day.
Use a nail brush to scrub away dirt, dead fungus and nail tissue, paying particular attention to underneath the toenails.
Keeping your toenails cut as short as comfortably possible will help keep the fungus in check.
3.
Wear proper fitting shoes Wearing shoes that are tied too tight can cause your feet to perspire, providing a breeding ground for fungus.
When weather permits, wear open-toed shoes as much as possible.
4.
Don't share towels or grooming supplies Borrowing nail clippers, files and other tools from another person increases the chances of spreading nail fungus.
Use only clean towels, and wash after each use.
5.
Cut down on refined sugar in the diet Nail fungus loves to feed on sugar, so cutting down sugar consumption helps prevent fungal overgrowth and also increases immunity to help fight infections.
Excess sugar is suppressive to the immune system.
Standard oral medications for nail fungus can come with some very serious side effects, such as liver and kidney damage, and some less serious but uncomfortable side effects such as headaches, skin rashes and intestinal problems.
These medications are also quite expensive.
A 12-week course of treatment costs approximately $500 and only has a 50-70% cure rate.
There are considerably safer and more effective natural treatments for persistent nail fungus, including homeopathy and essential oils.
Combining the two provides both systemic and topical treatments, and a much better chance for complete elimination of the infection.
It is much easier to prevent the infection in the first place.
To do this, it is best to wear natural 100% cotton, wool or silk socks.
Unlike synthetics, such as nylon, they help keep feet dry by absorbing sweat and providing proper ventilation.
The best shoes to wear are those that allow plenty of air and moisture exchange.
Look for air holes on the sides, natural materials (plastic shoes do not allow air and moisture to pass through), and a comfortable fit.
Once an infection has taken hold, an aggressive and vigorous plan of attack will yield the best results.
1.
Keep feet dry Nail fungus thrives in warm, moist environments, so it is important to keep your feet as cool and dry as possible.
Take your socks off and go barefoot as often as you can.
2.
Keep feet clean It is also very important to keep your feet and toenails scrupulously clean every day.
Use a nail brush to scrub away dirt, dead fungus and nail tissue, paying particular attention to underneath the toenails.
Keeping your toenails cut as short as comfortably possible will help keep the fungus in check.
3.
Wear proper fitting shoes Wearing shoes that are tied too tight can cause your feet to perspire, providing a breeding ground for fungus.
When weather permits, wear open-toed shoes as much as possible.
4.
Don't share towels or grooming supplies Borrowing nail clippers, files and other tools from another person increases the chances of spreading nail fungus.
Use only clean towels, and wash after each use.
5.
Cut down on refined sugar in the diet Nail fungus loves to feed on sugar, so cutting down sugar consumption helps prevent fungal overgrowth and also increases immunity to help fight infections.
Excess sugar is suppressive to the immune system.
Standard oral medications for nail fungus can come with some very serious side effects, such as liver and kidney damage, and some less serious but uncomfortable side effects such as headaches, skin rashes and intestinal problems.
These medications are also quite expensive.
A 12-week course of treatment costs approximately $500 and only has a 50-70% cure rate.
There are considerably safer and more effective natural treatments for persistent nail fungus, including homeopathy and essential oils.
Combining the two provides both systemic and topical treatments, and a much better chance for complete elimination of the infection.