Onychomycosis, or nail fungus, is extremely common but very difficult to get rid of. Many treatments are not effective, and some of those that are can cause serious side effects. Treatments that do work can be expensive, and they still typically do not provide rapid results. As a result, the best course of action is to avoid fungal nail infections in the first place. Doing so can be tricky, though, so you may be asking yourself, “What can I do to prevent from getting nail fungus?”. Fortunately, there are known breeding grounds for fungus. Here are several things you can do to increase your odds of maintaining healthy, fungus-free nails.
Breeding Grounds For Nail Fungus
Fungus lives and thrives in warm, damp environments. Many people develop infections after visiting public locker rooms, gyms or communal showers. While it isn’t always possible to avoid such places, you can greatly reduce your risk of developing an infection by always wearing some type of shoes in these areas. You should also thoroughly clean and dry your feet and hands as soon as possible after visiting places where it is highly likely that fungus exists.
It is also possible to develop a fungal infection after getting a manicure or pedicure if the nail technician does not properly sterilize the tools between customers. To avoid this, only visit reputable salons that you know are clean. You can also purchase your own manicure and pedicure tools to take to your appointment, but it is still important to sterilize them regularly.
Essentials in Preventing Nail Fungus
Proper hand and foot hygiene is essential. Because fungus grows in moist environments, shoes that do not allow for adequate airflow can cause infections. Always keep your feet as dry as possible. If your feet tend to sweat, invest in socks that are designed to wick moisture away from the skin. Keeping your feet and hands clean and dry is the most important step in preventing onychomycosis.
Make sure to clean your shower and bath mat regularly to prevent fungus growth in your bathroom at home. Towels and washcloths should be washed in hot water and with bleach, if possible. If there are other areas in your home that are prone to frequent moisture exposure, they should be cleaned thoroughly on a regular basis to prevent fungus growth as well. Keeping in mind that fungus grows in warm, moist environments, it is easy to answer the question of, “What can I do to prevent from getting nail fungus?”.
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