Fungal Toenail

What Is Toenail Fungus?

Fungi are naturally present on and in the body, but when it begins to overgrow you can develop an infection. Fungal infections can develop anywhere on the body, but the feet are especially prone to fungal infection because our shoes provide a dark, warm, and moist environment in which fungus can thrive. One such infection is tinea pedis, also known as athlete’s foot, a fungal infection affecting the skin of the feet. Another is onychomycosis (tinea unguium), a fungal infection that can affect part of a toenail, a whole toenail, or several toenails.

What Are The Symptoms Of Fungal Toenails?

• Yellowing and thickening of surface of the toenail
• Brittleness, crumbling or flaking on or below the surface of the toenail
• Unpleasant odors stemming from the nail or surrounding skin

How Do I Treat Fungal Toenails?

What Causes Toenail Fungus?

Certain risk factors may increase your chances of developing fungal toenails:

• Infection can develop following a toenail injury
• The elderly have the highest risk of developing fungal toenails because as we age, our toenails get brittle and fungus can enter through cracks
• Nail infections are more common in men than women
• Walking barefoot in communal swimming pools, gyms, yoga studios, showers, and locker rooms
• An existing athlete’s foot infection
• Reduced circulation in the feet due to conditions like peripheral vascular disease or diabetes

How Do I Prevent Fungal Toenails?

Here are various foot care solutions you can do to prevent fungal infection of your toenails:

• When having a pedicure, always ask how and how often the salon staff sanitizes their tools – pedicure tools such as nail clippers can spread toenail fungus from person to person if they are not properly disinfected between uses.  Steam sterilization is the gold standard for infection control and is required by foot care professionals such as chiropodists and podiatrists.
• Wear moisture-wicking socks and change your socks midday if you have sweaty feet
• Wear shoes made from breathable materials
• Wear protective footwear when visiting public pools, gyms, yoga studios, and locker rooms
• Thoroughly dry your feet and in between your toes after showering and before putting on your socks and shoes
• Air out athletic shoes after use to ensure they thoroughly dry before the next wear