Nail Fungus Prevention
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 trim or pick at the
skin around your nails. This may give germs access to your skin and
nails.
** Don't go barefoot in public
places. Wear shoes around public pools, showers and locker
rooms.
** 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.