Toenail fungus, known as onychomycosis, initially appears as white or tan spots under the tip of the nail. (Can also occur on the fingernails of the hands). As the fungal infection spreads, the nail may become discolored, thickened, have damaged edges, and the infection may spread to the rest of the nail.
(You may be interested in: Ingrown toenail: How to cure it and when should you see a doctor?).
When the fungus infects the area between the toes and the skin on the toes, it’s called athlete’s foot (tinea pedis).
You are at greater risk for fungal nail infections if you have any of the following conditions:
Related topics
– diabetes
– Peripheral vascular disease
– Peripheral neuropathy
– Minor injuries in the area
– The skin remains moist for a long time
– Immune system problems
– family background
– Wear shoes that do not allow your feet to ventilate
(Make sure to read: Attention! Home Remedies to Remove Dead Skin from Feet).
Symptoms include:
– Fragile, flaking or irregular
– Deformity
– Stink
An effective way to get rid of this fungus is tea tree oil. Due to its properties, it helps in the treatment of nail fungus, either alone or in combination with other medications. Mix two or three drops of tea tree oil with a vegetable oil, such as almond or coconut oil, and apply to the affected nail.
How to prevent them
The following habits can help prevent onychomycosis or reinfection and athlete’s foot (which can cause onychomycosis):
-Keep nails clean and dry.
– Wash your hands and feet frequently.
– Wash your hands after touching an infected nail.
– Dry and moisturize your nails, then apply antifungal foot powder.
– Consider using a nail hardener, which can help strengthen nails and cuticles.
(Also read: Why do feet swell? Causes and treatments for this condition).
– Keep nails short, cut them straight, file the edges and thin out thick areas, if they are allowed to grow too long there will be more room for fungus to grow. Also, it’s important to disinfect your nail clippers after each use.
– Wear absorbent socks or change socks throughout the day.
– Choose shoes made of air-permeable materials.
– Throw away old shoes or treat them with disinfectant or antifungal powder.
– Wear shoes in the pool area and changing rooms.
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