Prevent Toenail Fungus This Summer with These 6 Tricks

Summer is just around the corner, which means you’ll likely be frequenting the public pools, water parks and wearing flip flops like they’re going out of style. But before you kick off your shoes and hit the pool deck, you may want to think twice and take a few extra precautions in order to prevent a contagious, embarrassing, unsightly and often cringe-worthy bacteria lurking on those wet surfaces.

The nail fungus bacteria, Onychomycosis, lives and thrives in places we love to frequent most on hot, sunny summer days. But before you pack your car and head to the local pool, here are a few things you should do to help prevent toenail fungus:

• Trim Your Nails: Good hygiene is key to preventing nail fungus infections. Routinely washing your feet, trimming your nails and removing dead skin will help keep the bacteria at bay.

• Keep Your Nails Dry: After getting out of the pool, bath or removing sweaty shoes, be sure to dry off your feet and nails. Onychomycosis thrives in damp, warm environments.
• Wear Water Shoes: When at public pools and water parks, always wear water shoes to protect your feet from nasty bacteria.
• Change Wet Socks: Summer heat can lead to sweaty feet. Be sure to change damp socks often to keep your feet dry and fungus-free.

• Use Anti-Fungal Nail Polish: Anti-fungal nail polish is a good first line of defense in preventing contamination. The polish will both prevent and treat nail fungus infections.

• See A Podiatrist: If you suspect you may have Onychomycosis, see a podiatrist immediately to help eliminate the threat of it spreading and affecting other nails. In addition, treatment time is greatly reduced when caught early.

If you are suffering from a toenail fungal infection, be sure to call a podiatrist to help you go barefoot with confidence. Call 336-375-6990 or click here to request an appointment today.

Disclaimer: The information and other content provided in our blogs, videos, or in any other content or linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. For a full disclaimer, please click here.