Our feet are susceptible to fungi and bacterial infections because these are the parts of our bodies that are usually covered and thus, it can sometimes become moist. These types of fungi are usually common, and fortunately, there are a couple of things that you can do to make sure that you can prevent getting one.
Below, we will talk about what you can do to make sure that you will be staying away from toenail and foot fungi. You might need to seek toenail fungus treatment in some cases, though, so make sure to contact your doctor if ever it becomes way worse than usual.
Keep Your Toenails Trimmed
Have a professional podiatrist trim your toenails regularly, especially if you are prone to toenail and foot fungi. Your toenails can get a little bit thicker, which can make cutting and trimming it a little bit more difficult. The reason behind this is that the medication might not work properly if your nails are too thick or long. If you want the medication to stick to your skin well, then it would be best to have a podiatrist trim it down.
Apply a Topical Medication
Your podiatrist will most likely prescribe a topical medication for you once they confirm that you have a toenail or foot fungus, and you have to make sure that you will apply this regularly to make the infection go away. You should avoid painting your toenails when using these medications, though, as the nail polish can prevent topical medications from working its full potential.
Consult Your Doctor
This is, by far, the wisest and most practical thing that you can do if you are experiencing a toenail or foot fungus of some kind. Trying different topical medications and home treatments can actually cost you a lot more, plus, these might not be the right type of treatment for you. Always consult with a licensed doctor so you’d know what you should do.
Consider Nail Removal
We know it is a little bit scary to read and hear about this stuff, but if your fungus keeps on coming back, then you might want to consider having the toenail removed completely. Your toenail will most likely grow back healthily, too, so you would not have to worry about not having any toenails at all. You should, of course, have a podiatrist do this, as doing it yourself can make the fungi or infection way worse than what it already is.
Have it Lasered
This should be your last resort, as laser treatments are usually quite expensive. Insurance usually does not cover them, too, so you have to be prepared with your money if you really want to go this route. Also, laser treatments are not a hundred per cent effective, and the fungi might come back or might not be completely removed at all.
It is always wise to consult with your podiatrist and see your options so you can decide which course to take when it comes to your toenail or foot fungus. Never try to self-diagnose, as this can make the problem worse.