When you spend a lot of time in your shoes, whether work or exercise, your toes take a hit. Toenail fungus can fester under these conditions and cause severe issues. If left untreated, this condition worsens over time and leads to discolored and deformed nails. This is especially common with athletes who wear shoes almost daily and cannot air out their feet after sweating. Fortunately, there are simple ways to prevent and treat it once it begins to surface. Here’s everything you need to know about this pesky problem.

1. What Is Toenail Fungus?

Toenail fungus is a condition in which white, waxy-like fungus grows under the nail. The fungus can get under the skin and cause pain and redness. It is also possible to infect other nails and the skin on your feet and lower legs. This condition can develop over time, especially if you wear shoes that are not adequately ventilated or don’t allow air circulation. The fungus causes the nail to become thick and opaque. Over time, the fungus can infect other nails and even the skin on your feet.

2. Prevention

Wearing clean shoes and socks are important ways to prevent toenail fungus. You should also wear shoes that allow for adequate air circulation. Toe socks can also help prevent this by keeping your feet dry and warm. Wearing socks that are made of cotton is a good option. If you have a problem with this condition, you should use deodorant. Make sure you get a pedicure at least once a month to ensure your nails are healthy and strong.

3. Treatment

Toenail fungus requires a special type of treatment to cure it completely. The first step is to remove the infection at its source by removing dead skin and nail material around your nail beds or toenails. Apply a topical antifungal agent onto the affected area twice daily to eliminate the infection before it spreads further under the nail bed. You can tell whether it has worked by looking at the edges of your nails. The infection has been eliminated if they appear clean, and the fungus will eventually die. The fungus takes at least six months to go away. You should be able to see the edges of your nails again after three months. With proper treatment, you should have full results in one year.

Healthy feet are essential for a healthy lifestyle. If you don’t take care of your feet, you can cause damage to your body. Toenail fungus is one of the most common foot problems affecting anyone at any age. If you notice that your nails are becoming discolored or thick, taking the proper steps to treat the condition is vital. Visit a doctor to determine the cause of your nail problems and find out how you can prevent this condition or treat it at home.