Fungus Infection of the Nails (part 3)
Prevention of Fungal Nail Infections
The number one criteria for preventing fungal nail infections is to maintain good hygiene, rinse and keep the hands and feet dry whenever possible. The fungus prefers humid and moist environments and so it is essential to avoid this situation. Basic hygiene practices include keeping the nails short, clean and dry.
One should avoid wearing tight restrictive shoes which can create excessive warmth and humidity. The socks should be cotton which can readily absorb the moisture. If the shoes do get wet, they should be changed often. Socks should be changed on a daily basis and more often if one sweats profusely.
After exercise, the feet should be thoroughly cleaned, dried and one should wear another pair of shoes. Sandals with open toes are okay to wear. If one is regularly exposed to water at work, then gloves and rubber boots should be worn.
There are many over the counter anti fungal medications available without a prescription. The powder can be sprinkled on the feet on a regular basis.
Individuals who constantly pick or prick their skin or nails should avoid this practice.
People, who are diabetic or immuno-suppressed, should avoid going barefoot in public showers, pools or gyms.
If you frequent a spa to get your pedicure or manicure, make sure the place is clean and that the therapist sterilizes instruments after each session.
Do not mask any nail changes with nail polish. It could be a fungal infection in the early stage. The earlier you get the infection treated, the better is the prognosis. If a fungal infection is already present and one applies nail polish, it will give the fungi a better environment to grow and divide.
Finally, practice thorough hand washing both at work and at home.
Home remedies for treating fungal infections of the nail
Most people expect medicines to work right away. However, this is not always true when it comes to fungal nail infections. All anti fungal medications to treat nail infections take a very long time to work. This has led consumers to try home made and alternative care therapies. A few such remedies include the following:
Vinegar is a favorite liquid used to treat a variety of skin disorders. While there is no scientific evidence that it can kill a fungus, there are anecdotal reports that vinegar can kill bacteria. There is no harm in trying vinegar for treatment of fungal nail infections but the practice has to be regular if one is going to see a difference.
Other home therapies include the use of tiger balm, vicks vaporub, dettol, and baking soda.
About the Author:
http://www.brenfisher.com/yeast/
You 2.0 home page
it is a work in progress, has only been up since mid august, and we have some very lofty goals.
But by this time next year everyone will know about brenfisher.com and we hope we will be able to help everyone who comes to visit us.