Toenail fungus is a chronic infection caused by fungi that thrive in warm, humid environments. It can be picked up in public places and can cause the nail to thicken, become discolored, and brittle. Treatment involves antifungal medication and wearing open shoes to allow air to circulate. Prevention includes wearing shoes in public places and keeping feet clean and dry.
Toenail fungus is a fungus that can colonize one or more toenails, causing an infection. A number of fungal species will grow on or in the toenail, including the same species that cause fungal infections elsewhere on the body. Onychomycosis, as the fungal toenail infection is known, is usually a chronic condition and can be extremely difficult to treat, usually taking weeks or months to resolve even with extremely aggressive medications.
People can pick up toenail fungus in a variety of places. Fungi love warm, humid environments, making gyms, locker rooms, and public swimming pools popular locations for fungi that will infect the nail. People can also develop onychomycosis from wearing shoes that don’t allow the feet to breathe, and the fungus can be picked up while walking barefoot in a variety of environments. Sharing shoes with people who have fungal infections can also cause the infection to spread.
As the fungus grows, the nail typically thickens and may turn white, yellow, or grayish. It is common to see textural changes such as sharp ridges in the nail, and the nail can also become very brittle or brittle. In some cases, toenail fungal infections result in the loss of a toenail, which can be very painful. If the infection is not treated, the growing nail will become infected with residual fungi.
Antifungal medications can be applied directly to the toenail to treat a toenail fungal infection. You may also need to discard old closed shoes and socks, as the fungus may be ingrained and impossible to get rid of. During the healing process, it is recommended to wear open shoes that allow plenty of light and air to circulate around the nail, as well as wearing sandals in shared public spaces where people might go barefoot to avoid passing the fungus on to others .
People can reduce their risk of getting toenail fungus by always wearing shoes in places like locker rooms and public showers, and by making sure shoes fit properly. While it’s perfectly safe to wear closed-toe shoes, it’s a good idea to always use fresh socks and change socks when they get dirty or wet. It also helps to wear sandals from time to time to allow your toes to breathe. Keeping your feet clean and dry will also help reduce the chance of developing a fungal infection.
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