Options of toenail fungus treatment differs greatly from wild at home remedies to prescription medications that have some harmful side effects. However, the answer for most of those who suffer from this ailment is that of better basic nail care.
In addition to the proper washing and drying of your feet on a daily basis, keeping your nails trimmed properly is crucial in fighting against nail fungus.
The Perils of Improperly Trimming Toenails
Trauma and damage to the toenail can lead to toe nail fungus. The reason is that any splits or gaps in the nail provides easy entry for fungus to setup and thrive.
If your nails are too long, they may bang or rub against the inside of your shoe and cause an opening. In addition, excessively long nails will often begin to curve and not grow straight. This can lead to possible ingrown toenails which also lead to openings for fungi.
Advantages of Properly Trimming Your Toenails
1. Less likely to get ingrown toenails. 2. Reduces the chance of nail trauma. 3. Eliminates nail debris caused by fungi. 4. May help to stimulate new growth.
Tips on Cutting Nails
It’s important that your nails are cut straight across the top and not rounded on the sides. This could lead to ingrown nails. Try cutting nails after they are softened from a shower, bath, or foot soak. Use a file to smooth rough edges. There are some electric devices that may make this task easier.
Always use clean clippers whether you are doing it yourself at home or while visiting a salon. Toenail fungus is contagious and can be transmitted to you and others by the use of contaminated nail clippers.
There are various products available that include powerful antifungal ingredients such as thymol, undecylenic acid and tea tree oil to help stop the growth of fungus naturally and safely when you want to clear up your nails.
