Do You Suffer From Toe Fungus?

You don’t need to let the uncomfortable realities of toe fungus get

between your feet and the blazing summer sun. Toe fungus is often

the result of tucking your feet into heavy socks and weather resistant

shoes when temperatures drop. While your toes may need a bit of

TLC before they are ready for display, you can banish toe fungus, and

keep fungus from destroying your relationship with your new summer

sandals.

The Cause of Fungal Infections

The fungi assaulting your feet are tiny organisms. Most often, they simply

live on your skin and don’t cause any issues. It isn’t until you get a lot of

fungal invaders that you will notice any signs of a fungal infection.

Fungus survives and thrives in dark, warm places. That explains why it is

far more common to get a fungal infection on your toes than on your fingers.

Plus, your toes have less blood circulating through them than your fingers,

leaving them much more prone to infections.

That Rash Between Your Toes

If you have a rash on, or between, your toes that burns and itches, you may

have picked up a case of athlete's foot. There are several types of fungus

that cause an athletes foot infection. Some types of athlete's foot cause an

itchy, blistery rash while others cause the skin on your toes, or on your feet,

to look thick and scaled. If you have the type of athletes foot that causes blisters,

it is quite easy for those blisters to become infected.

Athlete's foot can often be relieved with over-the-counter medications.

These medications are commonly sold in the form of antifungal powders,

sprays or ointments. If you don’t get relief from self-care, or if your toes become

infected, it is best to seek the assistance of your healthcare provider.

The Fungus that Affects Your Nails

The first few indications of a fungal infection on your toenails are easy to

ignore. You may first notice a yellow or white spot on your nail and not think

anything of it. Given enough time, this spot will spread. Eventually, your nail

may become a not-so-lovely shade of yellow, green or black.

As the infection progresses, you may notice that your nail becomes much

thicker. This can make it difficult to trim the affected nail. Your nail could even

curl upward or downward and loosen from the nail-bed. You may eventually

find that your fungal infection causes pain and makes walking difficult.

You don’t need to let fungal infections come between you and that new pair

of summer sandals. You won’t need to hide your feet all summer season in

heat retaining tennis shoes. Nail fungus is easy to treat at home with

over-the-counter treatment products that can eliminate the fungi, and promote

the healing of your thick, brittle, discolored nails.

Preventing Toe and Foot Fungus

Once you treat your infection and get your skin and nails clear, you may be

able to reduce your risk of these conditions reoccurring. One of the easiest

ways to prevent a fungal infection is to take away their hospitable environment.

Keep fungus from multiplying by washing your feet with soap and water

daily. Dry your feet thoroughly. You may want to avoid any footwear made

from plastic, rubber or other synthetic. These materials retain heat and

moisture, fueling the foot fungus fire.

Natural fiber socks can wick moisture away from your skin and may help

keep fungi from multiplying. You may also benefit from alternating your

shoes. Wearing the same pair of shoes on consecutive days may not give

them enough time to thoroughly dry between wearings.

Your athlete's foot or toenail fungus is not a reason to hide your feet out

of sight permanently. You can banish that fungus with non-prescription anti

fungal treatments. Take control of your toe fungus today, and enjoy your time

in the summer sun. Show off that new pair of summer sandals and display

your healthy feet with pride.