Fungal nail infection is the result of the overgrowth of fungal organisms in, under, or on the nail. The most common cause is a type of fungus called dermatophyte, however, yeast and moulds can cause nail infections too. Although they can develop at any age under the right circumstances, fungal infections are more common in older adults, especially males.
You’ve been eyeing a pair of comfortable mens slides but every time you think of your big toe staring back at you, you at once jump to your socks and trainers again. The bad news is that’s worsening your condition and is what causes toenail fungus in the first place. Millions of people suffer and most don’t know it can lead to serious infections to the nail, toe and even foot.
These daily routines can help you restore the health of your feet and your confidence. Here’s what gets rid of toenail fungus for good.
Expose Your Feet
We all have dermatophytes, moulds, bacteria and viruses on and in our bodies. It’s time to get used to the idea if you haven’t so far. Our immune systems, however, are generally capable of fighting them off or coexisting with some of them.
Our white blood cells and antibodies have our backs, as long as we have theirs. Maintaining a healthy, and most importantly airy environment for your feet is crucial if you want to get rid of toenail fungus for good. On the other hand, it also means that the environment will be inhospitable by fungi.
Fungi love dark, moist and some of them adore warm places. The inside of your shoe is a perfect match. Thus, anytime you don’t need to wear your socks and shoes, don’t. Be barefoot as much as you can. Our feet are not only meant to breathe but also have many sensory receptors. Covering them up smoulders them and you, both physically and figuratively.
This is why you should slip into comfortable mens slides the first moment you have the chance. And when the weather allows it, wear your mens comfort slides outside. If you’re worried that your toe will attract unwanted attention, just remember that it’s a future investment. And if your slides are stylish enough, no one will ever judge.
Moreover, your toes want to sunbathe too so wearing slides will cover one more part of your daily routine. The sun is the silver bullet for mushrooms and yeast. Remember, they love the dark. Even exposing your feet for just 5 minutes a day can do the trick. While you’re at it, why not soak some more and get some vitamin D in the process.
Getting them clean before exposing them is also important in order to get all the unwanted dead cells and organisms out. However, this process happens gradually by trimming it straight every time it grows over your toe. Try brushing them with an old toothbrush for a more thorough cleanse. Furthermore, you can blow dry them at the end of your routine as wet feet are your enemy.
Never ever dig them out as you’ll just be shoving down the fungi further instead of getting them out. Also, you might end up getting an ingrown toenail or an infection.
Cut Down on Carbs
You handled your exterior environment. Now it’s time for the interior. Yeasts love sugar. That’s how we turn sugars into alcohol remember? By eating the standard US, UK, Canadian or Australian diet, you’re probably ingesting way more carbs than your toes and your body need. High blood sugar isn’t just detrimental for your toes but also many other systems including your cardiovascular, renal and optic ones.
A high-fat low carb diet is the way to go if you want to maintain a healthy environment for your toes, from the inside out. If you eat a carbohydrate it needs to count, be full of fibres, vitamins and minerals. This will make the environment less hospitable for the fungi. Moreover, you’ll finally take off those extra kilograms.
Have Patience
Just as it takes time for your skincare routine to work wonders, these steps can cure your nail as long as you are persistent. As for most diseases, there’s no miracle cure and the treatment is usually multifaceted. Importantly, all of these steps work synergistically hence they enhance each other. In order for them to work, you need to be thorough and consistent in all of them.
Forget about your old nail, it’s beyond salvage as it’s already dead. Your goal should be to grow out a new, healthy toenail that won’t suffer the same faith. It takes at least 4-7 months for a toenail to grow out.
Take Meds Only if You Have To
If the persistent application of these methods doesn’t fix the problem, you might be one with a compromised immune system and you should go and see your doctor. He/she will start with some basic lab work and blood test results, making sure your fasting blood glucose is not high or your white cell count is low.
What are the most common drugs for toenail fungus? Oral antifungals include terbinafine, itraconazole and fluconazole. However, drugs are usually reserved for refractory cases. The treatment is long, from 6 to 12 weeks and can cause liver damage. If you want to go a bit easy on the liver, some doctors recommend taking them for 2 weeks.
Bear in mind that no drug will be effective if you haven’t swapped your shoes with comfortable mens slides, cut down on your carbs and kept a healthy environment for your toenails.
