1. Don’t Share Footwear or Nail Tools.
This is important to note for those of you still letting your nail technician use the same clippers on you like everyone else she sees. Fungi spread. It can be contracted through sharing shoes and, you guessed it, nail tools too. Next time you go to the nail salon, bring your own or ask your nail technician if they sterilize everything before reusing it. Keep an eye out to see if they’re properly cleaning everything they use, including the foot baths. If not, your best bet is to go to a different place.
2. Keep Your Nails Short
Sometimes we can get lazy in between pedicures and let our nails grow out. It does seem harmless, but longer nails are at higher risk of building up debris and getting injured. Next time you can’t make it to the nail salon, clip your toenails short so they don’t grow out too long. When trimming them, be sure to cut them straight across. If they’re cut straight across, they’re less likely to become ingrown nails.
3. Choose Your Footwear Wisely
Be sure to wear something that is breathable. This goes hand in hand with being comfortable and properly sized. If your toes are touching the tip of your shoe, it’s time for a new pair in a bigger size. Don’t wear the same shoes every day either. Wearing the same pair of shoes every day doesn’t allow them a chance to air out.
4. Protect Your Feet in Public Areas
Wear shoes in public areas, like saunas and communal bathrooms at the gym. Areas like these tend to be swarming with fungi so be sure to protect yourself by covering your toes. Never go barefoot in pools, locker rooms, or any other public area.
5. Disinfect Regularly
Deep clean your showers and bathtubs with a bleach-based cleaner. Spray your shoes with an anti-bacterial product. Put powder in your shoes to soak up any moisture inside of them, especially if you’ve worn them without socks. This is especially important if you’re living in warmer climates because you’re at higher risk of contracting toenail fungus since your feet sweat more than in colder climates.
That’s 5 ways to prevent yourself from getting Toenail fungus. This list may seem tedious or silly, but toenail fungus is no joke. It can take up to a year or more to get rid of it, depending on the method of treatment. It’s painful and unsightly too. So, don’t let it happen to you! If you do find yourself with this condition, Probelle has an all-natural solution for you. Our 2-Step Fungal Nail Renewal Kit provides you with a day and night time regimen for fighting fungus.
Xo,
The Probelle Team