There are millions of different strains of fungus in the world. 300 of those can cause harm to humans and animals. Our feet are particularly prone to fungal infections. One side effect of this is that fungus can make your toenails thicker. Here are some tips to help you avoid this.
How Does It Happen?
Fungus of the toenail is quite common. It’s not something that presents itself straight away either. Most people who carry the infection may have had it for years without notice.
Fungus thrives in warm, moist and dark areas. With our feet going into shoes that usually fit that description, it makes them an optimal place for fungus to grow. The fungus will generally grow in the area between the nail and our nail bed. Infection is also more likely when our nails are damaged or if you do not wear shoes.
Over-the-counter medication will usually clear this up. A fungus can make your toenails thicker and though. This can cause problems in the future, such as ingrown toenails or pain when cutting the toenails.
Can I Prevent This?
Luckily there are a few things you can do for prevention.
Washing your feet regularly is important, particularly if you’ve been anywhere barefoot. With our feet being the closest part to the ground, they can pick up fungi particles more easily than other body parts.
It’s also important to wash anything you use to maintain your toenails. Clippers and buffs should be sterilized where possible and not shared. This can help to limit any fungal infection or its spreading. The same goes for things like socks and shoes. Where possible, wash them as much as you can and don’t share them.
The last tip is to wear flip-flops or shower shoes when walking into moist communal areas, such as public showers or pool areas.
Conclusion
The thick and discolored appearance of infected toenails is not an attractive look. A fungus can make your toenails thicker, so it’s important to understand that there are things you can do to help prevent this.
