Most women think that because they get regular pedicures their feet and toenails are clean and safe from infections. What they don't realize is that women are more susceptible to toe fungus, toe fungi, toe disease, toe nail infections, and toe nail disorders. Think of the variety of shoes most women squeeze their feet into for the sake of looking fashionable. Most of women's footwear sacrifice comfort and ultimately, the health of their toes.
According to David Wong, a dermatologist from Sydney, the most common toe fungus, toe fungi, toe disease, toe nail infections, and toe nail disorders are onychomycosis, Athletes Foot, bunions, and tinea. These are often infectious, ugly, and uncomfortable conditions which may affect the ability to do daily activities. He also stressed that nail infections are not cosmetic problems. It is not also a matter of cleanliness. You are at risk of fungal infections even if you're toes and feet are squeaky clean. Regular pedicures are not the answer since feet specialists at most salons are only trained and equipped to beautify feet and toes, not to cure these infections. What's more, most think that toenail discolorations are just that, discolorations. They think that these can be covered up by the latest nail polish trend. What they don't know is that these discolorations can be symptoms of toe infection. He names stubbing toes, too-short nails, and wearing tight foot wear as most common causes of infections because these weaken nails and opens nail beds for contamination of bacteria.
Aside from discolorations, other symptoms of toe fungus, toe fungi, toe disease, toe nail infections, and toe nail disorders are nail crumbling, thick nails, and brittle nails. Extreme cases might even cause nails to separate from their beds. The skin around the infected nail might also collect pus. Foul foot odor is an almost sure sign of fungal feet infections. If you are thinking to avoid damp places to avoid getting infected, Dr. Wong states that damp places are not the only place where you might be infected. Places where skin can get contact like carpets, mats, linens, and other towels are also possible places to incur infections. Public places like public pools, showers, hotels, motels, changing/locker rooms, and laundry service rooms are high infection risk areas. Sharing foot wear is also a culprit in getting infections. He emphasized to avoid borrowing or lending of footwear like socks and shoes to reduce risks of infections.
Dr. Wong advocates immediate medical action if you suspect being infected by toe fungus, toe fungi, toe disease, toe nail infections, and toe nail disorders because it is uncommon for these infections to heal on their own. Early medication and treatment could prevent fungi to grow, hence, stopping the progress of the infection. At the first symptom of nail disease, consult your doctor to avoid unpretty feet.