What is Yellow Toenail Fungus?

One of the most common foot conditions that can affect your feet is toenail fungus. It’s happened to nearly everyone – the yellowing, thickening nails turn into brittle-edged shards that are distorted and dull. If your fungus infection gets really bad, it may even cause your nail to separate from your nail bed!

For anyone worried about yellow toenail fungus, HealthyFeetStore.com is here with answers and solutions to help you out. Read on here for a brief overview of what antifungal nail polish and proper footwear can do for you!

The Causes of Toenail Fungus

Most of the time, fungal nail infections are caused by mold, yeast, and dermatophytes. These organisms prefer warm, moist areas and can invade your skin through small cuts and cracks. Since these types of fungi don’t like sunlight, the darkness and warmth of your socks and shoes are the perfect places for them to incubate. Even worse, if you have a foot condition that inhibits circulation, these infections can thrive before your body even detects them!

Who Suffers From Fungal Infections

While the stereotype is that only athletes suffer from these fungal infections, that’s simply not true! Often, older individuals with slow-growing nails and decreased circulation are at a higher risk, as well. Furthermore, anyone with sweaty feet or who works in a humid environment may also develop toenail fungus and require the aid of antifungal nail polish to remove it.

Treatment Options: Toenail Fungus Nail Polish

So what do you do once you’ve noticed that you have toenail fungus? You can start with washing your feet daily with an antifungal foot wash and applying anti-fungal creams. If you’re someone who wears nail polish frequently, you’ll also want to avoid traditional polishes in favor of antifungal nail polish. These types of specialty nail polishes for fungus have antimicrobial properties, won’t create a water-tight seal that keeps medication out, and have additives, like tea tree oil, that attacks the fungus at its source.

If you’ve tried over-the-counter medications and nail polish treatment already, it may be time to seek the care of a doctor. Please note that if you are a diabetic who thinks you may have a toenail infection, you should seek immediate assistance from your primary care physician.

Toenail Fungus Prevention

There are several ways to prevent toenail fungus from ever attacking your feet in the first place. Below are a few tips to help you out.

  • Frequently trim your nails
  • Cut your nails straight across
  • Dry your feet off with a clean towel after a shower or bath
  • Never go barefoot in public facilities
  • Wear breathable socks and shoes
  • Use antibacterial foot powder or wear moisture-wicking socks
  • Wear antifungal nail polish instead of traditional polish

Where to Shop

At HealthyFeetStore.com, we offer a number of solutions to your toenail concerns. In addition to nail polishes for fungus, you can also find breathable socks and shower footwear for public areas. Visit our resource center today for even more information and solutions for the most common foot conditions.