Discolored, thickened toenails that are crumbly on the edges and peeling signal a fungal infection. At Feet First Foot Care Specialists we find that many patients put off getting fungal toenails treated because they may not cause pain initially. But these infections often lead to secondary bacterial or yeast infections around the nail plate which can be quite painful and inhibit your ability to walk. Fungal infections can also spread to other parts of the body and other people. For this reason, it’s imperative that you get any suspicious-looking toenails evaluated promptly by our podiatrist, Dr. Adam Mucinskas, so that he can prescribe the proper treatment.

Of course, not getting a fungal toenail infection in the first place is even better than having one successfully treated.

Take the following precautions to reduce your risk of a fungal toenail infection:

1. Always wear flip flops or shower shoes when using public facilities like community pools, gyms and sports clubs.
2. Keep feet dry. If you sweat profusely, carry and extra pair of socks and change as soon as you notice your feet feel damp.
3. Use a talcum or anti-fungal foot powder.
4. Wash feet daily with soap and water and dry completely before putting on socks or shoes.
5. Choose shoes made of breathable materials that fit well and are not tight in the toe box area.
6. Don’t share nail clippers, files or pedicure tools with anyone. If you get professional pedicures, be sure your salon follows the proper sanitizing procedures for foot baths and tools.
7. If someone in your household has a fungal infection, disinfect showers between uses and do not use the same towels or any other items that may touch the infected person’s feet.

These simple tips can help you avoid contracting a fungal nail or other bacterial or viral foot infection. If you have concerns about any of your toenails, contact our Cromwell office today by calling: (860) 632-5499.