To prevent nail fungus, there are several measures you can take. Some of these include:
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Hand and foot hygiene: Keeping your nails short, dry, and clean is important in preventing nail fungus infections. Washing your hands after touching infected nails and drying your feet well after showering, especially between your toes, can also help.
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Wearing appropriate footwear: Wearing socks that breathe, usually synthetic, and avoiding being barefoot in public places and pools can help prevent fungal infections of the nails.
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Avoiding injury to the skin around your nails: Refraining from picking or biting nails and reducing your use of artificial nails and nail polish can help prevent nail fungus infections.
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Using antifungal sprays or powders: These can help keep your feet dry and prevent fungal infections.
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Avoiding home remedies: While some home remedies may help temporarily suppress milder infections, they are typically not effective for treating toenail fungal infections. Furthermore, people at higher risk for complications should seek medical treatment for their toenail fungus and avoid home remedies altogether.
If you do develop a nail fungus infection, there are several treatment options available. These include:
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Oral antifungal medications: These are typically prescribed by a doctor and include drugs such as terbinafine (Lamisil), itraconazole (Sporanox), fluconazole (Diflucan), and griseofulvin (Gris-PEG) .
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Topical treatments: These include nail polishes and creams that contain antifungal ingredients such as amorolfine or ciclopirox. However, topical treatments are generally less effective than oral medications and may need to be used for a longer period of time.
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Alternative therapies: Other alternative medicines used to treat nail fungal infections include Australian tea tree oil, vinegar, listerine, and grapefruit seed extract. However, there is no scientific evidence supporting the use of these products.
Its important to note that treating nail fungus infections can be a long and expensive process, and its best to consult with a doctor to determine the best course of treatment for your specific case.
