If you have toenail fungus, you might wonder if you can swim with it. There are some precautions to take and home remedies that can help. In this article, we’ll look at a few of them and offer tips for prevention and treatment.
It is safe to go swimming with toenail fungus.
Many people wonder if it is safe to go swimming with toenails that have fungus. This common condition causes white or yellow spots on the underside of the toenail. It is very embarrassing and can cause a lot of discomforts. It can also spread quickly, particularly poolside. The good news is that there are ways to prevent it from spreading.
First of all, you need to wear special footwear that is made for swimming. Swim socks are a great option. The socks protect your toes from contact with the pool floor and keep them looking clean. Keep your nails trimmed to prevent exposure to a wet environment.
Secondly, you should not wear shoes that have toenail fungus. Some types of fungus can stay in your shoes for a long time. If you wear shoes with toenail fungus, you should throw them away. You should also make sure you buy new shoes.
Fungus infections can spread from person to person. They are transmitted through direct contact with infected surfaces. People can also contract toenail fungus by walking around the perimeters of swimming pools or using public locker rooms. It is also possible to spread toenail fungus through sweaty socks and shoes.
The treatment of toenail fungus often involves taking antifungal medication. These drugs usually include taking a pill to kill the fungus. However, the medicines can cause severe side effects. Therefore, it is best to consult a doctor before taking any antifungal medication.
Home remedies
It is common to develop toenail fungus from swimming pools, wet feet, and using infected towels. These infections are most common during the summer months. The condition can cause the toenail to discolor and turn yellow or white. It can also cause the nail to become brittle. If you notice these symptoms, you should contact your primary care physician or podiatrist.
One effective treatment for toenail fungus involves applying oil of oregano, a plant with antifungal and antibacterial properties. To topically use the oil on the affected toenail, mix three drops of oregano oil with two drops of melaleuca. Alternatively, you can apply a mixture of tea tree oil and oregano. However, be sure to dilute the oil with carrier oil to reduce the risk of irritation.
Another way to prevent fungus from affecting your toenail is to wear breathable footwear. This is because shoes with poor ventilation can cause your feet to sweat excessively, creating the perfect environment for infection-causing fungus. Instead of wearing tight shoes, choose a pair of sandals or slippers. Another way to avoid infected feet is to prevent wet floors.
Another effective home remedy for toenail fungus involves applying ozonated oil to the affected nail. These oils contain ozone gas that helps kill bacteria and stimulate skin cells to heal faster. Ozone-treated sunflower oil is effective against several fungal strains in laboratory tests.
Another popular home remedy for toenail fungus is vinegar. This treatment is not as intense as baking soda, but it is an effective option. Vinegar contains acetic acid, which has antifungal properties. Mix one or two tea bags with two cups of water and soak the affected foot in the solution for about 20 minutes daily. Repeat the process daily for several weeks to see results.
Regularly clipping the nail will relieve pressure on the pin and help antifungal solutions penetrate it more effectively. It is also advisable to use an Emory board to keep the nails short and thin. Remember to disinfect the clippers after each use to prevent fungus from spreading.
Precautions
If you’re suffering from toenail fungus, it is essential to take some precautions when swimming. Firstly, avoid wearing damp flip-flops or sandals, as these can catch the fungus and spread it to other parts of your foot. Also, make sure to trim your toenails so that they look neat.
Swimming pools are a great place to enjoy the water, especially for the kids, but beware of the risks of a fungal infection. Although chlorinated pools keep them clean, they can’t destroy all fungi and bacteria. Therefore, you should practice good hygiene and avoid swimming in public pools unless necessary.
You can also prevent the fungus by washing your feet regularly and applying an antifungal foot powder. You can also use a nail hardener to strengthen your nails so you won’t catch them. You should also ensure that you disinfect your nail clippers after each use. Also, make sure to wear breathable socks and shoes.
Fungal infections of the toenail can be an embarrassing and painful condition. These fungi burrow into the nail bed and cause the nails to thicken and become discolored. They also cause pain and a foul-smelling odor. A fungal infection of the nail can lead to secondary infections, including the skin and fingernails.
Olive leaf extract is an excellent natural antifungal remedy for toenail fungus. It works well with other oils and can be used to treat the fungus. It’s best to apply it to the infected toenails twice a day for two months to see results. Tea tree oil is another natural remedy that is good for the skin and can prevent the re-infection of the infected toenail.
Treatment
Toenail fungus can be a complex problem to treat. However, there are several options available. The best one depends on your specific symptoms. A strict cleaning regime can manage mild cases. Prescription medication or a home remedy may be necessary in severe cases.
In addition to home remedies, it is essential to practice good foot hygiene to avoid developing toenail fungus. You should change your socks and shoes regularly and keep your feet dry. It is also necessary to wear shoes that breathe. If you have to go to a nail salon, ensure they sanitize their tools before using them. It is also essential to avoid using artificial nails or nail polish.
Topical medication can be applied to the affected areas of the nails. It is best used twice a day for about a week. If it is ineffective, you can try soaking the affected nail in vinegar and warm water. This solution can be applied for 15 to 20 minutes per day.
Another treatment option is oral antifungals. These are considered the gold standard when treating toenail fungus. However, they come with a risk of liver damage and interactions with other medications. For these reasons, many patients prefer to avoid using oral antifungals. These drugs can work for up to six months but can also cause side effects.
Surgical removal of the affected toenail may be necessary if the infection is severe. This procedure is often painful and requires several weeks or months of recovery. However, this option is not recommended if your nail is not responding to topical medications. Besides, the procedure requires considerable money and will not be covered by health insurance.
Toenail fungus is highly contagious. The infection is spread by direct or indirect contact, such as sharing a shower or locker room with bare feet. In addition, the disease can also be spread through sweaty shoes or socks. People who don’t change their shoes regularly are more likely to contract them. People with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, are also at risk for contracting it.
