In today’s world, nail fungal infections are amongst the most rampant of their ilk, and are a potential threat to victims of all ages, irrespective of their gender and social standing. Treating nail fungus is a long-drawn, excruciating, and often exasperating process, with relatively few success stories that boast of prompt, effective and permanent cures for their condition. Whatís more, these infections are also frustratingly persistent, with relapses reported in about one out of every four reported cases, within a period of barely 3 years.

The vexing statistics notwithstanding, that point that we cynics invariably miss, is that the best way to rid yourself of fungal nail infection, is to guard against plausible risks you may face of contracting this infection. Even though the causes and risk factors for nail fungal infections may seem unending and hugely disparate at first blush, most of these factors can easily be averted by following basic nail hygiene.

Almost all the methods that weíll be discussing in this chapter are closely intertwined with your personal grooming habits and hygiene levels. In fact, even if you are of the opinion that your body is impervious to nail fungal infection (we all are until the pesky critters actually show up!) these tips will go a long way in protecting you against several other kinds of fungal, bacterial, and viral infectionsÖ many of which are not necessarily limited to your nails.

Keep your nails short, dry, and clean:

Trim your nails frequently, clipping them short and filing straight across. Fungi-containing grit tends to accumulate under the front edges of your nails, and hence depriving the fungi of a place to live, even when you come in contact with them, is a surefire way of keeping away from infection. At the same time, donít trim too close to the nail bed to avoid nicking yourself, which will encourage the fungi to infect your nails, instead of dissuading them. Also, donít share your trimmers.

Dry your hands and feet thoroughly after every shower, bath, and swim, toweling the area between your toes carefully to lose any moisture trapped there.

Treat any fungal infections like athleteís foot immediately to avoid the fungus infecting your nails.

Donít share your towel, socks, and footwear:

Nail fungus is highly contagious and spores from an infection set of nails, stay behind in your hosiery and footwear. Similarly, sharing your towel with someone who has nail fungal infection drastically increases your chances of contracting the infection.

Treat any cuts, wounds, or scrapes around your nails immediately:

These wounds are likely openings for nail fungi. Clean and disinfect the cut, or wound thoroughly and then keep the area dry to minimize your risk of infection.
Wear rubber gloves when washing, doing the dishes, gardening or any other chores that require you to wet your hands or touch earth frequently:

Doing so cuts down chances of over-exposure to water, while also any chances of picking up infectious mold spores from the earth. Between uses, you may also want to turn your gloves inside out, to let them air thoroughly.

Choose your socks wisely:

Opt for fabrics like 100% cotton, wool, or silk, which absorb moisture well, and allow your feet better ventilation. Certain synthetic blends are stuffier than others, and this may weigh in heavily on how susceptible you are, especially if you perspire heavily and are shod for most of the day. Change your socks often, and try not to use the same pair for more than a single wear.

Alternate between closed-toe shoes and open-toed footwear like flip-flops or sandals, to avoid suffocating your feet. Even with your closed shoes, opt for natural materials, as opposed to plastics, and look for ëbreather holesí on the sides to allow you feet enough ventilation. If you fancy teetering on high heels, give your feet plenty of rest to keep your toes from cramping against each other, and opt for comfortable fits whenever possible.

Don’t go barefoot in public places like the gym, locker rooms, and public pools:

The little puddles of water on the floor moonlight as hideouts for infectious spores, and may creep into your feet sooner than you know.

Disinfect your shoes regularly with an antifungal spray or powder, and dry them thoroughly in between wears.

Donít trim or prick at the skin around your finger and toenails:

Cutting away any calluses or hangnails will only provide a much sought-after inlet for the fungi, which will then creep in at the very first opportunity.

Pick your salon, or nail parlor wisely:

A background check in advance to your visit is very telling about the risk you face, each time you lavish yourself with a manicure or pedicure. Insist on using freshly disinfected equipment like emery boards and clippers to avoid picking up infections from others. If possible take no chances and bring your own equipment along with you.

Wash your hands thoroughly after touching an infected nail, even if it is your own:

Given the highly contagious nature of nail fungi, wash away all risks immediately with a strong disinfectant.

To prevent relapses, donít stop treatment until your nails are completely clear of infection.

Donít wear shoes that are too tight, or those which cramp your toes together awkwardly. If possible dust your footwear lightly with a good quality foot powder. Never use cornstarch.

If you must wear nail polish, make sure you give your nails enough time to breathe between changes. Continually smothering your nails in lacquer blocks away air, while also trapping in heat, moisture and fungi.

Watch your diet:

Avoid heaping your plate with ëbadí carbohydrates and sugars which spike your blood glucose, and hence provide fungi with all the nourishment they need to flourish and grow.

Use a nail brush when cleaning your feet to scrub away dead skin, or any debris trapped under, or between your toenails.

Donít bite your nails:

Biting your nails incessantly may also cause you to chew at the skin around them, which in turn produces bruises through which the fungus trickles in.

Try to use a separate clipper for your infected nails, to keep the infection from spreading to the other, healthy nails.

Nail Fungus won’t magically disappear ñ no matter how hard you wish it away, or how deliberately you overlook it ñ if you donít do anything about it. Looking after your nails, and maintaining a meticulous nail hygiene regimen, play a crucial role in curbing this infection in its initial stages, where the fungus is easier to treat and a lot less persistent.

When dealing with nail fungus, remember than knowledge is power… educate yourself about nail fungus to explore all your options thoroughly, and discover how best you can steer clear of this dishearteningly unsightly, and exasperating infection.