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The 3 Main Causes of Toenail Fungal Infections

The 3 Main Causes of Toenail Fungal Infections

A fungal toenail infection can strike anyone, though it usually occurs in adults. Usually, a toenail infection will only occur after it has already struck a person’s feet. Once the infection reaches the nails, it can become hard to cure. Even after the fungus is eradicated, there is always the chance that it will come back. Toenail fungal infections usually come from three different sources.The 3 Main Causes of Toenail Fungal Infections

Everyday Shoes

The sort of normal shoes that people wear every day can be the culprit behind the growth of fungal infections. When people wear boots or shoes that crowd the toes and constrict the feet, they are more likely to sweat. Athletes are especially at risk for these infections because their feet sweat more often and the dampness will likely be absorbed into the shoes. Fungi love dark, warm, and wet environments. A way to prevent infections from growing in shoes, is to wear sandals or open-toed shoes. Another good idea is to keep dry socks handy so you can easily change them if your socks get wet. Many new socks are made from dry-wick materials that will keep the moisture off of your feet, which will prevent fungal infections from growing and spreading. Finally, fungi hate the sun and UV rays will kill them. So, as often as possible, try to expose your feet to some sunshine.

Illness

People who have circulation problems in their lower extremities, like people with diabetes, or a weak immune system, like those with HIV, are especially susceptible to fungal infections. HIV weakens the immune system, which makes it more likely that someone will get fungal, parasitical, bacterial, or viral infections.

For those who suffer from diabetes, blood may not circulate properly to the lower extremities, which makes it harder for the immune system to eliminate fungal infections.

The 3 Main Causes of Toenail Fungal InfectionsAll of us face a weakened immune system and poorer circulation as we age. Thus, older people are more likely to end up with a nail fungus. The reason for this is because the elderly have been exposed to fungi for many years, which may also explain why they are more likely to suffer from an infection.

Trauma

Finally, when your toenail has been injured in some way, it may also be susceptible to a fungal infection. If a nail is cut, the fungus will be able to invade the toenail bed. Trauma is not the only way that fungi can sneak into the toenail, though. Athletes and people who wear shoes that are ill-fitting or too tight are also creating cracks in their toenails that fungi can sneak into. Infections such as these can be accompanied by other problems such as ingrown toenails.

Again, people with diabetes face an increased risk. As they have less feeling in their feet due to poor circulation, they are more likely to repeatedly injure their toes. This constant damage will continuously create tears in the skin for fungi to get through.

No matter the cause, if you suspect that you might have a toenail infection, it is very important that you seek medical attention immediately. Untreated fungal infections can quickly transform into more serious bacterial infections.

Derma E Tea Tree and E Oil Review

This is a review of Tea Tree and E Oil which is manufactured by Derma E. This product claims to act as an antiseptic and antioxidant for your skin. Read on to find out whether Tea Tree and E Oil is right for you and your symptoms.

 

Ingredients

This oil is a blend of 75% Tea Tree Oil and 25% Vitamin E. Tea tree oil is a very common oil that is used for a wide variety of skin afflictions including cuts, fungal infections, blisters, insect bites, allergic reactions and eczema. It is also used in household cleaning products. Tea tree oil is widely regarded to be an antiseptic as well have antibacterial and anti-fungal properties.

Derma E added Vitamin E to the blend in order to help ease the dryness that tea tree oil can cause. Vitamin E is well renowned for providing moisture to the skin and it is often used in after-sun products.

The ingredients and manufacturing processes offer the following qualities: vegan, GMO- free cruelty-free, sulfate-free, paraben-free, lanolin-free and gluten-free.

Dosage

Derma E states that for general use you should apply the oil to the affected area once a day. However, to remove fungal infections, you will need to apply it twice a day. Make sure that your skin is clean and dry before applying this oil.

Possible Side Effects

This product is intended for external use only. It should not be ingested and it should be kept away from the eyes, nose and mouth.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using this oil.

Tea tree oil is safe to use in low doses on the skin. However, some people may experience dryness or irritation when they use this oil.

Tea tree oil is toxic if ingested. Side effects of ingesting tea tree oil by mouth include confusion, unsteadiness, rash, inability to walk and sometimes a coma.

When combined with lavender oil, tea tree oil may produce abnormal effects on young boys who have not yet gone through puberty. It is possible that these oils may have an effect on the hormones causing abnormal breast growth.

Vitamin E is safe when applied to the skin as long as you do not exceed 15 mg.

Price

The product is for sale by the manufacturer for $14.95. The product is also for sale on Amazon at a reduced price of $12.34 which has been marked down from $13.10.

Guarantee

Derma E offers a 100% money back guarantee that states that you can return their product for a full refund. If the store you bought it at will not accept the return, you may return it directly to Derma E along with the receipt within 45 days of your purchase.

Conclusion

Tea Tree and E Oil by Derma E is a product that claims to provide a solution to a variety of skin ailments including cuts, acne and fungal infections. They offer an inexpensive product and a generous guarantee. However, there is no timeline within which to expect results from this product and using tea tree oil can cause further dryness to the infected area, which may be painful.

Click here to learn more about our Top Athlete’s Foot Treatment Products.

Generic Lotrimin Clotrimazole Anti-Fungal Cream USP Review

By reading this review you can find out all there is to know about a product called Generic Lotrimin Clotrimazole Anti-Fungal Cream USP. Generic Lotrimin Clotrimazole Anti-Fungal Cream USP is a product which claims to efficiently eliminate all traces of fungal infections which typically afflict the feet, such as tinea pedis (athlete’s foot), tinea corporis (ringworm) and tinea cruris (jock itch). The cream also relieves the symptoms associated with these infections, as well as other uncomfortable ailments of the feet such as various rashes, the cracking or irritation of the skin, the sensation of burning, and soreness. Read on to find out more about the ingredients, dosage and price of Generic Lotrimin Clotrimazole Anti-Fungal Cream USP.

Ingredients

  • Clotrimazole (1%)
  • benzyl alcohol
  • cetostearyl alcohol
  • cetyl esters wax
  • octyldodecanol
  • polysorbate 60
  • purified water
  • sorbitan monostearate

The active ingredient of Generic Lotrimin Clotrimazole Anti-Fungal Cream USP is a substance called clotrimazole, which is a synthetic anti-fungal agent designed to eliminate all forms of fungal infections in both humans and animals. Clotrimazole is on the list of the World Health Organization’s list of essential components, and is among the primary anti-fungal agents used in medical science today. The mechanism of function is the inhibition of an enzyme which is essential for the production of fungal cell membranes.

Dosage

The usage instructions for Generic Lotrimin Clotrimazole Anti-Fungal Cream USP are identical to that of any other anti-fungal product. You must thoroughly wash and dry the area you are about to treat. Once the skin has been cleaned sufficiently and has dried, apply a thin layer of Generic Lotrimin Clotrimazole Anti-Fungal Cream USP to the affected area. It is recommended to massage the cream into the skin so that not only the surface of the skin is treated, but the pores as well. When treating an existing infection, make sure to thoroughly apply the cream in between the toes as well. If the infection has survived four weeks of the treatment, it should be shown to a doctor.

Possible Side Effects

Due to the inclusion of certain allergens in the formula of Generic Lotrimin Clotrimazole Anti-Fungal Cream USP, some users may experience skin irritation and rashes after use. The substance should also be kept clear of one’s face, with extra care paid to the eyes. Children under the age of 2 should not be treated with Generic Lotrimin Clotrimazole Anti-Fungal Cream USP due to their sensitive skin, unless explicitly instructed to do so by a doctor.

Price

When purchased through Amazon, a double pack of 1.oz. Generic Lotrimin Clotrimazole Anti-Fungal Cream USP tubes cost $7.98, which is fairly low. Prices may vary when buying from other sellers.

Guarantee

Since the manufacturer does not handle the distribution of Generic Lotrimin Clotrimazole Anti-Fungal Cream USP, there is no universal guarantee policy. Rather, each seller has their own policy.

Conclusion

Generic Lotrimin Clotrimazole Anti-Fungal Cream USP is an effective product with a decent list of ingredients and a great price, but ultimately the risk of side effects and the lack of a guarantee means we suggest looking for a different product.

Click here to learn more about our Top Athlete’s Foot Treatment Products.

3 Ways to Identify Fungal Infections

3 Ways to Identify Fungal Infections

A fungal infection can show up on any part of your body, including your skin, nails, and hair. To start diagnosing the type of fungus that plagues you, you have to figure out what is causing the problem. When you know what the different types of fungus look like, you can stop infections from happening again, and you can prevent more serious, internal infections.

3 Ways to Identify Fungal InfectionsAthlete’s foot strikes people most often. You will usually see this on the skin of your feet. One of the telltale indications that you have athlete’s foot is wetness on the soles of your feet or the skin between your toes. The skin will look puffy and swollen and will also be red. Along with the redness, there may often be an itching or burning sensation.

Usually, you can treat athlete’s foot with over-the-counter medicines. If the infection does not go away after about seven days, you need to call your doctor.

Another common infection is jock itch. This generally arises in the armpits or the groin. It can also strike the skin under the breasts. Usually, this fungal infection is caused due to sweating on hot, humid days or during strenuous exercise. Cornstarch powder can be dusted in the creases or folds of your skin to keep you dry and prevent infection.

Ringworm is most commonly found on children. Kids usually catch it from an animal or coming into contact with someone who is infected. Ringworm usually looks like a circle on the skin. It will usually start as a red bump but then it will grow into the more recognizable circle. Left untreated, it will keep getting bigger. Usually, you can treat ringworm with over-the-counter anti-fungal creams that can be rubbed onto the skin. You will want to continue using the cream for an additional fourteen days after the rash has disappeared. If the ringworm is on the scalp or is all over the body, you may need to see your doctor for oral medication.

3 Ways to Identify Fungal InfectionsKeep an eye on your nails

Infections on your nails are more commonly seen in adults than children. Keep an eye out for the nail thickening. The nail will start to turn a creamy, yellow, or opaque color. If the infection is left untreated for long enough, patches and small streaks may appear, and the color of the nail will get even darker.

People with diabetes or vascular diseases will be more likely to develop a secondary bacterial infection, especially if they often get fungal infections on their skin or in their nails.

Doctors may prescribe 3 months’ worth of oral medication for toenail infections. Medicine need only be taken for 6 weeks to treat fingernail infections.

Consulting your doctor

When in doubt, call your physician. A lot of skin problems may take on the appearance of a fungus, and only your doctor will know the difference and be able to treat your issue accordingly. To diagnose your skin condition, the doctor may use a slide to scrape off some of the infected skin so it can be examined with a microscope. At that point, she can figure out if a fungus is causing your skin issues.

Treating Fungus with Over-the-Counter Medications

Treating Toe Fungus with Over-the-Counter Medications

Athlete’s foot is a common way to describe a fungal infection. What causes it? Generally, you catch athlete’s foot by coming into contact with it at a public swimming pool or communal showers. You see, fungi love moist, warm areas, so they will hang out on a shower floor, just waiting to hop a ride home with you. The fungus that infects your toes is called dermatophytes (commonly known as athlete’s foot), and it usually takes 2 to 6 weeks to get rid of it. Onycomycosis, on the other hand, usually infects your toenails, and it can take as long as a year and a half to cure it.

Below is a list of several over-the-counter medications used to treat athlete’s foot and onycomycosis. It is important for you to check with your doctor before you use one of these if you have a serious illness like diabetes.

Treating Toe Fungus with Over-the-Counter MedicationsTea Tree Oil

The only herbal medication on the list, tea tree oil can be used to treat either onychomycosis or athlete’s foot. As an herbal remedy, it has not yet received FDA approval regarding its effectiveness or safety. As it may interact with other medicines or have side effects, you should consult a physician before trying tea tree oil.

Clotrimazole

To apply the cream, make sure you wear gloves and put it on the infected area twice every day. Make sure you are only using it externally. Side effects are usually minimal but can include itching or burning.

Miconazole

It’s important to note that women who are breastfeeding or pregnant and children younger than 2 should not use miconazole.

Otherwise, miconazole is similar to clotrimazole in that it is used to treat infections on your toes. Remember to wear gloves when you are applying it, which you need to do twice a day. Much like clotrimazole, make sure you are only using this externally. As with many creams, side effects can include a rash or itch.

Treating Toe Fungus with Over-the-Counter MedicationsTerbinafine

Terbinafine needs to be used under the supervision of a physician because of its strength, and since it can negatively interact with other prescription medications. It should not be given to kids under 12. Like the other two creams, you put it on two times each day and need to wear gloves when applying it. Terbinafine is generally considered the best way to treat fungal infection that are in between the toes. However, it does not treat onychomycosis.

Tolnaftate

Tolnaftate comes in powder, spray, gel, or cream form. As with the other medications mentioned, you put it on twice a day, externally only. Itching and skin irritation are common side effects.

Undecylenic Acid

Undecylenic Acid treats athlete’s foot by stopping fungi from growing. As with all of the other medications, you need to wear gloves when applying it two times each day. As with miconazole, diabetics and women who are pregnant or nursing should not use this medication. Itching and stinging are common side effects and are no cause for alarm. If you experience swelling of the tongue, lips, or mouth or if you experience shortness of breath, you need to contact a doctor immediately.

Itchy Toes? What Can it Mean?

Itchy Toes? What Can it Mean?

Have you ever been laying in bed and your feet started itching? Is there a worse feeling than trying to nod off to sleep but the areas between your toes are itching and burning? If you regularly suffer from itchy and dry skin, this could be sign of a fungal infection also known as athlete’s foot. If you don’t treat the infection right away, it will spread to other parts of your body, including your toenails. Once this happens, the infection just gets tougher to treat.

Itchy Toes? What Can It Mean?Description

A careful examination of you toes might clue you in on what is causing the itchiness. Athlete’s foot (also know as Tinea Pedis) and ringworm are fungal infections that will make the skin flaky and red.

Scabies will look like a bumpy red rash. Scabies is actually mites that have taken up residence under your skin.

No matter what you see, you’ll want to call your physician for a proper diagnosis and to ensure you get the right treatment.

Causes

Why do these nasty diseases strike your feet? The answer is that our feet are a great place for fungi to live. There is food and an environment that is perfect for it to grow and thrive. The spaces between our toes are sometimes damp and warm.

Fungi live off nutrients like keratin, that are found in our skin cells. While you will most often find ringworm or athlete’s foot between your toes, dermatophytes, or scabies, can also cause skin to become itchy and dry.

Transmission

As mentioned above, fungi love areas that are warm and damp. They are especially drawn to pools or communal shower floors. Infections are passed among people indirectly when they walk barefoot in locker rooms or public showers. Sharing a towel with someone else is also a bad idea, as it is another way that fungus spreads.

Scabies is generally found in locations where there are lots of people close together, like classrooms or day care centers. Those nasty mites can jump from person to person through towels, clothing, or sheets.

Itchy Toes? What Can It Mean?Treatment

Often, fungal infections are easy to treat with lotions and creams you can buy over-the-counter. Since athlete’s foot can make your skin crack, it is possible for the infection to enter your bloodstream. At this point, you have a bacterial infection to deal with. To treat this, you will need to see your doctor to get a prescription for antibiotics.

This is why it is so important to start treatment right away. Not only can you spread your infection to other people, athlete’s foot and other infections spread easily to other parts of your own body, like nearby toenails and other toes.

With scabies, even after the infection has been treated, you may feel discomfort or itching for weeks after.

Prevention

Luckily, there are many ways to prevent scabies and athlete’s foot. The easiest thing to do is to make sure that you dry your feet completely after getting them wet. It seems obvious, but make sure that you change your socks every day and buy socks made out of wool or cotton, because these are more breathable materials and will keep your feet cool and dry.

Regarding scabies, make sure you do not share bedding, towels, or brushes with people who are infected.

Oral Medications for Athlete’s Foot

Oral Medications for Athlete’s Foot

Athlete’s foot is caused by a fungal or bacterial infection. Symptoms include dry skin, blisters, itching, peeling or flaky skin, or a burning sensation between your toes. Usually, these are treated with an anti-fungal lotion, but for more serious cases you may need to take an oral medication. Some of these medications include:

Itraconazole

This medication is  most often proscribed for oral fungal infections, including infections in the mouth, throat, and lungs. However, it is also used to treat infections in toe and fingernails. Your doctor may prescribe it to you as a liquid, capsule, or tablet, but whatever the form, you need to take the medicine exactly as it is prescribed.

Oral Medications for Athlete's FootThere are possible side effects with Itraconazole. These include a skin rash, headaches, stomach pain, itching, dizziness, constipation, or diarrhea. The effects will normally go away in less than five days, but you need to contact your doctor immediately if they go on for longer or become severe. If you have any of these more dangerous side effects, you need to contact your doctor right away. These include dark colored urine, swelling, extreme weight gain in a short period of time, a change in stool color, fever, nausea, shortness of breath, hearing problems, pain while urinating, or a yellowing of the eyes or skin.

Make sure that you tell your doctor what other medications you are taking because prescriptions containing ergonavine, cisapride, midazolam, lovastatin, and quinidine can negatively interact with itraconazole.

Fluconazole

This medication is like itraconazole in that it is usually used to treat internal infections like those occurring in the stomach, mouth, throat, organs, and vagina. In fact, it is used primarily to cure yeast infections. It will be prescribed as a tablet or liquid and must be taken every day. As with itraconazole, there are a number of side effects that will usually go away after a couple days, including heartburn, stomach pain, diarrhea, or a change in the way food tastes.

Oral Medications for Athlete's FootIf you have any of these serious side effects, you need to call your doctor right away. These dangerous signs include poor appetite, bruising or bleeding, difficulty swallowing or breathing, a yellow tint in the eyes or skin, a rash, or seizures. Again, because of negative drug interactions, you need to inform your doctor of all the medications you take. The ones that are particularly bad to take with fluconazole include zidovudine, terfenadine, stall, rifampin, valproic acid, and warfarin. If you are on any of these, your doctor may change the dose of fluconazole accordingly.

Terbinafine

Finally, the drug most commonly used to treat athlete’s foot or other fungal infections on the finger or toenails is terbinafine.

Your doctor will prescribe this in the form of a tablet that you need to take every day for 3 months. As with all medications, there may be side effects. The ones generally associated with terbinafine include hives, rash, itching, and stomach pain. If they do not go away after a few weeks, you need to contact your doctor. If you experience any of these dangerous side effects, you need to contact your doctor right away. These include a severe rash, sore throat, fever, dark urine, a change in stool color, a sore throat, vomiting, or extreme fatigue.

Medical Treatment for Athlete’s Foot

Medical Treatment for Athlete’s Foot

See a Doctor

If you think you may have athlete’s foot, otherwise known as tinea pedis, it is important to see your doctor for a proper diagnosis. Your medical provider will ask you to discuss any previous infections and describe your current symptoms. Make sure you provide a complete history.

Your doctor might take a nail or skin sample if your symptoms look unusual or if this is a returning infection. He or she will obtain this sample by using a microscope slide to lightly scratch your skin. Your doctor may also trim your nails for a sample. Laboratory tests will be performed to confirm and identify the fungus.

A biopsy may be performed, but only in very rare cases.

Medical Treatment for Athlete's FootTreatment

To start, your doctor may recommend using an over-the-counter anti-fungal ointment like terbinafine, clotrimazole, tolnaftate, or miconazole. These are all creams that you will apply to the infected areas.

The next step will be to try prescription antifungal medications. Some are applied topically, like butenafine, naftifine, and clotrimazole. Oral antifungals include itraconazole, fluconazole, and terbinafine. These are taken in a capsule form.

Usually, your doctor won’t prescribe an oral anti-fungal because they may cause serious side effects and are quite expensive.

As with all antibiotics, even if you think the infection is gone, you must follow your doctor’s orders and take the medicine exactly as prescribed. If you don’t, there’s a good chance the infection will resurface.

Types of Athlete’s Foot

There are a few different types of athlete’s foot. They include:

  1. Toe Web: The most common infection, it usually occurs between your toes. If you think you have toe web, use nonprescription antifungals and dry and clean your feet often.
  2. Moccasin-type infections: These are so-named because your skin takes on a scaly, thick look, much like the skin of a snake. This type of infection is really hard to eradicate because it’s on the foot’s sole where the skin is really thick. Since it is difficult to get rid of, you may need a prescription anti-fungal ointment.
  3. Blisters: Also known as vesicular infections, these are usually on your instep. They will also sometimes occur on the top of the foot, the bottom of your foot, heel, or between the toes. This could also be caused by bacteria, but it is very uncommon. Since it is more serious:
    1. The blister may need to be removed.
    2. You or your doctor will have to dry the blister out. You can usually do this by using a Burow’s solution to soak your feet for a few days. After the blister is dry, you can use an anti-fungal cream.
    3. If the infection is caused by bacteria, you’ll need to take an antibiotic as well.
    4. If your infection is really bad, your medical provider may also give you corticosteroid pills.

Recurrence

There are a number of reasons that athlete’s foot may return. As discussed above, if you do not take your medicine as prescribed, you are increasing the chance of the infection returning. The other issue may be that you are  not doing enough to prevent the fungal infection.Medical Treatment for Athlete's Foot

The ways to prevent a fungal infection are:

  1. Let your feet breathe by wearing shoes or sandals.
  2. Always dry the area between your toes.
  3. Go barefoot as much as possible when you’re at home.
  4. Change your socks whenever they get damp.
  5. Powder your feet with an anti-fungal powder or talcum.
  6. Let your shoes air out at least every other day.
  7. Wear flip flops when you’re at a public pool or shower.

Final Thoughts

Many don’t get their athlete’s foot treated because they don’t notice it or are not bothered by the symptoms. However, the longer you let the infection linger, the higher the chance that you may get a bacterial infection that will require medical treatment.

Also, keep in mind that if you have an infection, you may be spreading it to others.

Baza Antifungal Moisture Barrier Antifungal Cream Review

This is a review of Moisture Barrier Antifungal Cream which is manufactured by Baza Antifungal. This cream claims to stop fungal growth and also relieve the uncomfortable symptoms associated with fungal infections. Read on to learn if this product is right for you and your symptoms.

 

Ingredients

The active ingredient in Baza’s Antifungal Moisture Barrier Cream is Miconazole Nitrate (2%). This is a common ingredient in products used to treat skin afflictions such as athlete’s foot, ringworm and other types of fungal infections. This drug is said to work by stopping the growth of new fungus so that the existing infection does not get worse.

Dosage

This product should be applied twice a day to the affected area after it has been thoroughly cleansed and dried. It is important to follow the directions and use this medicine as prescribed. After you apply the medicine, wash your hands thoroughly. Make sure not to bandage or cover the affected area unless you have been instructed to do so. Use this product until you finished the prescribed amount. Stopping treatment early may result in the infection returning.  Baza claims that this product is suitable for babies and the elderly.

Possible Side Effects

This medication is used for topical purposes only and should be kept away from the eyes, nose and mouth. Do not use the cream inside of the vagina when trying to treat fungal infections.

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before using this product.

There are side effects of this supplement and they may include burning, swelling, stinging, or red and irritated skin on the area where you applied the cream. If any of the symptoms occur, stop using it and tell your doctor or pharmacist.

If you are allergic to other antifungal medications, ask your doctor before using this product.

It is possible to have an allergic reaction to this product, though it is rare. If you notice that you have any sever swelling, rashes, dizziness or trouble breathing, seek medical help immediately because you may be having an allergic reaction.

Price

The price listed on Amazon for a 5 oz tube of Moisture Barrier Antifungal Cream is $13.49. This price is discounted from the RRP of $27.58.

Guarantee

There is no guarantee listed on any website by the manufacturer. For full details, ask the retailer you are purchasing the product from about their return policy. There are many positive reviews posted by customers on Amazon who have used this product specifically for fungal infections.

Conclusion

Baza Antifungal’s Moisture Barrier Antifungal Cream claims to provide relief from the symptoms of fungal infections and prevent them from spreading. However, there is no guarantee for this product and this product may be very expensive when it is not on sale. The manufacturer also does not provide a timeline for how long this product  may take to work so you may end up using it for several weeks before realizing that it is has had no effect on your infection.

Click here to learn more about our Top Athlete’s Foot Treatment Products.

Avoiding Athlete’s Foot

Avoiding Athlete’s Foot at the Salon

Most people think of athlete’s foot as something that only affects athletic people. However, anyone can get it. Athlete’s foot is caused by a fungus or bacteria that attacks the skin between our toes and the soles of our feet. Commons signs are sensitive, dry, or red skin. Warm, moist environments are perfect for these fungi to grow.

Avoiding Athlete's Foot at the SalonHow can I get it at a salon? 

The last thing most of us are thinking about when we’re having a relaxing day at the spa is contracting athlete’s foot, but it’s a more common place to get it than you may think. In fact, it’s the only disease you’re likely to pick up at a nail salon. People catch this nasty bacteria when the spa does not properly sanitize tools or whirlpools.

When you’re at a nail salon, it’s possible that the person before you was infected. Workers have to make sure that they thoroughly clean the equipment and foot tubs so that athlete’s foot does not jump from one customer to the next. However, it is tough to get rid of the fungus, so salons need to properly train their workers in appropriate disinfecting practices. When you’re at a salon, don’t be shy about asking how they clean the equipment.

How do I prevent it?

While it’s unlikely that you’ll catch athlete’s foot at home, there are still some precautions you should take. Make sure you wear dry-wick socks because they are less likely to make your feet sweat. Disinfect your shoes with a spray or anti-fungal foot powder. Also, keep your feet as dry as possible by taking off your shoes as often as you can.

On the other hand, avoid walking around barefoot in public places, especially swimming pools, saunas, and public showers.

If you’re going to a new salon, and you’re not sure how they disinfect their equipment, consider bringing your own tools.

Symptoms

If you did not take the above precautions, and you’re worried thatbyou may have aAthlete’s foot, look for these symptoms:

  • Avoiding Athlete's Foot at the SalonBlisters
  • Itching and burning feet
  • Extremely dry soles
  • Redness or calluses
  • Skin peeling from your foot

How do I get rid of it?

There are medicated powders that can help cure the infection. Usually, you will be prescribed either Miconazole or Tolnaftate.

Some also treat themselves by concocting a remedy made of 20% white vinegar and 80% water. If you soak your feet in this for 10 minutes every day, you can kill the bacteria.

Another important part of treatment is anti-fungal creams. There are a lot of options, so you will want to ask your doctor which one she recommends. Some of the options are terbinafine, clotrimazole, econazole nitrate, and shampoos with ketoconazole. There are side effects, so you will want to discuss your medical history with your doctor.

One last thing

Don’t forget about your toenails. A lot of people get infected or reinfected because they ignore their nails. Infections can get under your nails just as easily as they can get on your foot. Know in advance that it’s tougher to get rid of nail fungus. It can take up to three or four months.