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Toenail fungus is caused by an infection that starts deep in the toenail bed. The fungus make its way through a cut or wound in the toe and travels towards the nail bed. The fungus causes the blackening of the toe nail and sometimes can be very severe and hence painful.
It is important to treat the infection in its nascent stages, because if the fungus is allowed to spread unchecked it could lead to complete loss of the toe and further complications. Therefore to begin with you must keep your feet cool, dry at all times and more importantly clean. Try wearing cotton socks instead of synthetic ones as the cotton will help better absorb sweat and also provide better air circulation.
Make sure to keep your nail short and file any areas that are too thick. Avoid at all cost the use of the nail trimmer that has been used for the infected toe. This mistake will allow the spread of the infection to the healthy toes as well.
Make sure to always wear clean socks and use an antifungal powder when potting on your socks in order to help keep your feet dry and free from further infection. Avoid wearing shoes that are narrow in the front and hence allow your toes to press against each other. Do not walk around bare foot in public places like locker rooms or public showers. These preventive measures will help protect your feet from further infection and also reduce the symptoms of the infection.
There are medications that are available without the requirement of a prescription and are somewhat effective in treating the infection. These medications are usually in the form of a topical cream. if the infection is severe than you may have to obtain a prescription form a doctor for a stronger medication but this should be done only if the infection is very severe.
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