How To Navigate Nail Fungus Treatment and Still Crush Your Day
Living with nail fungus can be a real hassle. It’s not just about your nail’s unsightly appearance. Nail fungus can mess with your day-to-day life. From discomfort and pain to the embarrassment of showing your toes in public, nail fungus is something no one wants to deal with. However, treating nail fungus takes time. It’s not like snapping your fingers and seeing instant results. While waiting for the nail fungus treatment to work its magic, you must find a way to survive and thrive while the fungus hangs around. Whether battling nail fungus at work, home, or out and about, these tips can help you stay on top of everything while waiting for those nails to clear up. Here are the 10 ways to survive nail fungus while undergoing treatment.
- Manage discomfort
- Choose breathable footwear
- Consider cosmetic solutions
- Seek support
- Keep your feet clean and dry
- Practice good nail hygiene
- Maintain a healthy diet
- Practice patience
- Protect your nails
- Follow treatment recommendations
Let’s discuss each of these tips in more detail.
1. Manage discomfort
For some people, nail fungus brings a lot of discomfort. Every step they take feels like a tiny pinch or itch, and wearing shoes becomes an exercise in endurance. So, what can you do about it? Well, you don’t have to suffer in silence while getting treatment for nail fungus. If you experience pain or itching, take over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory medication. While they don’t help treat the nail fungus, they can ensure you survive it by taking the edge off and making walking around more bearable. You can consult your healthcare provider for more tips and medications to help soothe your achy and itchy toes.
2. Choose breathable footwear
While undergoing treatment for nail fungus infection, breathable footwear will be your new best friend. Firstly, what do we mean when we say a shoe is breathable? Well, it’s all about the materials. Think airy fabrics like leather or canvas that let your feet breathe rather than trapping them in a sweaty sauna. The nail fungus won’t go away unless your feet get a break from all the moisture. Breathable shoes are essential because they ensure your feet stay dry, meaning the fungi are less likely to stick around.
When picking the perfect pair of shoes, look for style and substance. Buy shoes made from breathable materials like leather, canvas, or mesh. Ensure they fit nicely and aren’t too snug. Your toes must have some wiggle room to prevent moisture buildup.
3. Consider cosmetic solutions
If your nails are discolored due to nail fungus, sprucing them up can help them look better. Colorful nail polish can hide the not-so-glamorous signs of a nail fungus infection. A pop of color can distract the eye and camouflage the appearance of the affected nails as you get OTC nail fungus treatment, giving you a confidence boost whenever you need to wear open-toed shoes.
4. Seek support
Living with nail fungus can be a real downer. It can mess with your confidence and self-esteem. If you feel blue because of your nail fungus, you can seek support from friends and family. It’s normal to feel frustrated and discouraged, especially if it looks like your nails are not healing fast enough. However, keeping those feelings bottled up inside can make things worse. Reach out to your friends for encouragement and understanding. Don’t underestimate the power of emotional support when dealing with infections that mess with your self-esteem. Having someone to lean on can make all the difference in how you cope with the stigma and stress of treatment.
5. Keep your feet clean and dry.
Keeping your feet clean and dry is essential when managing your nail fungus like a pro. This is because nail fungus loves a warm and moist environment. So, if you’ve been hitting the pool or taking a nice long soak in the tub, dry your feet thoroughly afterward. Pay special attention to the spaces between your toes when drying your feet, as that’s where moisture hangs out a lot.
6. Practice good nail hygiene.
Even when going through toenail fungus treatment, you must give your nails extra TLC to ensure you manage the whole situation. Keep your nails clean and trimmed to prevent gunk from hanging around and worsening your fungus situation. Secondly, trim the nails gently using a clean pair of clippers. Cut the nails straight across and gently file down any rough edges to keep your nails smooth. Use a soft brush to clean under your toenails to get rid of any dirt or debris that might be lurking there. And whatever you do, don’t share your nail clippers with anyone to ensure you don’t spread the fungus to other people.
7. Maintain a healthy diet
When dealing with nail fungus, you must fuel your body with healthy nutrients. What you eat plays a significant role in supporting your immune system and helping the fungus disappear faster. Think of your plate as your secret weapon in the battle against nail fungus. Load it with plenty of vegetables, lean proteins, fruits, and whole grains. These foods are packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help give your immune system the boost it needs to get rid of the fungus. Foods to add to your grocery list include spinach, chicken, fish, berries, nuts, brown rice, and quinoa. These foods will support your immune system in the fight against nail fungus.
8. Practice patience
Nail fungus treatment takes time to work. We’re talking weeks, maybe even months before you start seeing progress. And we get it – waiting sucks. Especially when dealing with something as annoying as nail fungus. However, patience is crucial. Stick with the treatment regimen, even if it looks like you’re not getting anywhere. Gradual improvement is typical when treating nail fungus, but slow and steady wins the race. Don’t get discouraged if you’re not seeing immediate results. Hang in there, and before you know it, you’ll be on your way to clear and healthy nails.
9. Protect your nails
Another tip to follow is to keep your nails safe when treating nail fungus, especially if you are into sports or other activities that can be rough on your nails. Nail fungus is already causing enough trouble as it is. The last thing you need is to bang up your nails even more. That’s where protective footwear comes in handy. Whether you’re hitting the basketball court, going for a run, or just doing some exercise, wearing the right shoes can make all the difference. Look for footwear that provides plenty of support and cushioning to help absorb shock and prevent your nails from getting banged up. And don’t be afraid to get creative with the nail protection. If you need to, get toe caps or protective covers to give your nails an extra layer of defense.
10. Follow treatment recommendations
Always follow the treatment recommendations to the letter. Whether you’re using OTC toenail fungus treatment or medication prescribed by your doctor, sticking to the plan is essential to kicking the nail fungus to the curb. It’s crucial to note that treatment instructions are carefully crafted to help you get rid of the fungus quickly and effectively. So, don’t skip any steps or cut any corners. This will give you the best chance of saying goodbye to nail fungus for good.
Conclusion
The tips we’ve discussed we’ll help you cope and thrive while getting treatment for toenail fungus. Nothing will stop you from living your best life and crushing each day – fungus and all. Sure, dealing with nail fungus can be a pain, but don’t let it hold you back. Keep on keeping on, stay consistent with your treatment, and before you know it, you’ll be saying goodbye to nail fungus and hello to clear, healthy nails.