Wipe your feet thoroughly after bathing or showering
Maceration and humid heat are factors that encourage the growth of fungi and, consequently, fungal infections. Try to avoid taking overly long baths, as this could weaken your skin and make you more susceptible to fungal infections.
It is important to dry your toes and the spaces between them thoroughly after a shower or bath to protect your feet and prevent infections, which can develop both under the nail and between the toes. In this case, the condition is known as intertrigo.
Reduce foot perspiration
Foot perspiration leads to maceration.
To minimise perspiration, change your socks every day and, where possible, opt for natural fibres such as cotton, which has the advantage of absorbing moisture in summer.
When taking part in a sport, choose socks made from breathable fabric that are suitable for your sport. Wool, for example, is a temperature-regulating material, making it perfect for winter sports such as skiing. After your session, try showering and changing socks quickly to limit maceration.
For everyday wear, other materials such as linen or cashmere help wick away excess sweat and keep your feet dry.
Take care of your hands and feet
Very often, unhealthy lifestyle habits contribute to weakening the nails.
To prevent fungal infections, remember to cut your nails regularly. This will reduce the risk of pressure and breakage, which are the best friends of fungi.
You should also limit your use of nail varnish and nail varnish remover, and protect your hands when using household cleaning products.
Finally, do not use disinfectant or bleach to clean your feet: this could damage the skin flora that protects your skin. Our hands and feet are rarely a priority in our daily lives, but do remember to look after them a bit more to keep them healthy.
Choose the right shoes
Fungal infections can also be transmitted through contact with contaminated areas, so make sure you wear protective shoes or slippers if you are likely to visit places where infection is likely: swimming pools, gyms and saunas. In these places, try to wear sandals or flip-flops to minimise contact with the ground.
Choosing the right shoes for everyday wear can help reduce the risk of fungal infections or minor nail injuries.
Make sure you don’t wear shoes made of synthetic or plastic materials – which make your feet sweat – too often.
Finally, avoid flimsy or undersized shoes, as they won’t provide enough protection for your feet against knocks or rubbing that could damage your toenails. Instead, opt for open-toed shoes or shoes that are as well-ventilated as possible, and avoid wearing the same pair of shoes two days in a row to allow time for sweat to dry out.
Treat your shoes to prevent the development of fungi
When one of your toenails is infected with a fungus, it will contaminate your shoes, and the fungus can survive there for up to 20 months in some cases¹! Remember to clean your trainers regularly, as after repeated use they can harbour bacteria and fungi.
As a preventative measure, to avoid re-infection and the spread of infection to other toenails, it is important to protect your feet and shoes using URGO Fungal Infection Prevention Spray. This cleansing spray protects the nail by preventing the growth of fungi.
Reduce the risk of infecting those around you
If you have a fungal nail infection, the surfaces you touch become contaminated.
Therefore, avoid sharing your bath towel with anyone else. As fungi are highly contagious, using your own towel will reduce the risk of infecting those around you. You can also use a towel just for your feet.
Throughout the course of treatment for a fungal nail infection, make sure you wash your towels, bath mats and socks regularly in the washing machine at 60°C. These high-temperature washes will eradicate the fungi responsible for the infection.
The URGO product you need: URGO foot and shoe fungal infection prevention spray
URGO solutions to restore healthy and beautiful nails
URGO offers solutions for treating damaged nails and nails affected by onychomycosis. If your nails are damaged by fungal infections or injury, URGO Filmogel® Damaged Nails2 is the go-to treatment that’s quick and easy to use: just one application a day, with no need to file your nails. This liquid nail dressing cleanses, regenerates and protects the nails.
As an alternative treatment for fungal nail infections, you can also use URGO Filmogel® Express Fungal Treatment3. This solution penetrates the structure of the nail to treat the fungal infection deep down, strengthens the nail and promotes healthy regrowth. What’s more, its formula quickly improves the appearance of the nail without simply masking the problem – a real advantage, given that a toenail takes between 12 and 18 months to grow back completely and regain its normal appearance.
Finally, if you want to conceal your fungal infection straight away and for 72 hours, try URGO Filmogel® Fungal Infection 2-in-14. Its formula treats the fungal infection whilst concealing its unsightly appearance.
The sooner treatment for fungal nail infection begins, the more effective it will be. Regularly monitor the appearance of your nails for signs of infection. The nail is considered to have healed once it has grown back completely and is healthy. Treatment for toenail fungus takes approximately 8 months, and 4 months for fingernail fungus. So be patient and respect the duration of the treatment.
Before using this product, or if you have any doubts, consult your doctor or ask your pharmacist for advice on how to use it.
If you notice that the fungal infection is widespread, that your nail is lifting, that these remedies are ineffective, or if you have a condition affecting your immune system, consult your doctor, who will be able to help you find the best treatment for nail fungus.