A nail fungal infection can affect both toenails and fingernails, but it most commonly occurs in the toenails. In its beginning stages, you may not even realize that you have a nail fungal infection, but as it progresses, the condition becomes obvious. The signs of a nail fungal infection include nail thickening, white, yellow, or green discoloration of the nail, and dry, brittle, peeling nails.

Having dry, discolored, brittle nails makes it impossible to wear sandals, flip-flops, or to go barefoot. Even when wearing closed toed shoes, just knowing that you have a nail fungal infection can affect your self-esteem and sense of overall well-being.

The condition is even more detrimental to your sense of well being when occurs in the fingernails. This is because you use hands for all activities of daily living and there is no way to hide the infection unless you wear gloves. Wearing gloves looks odd when you are indoors, or when it is not wintertime.

A nail fungal infection, especially one in the fingernails, is a cosmetic problem that can wreak havoc with your appearance. It can make you feel incredibly self-conscious and make leave you wanting to remain in your home, away from public scrutiny. It can affect your appearance at work and at social gatherings and can cause you to lose your self-confidence when out in public or even in your own home.

The best way to prevent you from experiencing such difficult social situations and to keep you healthy overall is to make sure that you don’t get a nail fungal infection. These simple measures can help keep your toenails and fingernails healthy.

• Keep your hands and feet clean
• Don’t wear other people’s socks or shoes
• Don’t share your nail files or nail clippers
• Cut your toenails straight across
• Avoid cutting your toenails and fingernails too short
• Don’t keep your feet wet or moist for very long
• Keep your hands and feet dry as much as possible
• Wear cotton socks on your feet to improve absorbency
• Change your socks often, at least twice a day, especially if you engage in sports or exercise that causes your feet to sweat
• Wear flip-flops or water shoes when at swimming pools or when you are exposed to water for prolonged periods

Nail fungal infections occur more often in the summertime when it is more common for people to spend long periods in the warm sun, in wet environments such as swimming pools, beaches, lakes, and rivers. Engaging in regular physical activities such as sports can also increase your risk of developing a nail fungal infection.

If you develop a nail fungal infection, don’t lose hope. There are effective over-the-counter and prescription treatments that can heal the infection and leave you with healthy toenails and fingernails.

Following the suggestions outlined here on a daily basis will help you keep your hands and feet clean, dry, and healthy, and will help you avoid the growth of the bacteria causes nail fungal infections.