11 Strategies to Treat Toenail Fungus for a Senior
Toenail fungus is a common infection that affects the toenails of seniors and others. It is caused by a type of fungus called dermatophytes. The infection can cause the nails to become thick, brittle, and discolored. In severe cases, toenail fungus can lead to pain and swelling in the feet.
There are several ways to treat toenail fungus suffered by seniors, which are discussed in this article. In this article, we discuss 11 ways in which a senior can combat toenail fungus, help you get rid of the fungus, and restore your healthy nails:
- Keep feet clean and dry
- Use footwear that permits your feet to breathe
- Apply topical antifungal to affected toenails
- Soak feet in an antifungal solution
- Trim nails regularly
- Use moisturizer
- Treat underlying conditions
- Get plenty of rest
- Eat a proper diet
- Avoid going barefoot in public places
- See a doctor
Keep Feet Clean and Dry
Toenail fungus thrives in moist environments. One of the best ways for a senior to prevent toenail fungus is to keep feet dry and clean. This means taking care to dry feet thoroughly after showering or bathing. It also necessitates washing feet every day with soap and water. A senior may also want to consider using a foot powder or spray to help keep feet dry.
Use Breathable Footwear
One of the best ways to prevent toenail fungus is to wear breathable footwear. Breathable footwear is as the name suggests. It is footwear that allows your feet to breathe. This is important because when your feet sweat, the moisture can create an ideal environment for fungus to grow. Breathable footwear helps keep your feet dry to prevent the growth of toenail fungus.
Wear socks and shoes that allow your feet to breathe. Tight shoes and socks can create a warm, moist environment that promotes fungal growth.
There are various breathable footwear options available, including sandals, sneakers, and shoes made from natural materials like leather or canvas. If you’re looking for a new pair of shoes, be sure to choose a style that is breathable. You may also want to consider wearing socks with your shoes in order to maximize airflow. If you already have toenail fungus, wearing breathable footwear can help improve your symptoms.
Topical Antifungal
If you are a senior looking for an effective way to prevent toenail fungus, topical antifungals may be the answer. These medications are available in a variety of forms, including creams, gels, and liquids, and are applied directly to the toenails.
One of the most popular topical antifungals is terbinafine (Lamisil), which is available over the counter or by prescription. Other prescription medications that may be used to treat fungus include ciclopirox (Penlac) and efinaconazole (Jublia).
It’s important to consult with your doctor before using a topical antifungal medication, as they may not be appropriate for everyone. Additionally, it’s important to follow the instructions carefully and continue using the medication even after the fungus has cleared up to prevent it from coming back.
Antifungal Solution
If you are an older woman or man currently suffering from toenail fungus, you may be wondering if there is a way to treat it. Fortunately, there is a solution that can help: soaking your feet in an antifungal solution. This article will explain how to do this and provide some tips on how to get the best results.
To soak your feet in an antifungal solution, you will need to gather some supplies. These include:
- A container large enough to fit both of your feet
- Antifungal solution (such as tea tree oil, lavender oil, or hydrogen peroxide)
- Hot water
- Soap
- Towel
Once you have gathered all of the supplies, fill the container with hot water and add soap. Submerge your feet in the water and soak for 10-15 minutes. Then, add the antifungal solution and soak it for an additional 10 minutes. Finally, dry your feet off with a towel.
It is important to note that this treatment should be done on a regular basis in order to be effective. Try doing it once a day for one week, then twice a week for the next two weeks, and finally once a week thereafter.
Trim Nails
If you’re experiencing toenail fungus, there are a few things you can do to help combat the infection. One of those things is to trim your nails regularly. This will help keep the area clean and dry, and it will also make it more difficult for the fungus to grow.
Use Moisturizer
Another thing that a senior can do to prevent nail fungus is to use a good quality moisturizer. A good moisturizer will help keep your skin hydrated, which will help reduce the risk of fungal infection. There are many different types of moisturizers available, so you should be able to find one that works for you.
Treat Underlying Condition
Treat any underlying conditions that may be contributing to the fungal infection. Diabetes, athlete’s foot, and other skin conditions can increase your risk of developing toenail fungus. As will be further discussed in a moment, a senior will need to make an appointment with a doctor to ascertain if an underlying condition is the case of toenail fungus.
Get Plenty of Rest
Get plenty of sleep. Lack of sleep can weaken your immune system and make you more susceptible to infection.
Specifically, a lack of sleep can also have a negative impact on a senior’s health. When someone is sleep deprived, their body is not able to function at its full potential. This can lead to a number of health problems, including obesity, heart disease, and even infections like toenail fungus.
It is important to get enough sleep each night in order to stay healthy and feel your best. If you are having trouble sleeping, there are a number of things you can do to help yourself relax and get more restful sleep.
Eat a Proper Diet
If you’re looking for ways to prevent toenail fungus, a proper diet is one of the best ways to do so. Some foods that are known to help include garlic, onions, and ginger. These foods help to boost the immune system, which can help to fight off any potential fungus. Additionally, it’s important to make sure you’re drinking plenty of water and avoiding sugary drinks, as they can contribute to the development of fungus.
Avoid Going Barefoot in Public Spaces
Avoid going barefoot in public places whenever possible. Fungi thrive in humid environments like locker rooms and public pools. In order to prevent toenail fungus, it is best to wear shoes or sandals when you are out and about. If you have to go barefoot, make sure to dry your feet thoroughly after washing them.
See a Doctor
Finally, if you are a senior, see a doctor if a toenail infection does not improve with treatment measures. In addition, if you’re not sure whether you have a fungus infection, see your doctor. Nail fungus can be tricky to diagnose because it shares symptoms with other conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema. Your doctor will examine your nails and may take a sample of the fungus to test.