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Did you know that excessive sweating on the feet is one of the causes of the proliferation of nail fungus?

Onychomycosis is an infection of the nails. It is more frequent on the Feet due to the exposure to humid and hot environments to which they are normally subjected. It is extremely important to clean between the toes after bathing, to avoid shoes and to wear cotton wool socks.
Onychomycosis can cause changes in the colour, texture and shape of the nail.

How to identify the problem?

• It starts as a small spot, which gets bigger;
• The colour changes, becoming whitish or yellowish;
• It becomes thicker and dull;
• A flour-like deposit forms under the nail;
• It loses its shape and may become fragile and break;
• It may cause discomfort and even pain;
• May cause a bad smell and itching.

As soon as you detect any of the above symptoms, you should contact your Podiatrist.

That way, you will be correctly diagnosed before starting treatment.

Podiatrist Cristina Costa has listed some tips to prevent onychomycoses from developing:

1. Applying a shoe cleaning spray to prevent the proliferation of viruses, fungi and bacteria;
2. Adapt the footwear to the type of activity, to avoid maceration or trauma to the nails.
3. Alternate the footwear to allow for proper ventilation and drying of the footwear materials
4. Avoid tight shoes, avoiding microtraumatisms or subungual hematomas which promote the accommodation of fungus
5. Carry out a correct cut of the nails, avoiding inflammations and detachments which will become doors for the fungus to enter;
6. Do not apply moisturizing creams to the nails. Many times they contain sugars which promote the development of fungus;
7. Use neutral substances to clean the feet in order to balance the pH of the skin of the foot;
8. Whenever you go to humid places like changing rooms or swimming pools, apply disinfectant, preferably in spray, after bathing
9. Include foods rich in minerals in your diet, in order to ensure greater resistance of the nails.