Women Should Watch for Fungal Nails, Too

Many people associate foot or nail fungal infections with poor hygiene and nasty, sweaty feet—which some women tend to think of as mostly male issues. Fungal toenails don’t discriminate, however, and can strike anyone. They aren’t a hygiene issue, either, so even a woman with clean and beautiful nails could potentially develop the problem if she is exposed to the infection and her toes foster the right environment. That’s why women need to watch for fungal nails just as much as men.

Fungal toenails are a common nail infection that can affect anyone. They’re caused by a microorganism that exists all over in nature and thrives in almost any warm, damp place. Contact with the fungal cells can transfer them to your feet, where they can get into your skin and under your nails through tiny micro-cuts or separations between nails and the nail beds. Then all it takes is the right environment and the infection can thrive.

Risks for Fungal Infection

While maintaining good foot hygiene can help you avoid the problem, your pedicures, nail polish, and shoe habits can put you at risk for the infection. A spa that doesn’t clean or disinfect their tool and foot baths properly can easily pass one person’s fungus on to you. Fungal cells can get trapped in nail polish and end up on your toes. Sharing shoes with others or not allowing your favorite pair to dry out between uses can share infections or foster a fungus-friendly environment.

All this means is that it’s easy to develop fungal nails if you aren’t careful, so women need to pay close attention to their nail health. Watch your nails for changes and get anything unusual checked. Our team at The Kansas Foot Center is happy to help you prevent an infection and keep your toenails as beautiful as possible. If you’re concerned about your nails, or just want more help keeping them healthy, contact our Wichita, KS, office today for an appointment. You can reach us online or by calling (866) 222-5177. And if you would like to learn more about laser treatment for fungal nails, simply download our free guide.