Experts state that individuals with weak immune systems, diabetes patients, the elderly, athletes, and occupational groups who have to work in constantly wet environments are prone to nail fungus, adding that nail fungus has also been frequently observed in long-haul truck drivers in recent clinical practices.
Podologist Muharrem Tosun, noting that to prevent the spread of nail fungus, feet should be washed daily and dried very thoroughly, common use of socks and slippers at home should be avoided, and nail care tools should not be shared with others, said, “To prevent nail fungus, cotton, bamboo, and silver-infused socks should be worn. Additionally, shoes should be well-ventilated, and the same pair of shoes should not be worn continuously for many days.”
Lecturer Muharrem Tosun from Üsküdar University Vocational School of Health Services, Podology Program, shared important information about the causes, risk groups, treatment methods, and prevention of nail fungus.
Dermatophytes are the main cause of nail fungus
Podologist Muharrem Tosun stated that nail fungus is usually caused by fungus species called “Dermatophytes,” with the most common ones being Trichophyton rubrum and Trichophyton mentagrophytes, adding that these fungi settle under the nail and cause infection.
Who is more susceptible?
Podologist Muharrem Tosun stated that individuals more susceptible to nail fungus include those with weak immune systems, diabetes patients, the elderly, athletes, and occupational groups who have to work in constantly wet environments (e.g., cleaning workers), adding, “Furthermore, in our recent clinical practices, we frequently encounter nail fungus in long-haul truck drivers,” drawing attention to a new risk group.
What are the treatment methods?
Podologist Muharrem Tosun stated that the most common treatment methods for nail fungus are topical antifungal creams (lacquers), oral antifungal medications, laser therapy, and a mechanical cleaning procedure called curettage performed with burrs, adding, “Podologists perform mechanical cleaning with burrs and apply medical treatment methods to treat nail fungus. Our aim here is to remove the fungal tissue from the nail and ensure that the remaining nail grows healthily. A multidisciplinary study conducted with relevant physicians will ensure the process progresses much faster and healthier.”
Hygiene rules are vital
Podologist Muharrem Tosun, noting that nail fungus is most often seen on the feet, listed the hygiene measures that should be taken to prevent its spread as follows:
“Feet should be washed daily and dried very thoroughly (especially between the toes). Shared use of socks and slippers at home should be avoided, and nail care tools should not be shared with others.
To prevent nail fungus, feet and hands should be washed regularly, and prolonged stays in humid environments should be avoided. Nails should be cut hygienically, and support should be sought from podologists in this regard. Cotton, bamboo, and silver-infused socks should be worn. Additionally, shoes should be well-ventilated, and the same pair of shoes should not be worn continuously for many days.”
Things to consider in common use areas
Emphasizing that in common use areas such as saunas, gyms, and pools, personal slippers should always be used to protect against nail fungus, feet should be thoroughly dried after using the pool and sauna, and hygienic areas should be preferred, Podologist Tosun warned, “Additionally, walking barefoot in communal showers should be avoided.”
Untreated nail fungus reduces quality of life
Podologist Muharrem Tosun stated that long-untreated nail fungus can seriously reduce a person's quality of life, adding, “As a result of untreated nail fungus, thickened nails can lead to the deterioration of the nail bed, thus causing nail deformation and ingrown nails. This situation can cause pain in the person's toe and impair their gait, negatively affecting their social life. Furthermore, this unsightly appearance of the nails can also lead to a loss of self-confidence. Since there is also a risk of nail fungus spreading to the skin, if treatment is delayed, itching between the toes and on the feet may occur, which also reduces the quality of life.”
Treatment requires patience
Podologist Muharrem Tosun stated that the reason nail fungus is more common on the feet is that fungi find it easier to live in dark and humid environments, and emphasized the importance of not leaving feet moist, concluding his words as follows:
“I would especially like to point out that nail fungus treatment is a long process requiring patience. Sometimes this process can even take 1-1.5 years. During this period, individuals should pay close attention to their personal hygiene and fulfill the tasks and responsibilities given by doctors and podologists.”