Athlete's Foot Is A Fungal Infection

Toe Nail Fungus

Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection of the feet and is also referred to as ringworm, this is a clinical condition and the medical term is tinea pedis. It is a common, contagious skin infection and occurs when a fungus grows (usually) between the toes but it can infect the soles of the feet. A toenail fungus infection is called Onychomycosis, or ringworm of the nail.

Athlete foot infections are not limited to athletes!

You are susceptible to an athlete’s foot infection when you come into direct contact with contaminated surfaces, have continually wet feet or injure your nail. Athlete’s foot spreads rapidly in communally used areas such as showers and swimming pools. It can also be passed on by other people who have the infection, so don’t share their towels, shoes, socks or anything else.

Perfect Pedicure

Picture this – it’s the beginning of summer and you’ve got the dress, the hair, and the shoes... But wait! Have you checked your toes? Nothing ruins the effect of a beautiful pair of sandals like ugly winter feet. I’ve included a step-by-step home pedicure process on how to whip your feet into shape! And there’s nothing like a bit of polishing to keep toe nail fungus at bay.

Tool Kit: Pumice stone/ foot file * nail file/nail scissors/nail clippers * cuticle remover * orangewood stick * large basin * towels * exfoliating foot scrub * nail buffer * moisturising cream * aromatherapy oil * bath salts. If desired; color nail polish * base and top coat.

So, here goes:

1) Put on some music and get your pedicure tools together.

2) Fill a large bowl with warm water, add bath salts and aromatherapy oil (tea tree oil is a good option as a preventative toenail fungus treatment). Let your feet soak for 10 minutes, longer if your feet are very cracked, calloused or dry.

3) Whilst soaking, take each foot out in turn and use a pumice stone or foot file to rub away the dead skin on the soles of your feet and heels.

4) Use an exfoliating foot scrub to rub away the dead skin from the soles of your feet and the side of your heels.

5) Rinse off and allow your feet to soak a little more.

6) Remove your feet from the bath and dry thoroughly. Remember toenail fungus thrives in warm, dark, moist places and for that reason it is important to keep your feet dry.

7) Apply cuticle remover around the edge of your toenails and gently push cuticles back with an orangewood stick. It is important that the cuticles remain intact; cuticles in good condition prevent toenail fungus and bacterial infections from entering the skin.

8) Trim your toenails. Use nail scissors, nail clippers or a nail file. Cut the nail straight across to avoid ingrown nails, do not cut or clip the sides of your nails. You can round the nails slightly at the corners with a nail file. Gently smooth the surface of your nails with a nail buffer. The prevention of toenail fungus begins with healthy happy feet.

9) Massage moisturising cream into your feet, ankles and calves.

10) Remove moisturiser from toenails by wiping with cotton wool soaked with nail polish remover. Apply a base coat to your nails, a color polish and top coat if desired. Allow polish to dry in between coats and use a quick dry spray after the top coat. To prevent smudging allow nail polish to dry completely.

11) Clean and dry your tool kit.

Keep your feet happy and healthy by applying a moisturiser daily.

I hope this helps! It makes such a difference to me when my nails look good – I hope this inspires you to give it a go and get pedicuring!