Unfortunately, there are many ways you can get toenail fungus. Once it gets a hold, it can be difficult to cure. That’s why prevention is so important.
Most of the time, we may not even know what caused it or how we picked it up. Because it is so common, there are many different treatment options available to sufferers. If you’re at this stage, start treating the condition right away as it’ll heal more quickly.
Miconazole powder is one of the best ways to prevent a fungal infection, and it can also help to stop it from returning. Let’s look at why you should use antifungal powder for toenail fungus so that we can better appreciate its preventative properties.
To understand exactly why the powder works, however, we need to take a closer look at what is in the formula. When you break down the components, you’ll see why it’s one of the best preventative methods. If you spend many hours of your day wearing footwear, you should consider applying it after you’ve showered/washed.
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Using Antifungal Powder for Toenail Fungus
An antifungal powder is known medically as Miconazole powder. It fights against yeast and fungal infections, so you might have heard the term used when talking about curing or preventing jock itch, ringworm, or athlete’s foot. All conditions are caused by fungi. So, using it to prevent an infection of the toenail can be effective. Of course, it should also play a ‘part’ in your treatment and recovery plan.
The powder works by weakening the cell membrane of the fungus. It stops the fungi from producing a substance called ergosterol, which is an essential component of the fungus. As the fungus gets ‘weaker,’ it will find it harder to reproduce and begin to fade away over time gradually. People who are more prone to athlete’s foot or toenail fungus use this powder as a precautionary treatment, to keep fungus away.
After washing your feet and drying them with a sterilized towel, this formula will help to absorb any of the excess moisture. It’s antifungal properties mean that it’s significantly harder for the fungus to breed and find a way to get underneath the toenail(s).
How to Apply Antifungal Powder
You should follow the manufacturer’s directions, but the basic principles of application are normally the same. If you want better results, follow the advice below:
- Make sure the infected area is clean. This includes the skin surrounding the nail as it will stop the fungus from spreading.
- Sprinkle the powder gently (only a light layer is needed) over the vulnerable area(s) and rub it between the nails/skin. Most antifungal powders should usually be applied twice a day.
- You don’t need to cover the area with a bandage unless advised otherwise by your doctor or dermatologist.
- Wash your hands immediately following application.
- Never use the same unwashed towel twice, or let anyone else use it.
- Continue applying the powder, especially during the warmer/hotter months, to help prevent the fungus from returning.
- If you are treating a fungal infection, it’s now the right time to apply a medicated cream or antifungal toenail polish.
What Are the Side Effects?
Talk with your doctor before applying the powder in the following circumstances:
- You’re pregnant and breastfeeding.
- You have a health condition, such as HIV/AIDS or an immune-deficiency disorder.
- You’re taking a prescription-strength medication.
- You have known allergies/reactions to certain medicines or substances.
The ‘potential’ side effects of Miconazole powder are rare. Typically, only people who are allergic to the powder experience any side effects. Even then, they are usually nothing more than minor irritations. These include:
- Severe itching
- Burning
- Swelling
- Rashes
- Hives
Any extreme irritation or health problem should be looked at by a doctor. If you feel any ill effects, you should cease application immediately. And remember that this powder should only be used for external application. It is highly toxic if it is swallowed.
Don’t store the product in the bathroom and keep it away from all sources of heat. The optimal temperature range is between 59 and 86 degrees.
Preventing Toenail Fungus in the First Place
Prevention is always better than the cure. Sadly, that’s not always that easy if you have another medical issue, such as diabetes. Even with proper hygiene, careful actions, and staying away from higher risk situations, it’s easy to contract the infection.
However, an antifungal powder can help with your preventative efforts. Are you more prone to foot fungus? Often, people who sweat excessively, have trapped moisture in their shoes/socks. That’s why it is so common among people who train at the gym or go swimming regularly, but nobody is immune.
You can help to prevent toenail fungus with antifungal powder by sprinkling some in your shoes after you take them off each day. Allow the powder to work overnight. It will help to dry up any excess moisture. Of course, it will also help to prevent the spread of bacteria within the shoes. This problem can also be reduced by wearing specialist antifungal socks.
Trapped moisture enables the fungus to thrive. You can also switch out the shoes you wear on a daily basis. It will give each pair a chance to dry out – especially with the addition of powder fully. You can also use the UV Total Recovery Shoe Sanitizer to kill the fungus that’s in your footwear.
Does Antifungal Powder Work?
Again, there are plenty of different treatment options to take care of a nail infection. From prescription ointments, DIY solutions, and everything in between, you won’t find a shortage of solutions. However, an antifungal powder is designed to clear up fungus by weakening its structure.
It works as a ‘double duty’ treatment option. Not only does it help to get rid of the fungus, but it prevents toenail fungus from growing and spreading. It also works to get rid of excess moisture. Remember that it’s that moisture that allows the fungus to grow, and also causes it to become worse. By using the powder as a preventative method, you can help to reduce the likelihood of getting toenail fungus in the future.
So, whether you currently have a very mild infection, or you find that you’re prone to it, you should use antifungal powder for toenail fungus. It’s a partial treatment and preventative method that will weaken the fungus at the source. It will restore your feet back to health more quickly.
