Prevention is one way of how to cure toe nail fungus. Once fungus takes residence underneath and around your nails, it is very hard to get rid of. The nail actually serves as a protective covering for the fungus. Toe nails, especially are very difficult to treat since they are more exposed to the dark, damp and warm environment caused by socks and shoes. Fungus loves these kinds of environment. Because it is not easy to cure toe nail fungus, it is better to take some preventive measures to avoid getting toe nail fungus.

Prevention

Your Immune System - One cause of toe nail fungus is a compromised immune system. Usually, when exposed to fungus particles, your immune system fights off the invaders before it takes residence in your nails or nail beds. But if you have a compromised immune system because of another disease such as HIV or diabetes, or if you have poor nutrition, then you are most likely to pick up toe nail fungus.

To combat this, take care of yourself. Watch what you eat and take in lots of nutrients and vitamins. Eating a lot of oranges and citrus fruits rich with Vitamin C will help boost your immune system.

Drying your feet thoroughly also helps. Fungus loves moisture. After washing, thoroughly dry your feet using a clean towel (your own, don't share) and pay extra attention to the space between your toes. If you have sweaty feet, use foot powders and spray-on antiperspirants. Avoid wearing tight shoes and nonabsorbent socks. Go for socks made of 100 percent pure cotton, wool or silk. Always change into clean and dry socks and make sure your shoes are dry before putting them on.

Choose shoes that fit well. If you are a sports enthusiast, make sure your athletic shoes fit well. This is so that you can prevent jamming at the toes and nail trauma. Having microtrauma increases the chances for fungal toenail infection.

Regularly trim your toenails. Trim it straight across and don't dig too deep or round the corners. This might cause an infection. Avoid nail polish and fake nails as they can have a negative impact on nails. Fungus loves the dark and wearing nail polish prevents sunlight from entering the nails, causing the fungus to grow even more.

If you are already suffering from toe nail fungus, you can still have it treated. If you are worried about the high cost and harmful side effects that go with oral anti-fungal prescription medications, then you can go for a topical solution. Avoid home remedies since they are ineffective and a waste of time. Topical solutions, on the other hand, are highly effective and very safe to use, with no reported side effects whatsoever. It uses natural essential oils found in plants that are known to exhibit antifungal and antibacterial properties. Other oils in topical solutions also promote healthier looking skin, so that your toes become smoother and softer with every application.