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Wearing "small" shoes is easy to get onychomycosis
On April 29, experts warned that many people, especially women, tend to wear narrow high heels and pointed shoes, often engage in nail art, and frequently do manicures and pedicures. These habits can significantly increase the risk of developing onychomycosis, a fungal infection of the nails and toenails.
Once the infection is active, treatment is necessary even if the nail doesn't need to be removed. However, recovery can take several months due to the slow growth of nails.
Onychomycosis, also known as tinea unguium, occurs when fungi invade the nails or the skin beneath them. It's a common condition, affecting around 8% of people in China. Experts point out that certain lifestyle choices, such as wearing tight footwear and modifying nails for aesthetic purposes, can make individuals more susceptible to this infection.
Case Study: The Nail Culprit Is on the Side
One rainy day, Xiao Wang walked through flooded streets wearing boots and later noticed a white spot on her toenail. She ignored it at first, but soon other nails began showing similar symptoms. After visiting the hospital, she was diagnosed with onychomycosis. It took three months of treatment before her nails fully recovered.
Dr. Yang Yang from Guangdong Armed Police Corps Hospital explained that the fungi responsible for onychomycosis include dermatophytes, yeasts, and molds. These organisms are commonly found in soil, swimming pools, on animals, and in people with dermatophytosis. The infection typically starts at the edges of the nail and spreads inward, producing enzymes that break down the nail structure. This leads to discoloration, thickening, brittleness, and eventual detachment.
Lifestyle Factors Play a Major Role
Dr. Yang emphasized that onychomycosis is closely linked to personal habits and health conditions:
1. Wearing small, tight shoes like high heels or pointed-toe shoes increases pressure on the toes, leading to nail deformation and making it easier for fungi to enter.
2. Nail polish and artificial enhancements can damage the nail and create openings for infection. Poorly sterilized tools used during manicures may also spread the fungus.
3. People who frequently soak their hands or feet in water, such as laundry workers or housewives, are at higher risk of paronychia, which can progress to onychomycosis.
4. Individuals with weakened immune systems, whether due to congenital conditions or medications like chemotherapy or corticosteroids, are more vulnerable to fungal infections.
5. Athlete’s foot, another fungal infection, can easily spread to the nails, especially if there is any injury. Prompt treatment of athlete’s foot is essential to prevent complications.
Treatment: Oral Antifungal Medications Are Key
Many people underestimate the seriousness of onychomycosis, thinking it’s just a cosmetic issue. However, if left untreated, it can cause pain, difficulty with fine motor skills, and even permanent nail loss. In severe cases, it can lead to secondary infections, especially in the elderly.
Some patients mistakenly believe that removing the infected nails is the only solution, but this method is rarely used today. Instead, modern oral antifungal drugs are now the standard treatment. These medications work by accumulating under the nail and killing the fungus over time, while minimizing harm to the liver. Due to the slow growth of nails, treatment usually takes at least two to three months for full recovery.
Other Tips for Foot Health:
- Old shoes at home can be transformed into stylish items with some creativity.
- Don’t throw away old shoes; they can still be useful in different ways.
- Add a protective layer to your shoes for extra durability.
- Clean matte shoes carefully to maintain their appearance.
- Wear breathable, antibacterial socks to keep feet dry and prevent odor.
- Sports shoes have hidden functions you might not know about.
- High heels can make noise—here are four tips to reduce the sound.
- Choosing the right shoes during pregnancy is important for comfort and safety.
- If your shoes get moldy, there are effective ways to clean them.
- Wearing certain shoes in summer can actually be harmful to your feet.