Onychomycosis (toenail fungus) is a common fungal infection that causes your toenail to thicken and become yellow, with white spots and streaks. Nail fungus can cause your nail to darken, thicken, and disintegrate at the edge as the infection progresses.
Imagine having to work all day with a painful, itchy feeling on your foot. Yes, toenail fungus can extend to other parts of your feet if left untreated for long.
Not a pleasant feeling, right?
And if you’re wondering what kind of socks can prevent your toenail infection from getting worse, then you’re in the right place.
Organic materials that are combined with minerals found naturally in the body to create the best antifungal socks. During research we found that copper ions fight bacteria while also nourishing the skin, therefore people started inculcating this idea while manufacturing antifungal socks.
Accumulation of sweat and heat might worsen your infection, therefore, your choice of socks is important in the healing process.
So how do you get toenail fungus?
There are basically more than one type of fungus that affects the toenail, and these fungus are usually caused by dermatophytes, which is a type of mold.
These dermatophytes live on the skin and are too tiny to be seen with the naked eye. They feed off the keratin found on your nails and that is what makes the nails soft and crumble as keratin is the reason your nails are hard.
When the bacteria gets between the toenail and the skin beneath the nail (called toenail bed) this happens. This commonly occurs as a result of a toe crack or cut.
So if you have an untreated cut or blister on your toes and you’re someone who regularly has to be on work boots, your feet tend to sweat and that sweat causes bacteria and fungal infections to thrive on your toes, and these bacteria can get beyond the skin through these cuts, resulting in foot issues such as toenail fungus and athlete’s foot.
See also: Do Steel Toe Boots Cause Ingrown Toe Nails?
Are socks really helpful?
Yes, if you are a working professional whose job demands them to be on your toes for a long period of time, then suffering from toenail fungus can be an added irritation.
Socks of all kinds absorb moisture. Natural fabrics, such as cotton are rather effective at absorbing moisture.
Cotton, however, is unable to withstand the amount of perspiration that your feet will produce throughout the day. Moisture gets trapped in the fabric, making your socks damp and uncomfortable.
Cotton socks have a negative impact on your grip and performance when you’re performing sports. Furthermore, the heat and moisture give the ideal environment for fungus to develop.
Therefore, here we will be discussing the type of socks you should go for that will not let your toenail fungus get worse.
1.) Socks that are moisture wicking
Yes, breathable materials are ideal for an infected toe as these socks absorb sweat and don’t let it accumulate inside your shoes.
2.) Socks with the right anti-fungal fabrics
Merino wool, coolmax, olefin, drymax, polyester and viscose (bamboo fiber) are the best fabrics for antifungal socks.
Consider these socks if you participate in a lot of activities or simply wear shoes for lengthy periods of time where your feet get sweaty. Always keep in mind that dry feet are healthy feet.
In recent times, silver ion technology and copper ions have been proved to be one of the greatest components for protecting feet from any fungal infection, and are also included in antifungal socks.
3.) Socks that are of the right fit
You have to make sure your socks aren’t too tight for your feet. Tight socks can irritate the toenail infection and can worsen the condition further. Your feet need to breathe and properly fitted socks can give it that.
Recommended socks with anti-fungal properties
1.) Darn Tough Ultra Lightweight Socks
- Ultra Lightweight
- No Show Tab Height
- Knit 55% Nylon, 40% Merino Wool, 5% Lycra Spandex.
- Made in the USA
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Fungal infections, particularly on the feet, are quite prevalent. Our feet alone have 250,000 sweat glands, making them a hotspot for bacteria and a breeding ground for fungus.
Wearing appropriate, moisture-wicking antifungal socks is one approach to avoid and treat these infections!
You only require the bare minimum. And these Ultra-Light Socks offer moisture absorbing qualities while still providing cushioning for miles of comfort. And what better, they’re naturally antifungal as bacteria and odor are repelled.
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon2.) Cloudline 1/4 Merino Wool Socks
- Our ULTRA LIGHT socks have minimal padding for a snug, comfortable fit
- Made in the USA
- Ultra fine premium merino wool
- 59% Ultra Soft Merino Wool, 36% Nylon, 5% Spandex
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Say goodbye to smelly, wet feet that stink!
These socks made with merino wool are known for its ability to absorb moisture. It doesn’t entirely absorb perspiration, but even if it does, it doesn’t develop a rotten odor or lose its ability to retain heat. Merino wool socks, as a result, are extremely comfortable.
Yes, these socks are ultra light, keeping your feet cool, and the wool wicks away sweat and is antimicrobial that does not worsen your toenail infection but rather keeps your feet dry.
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon3.) Copper Fit Socks
- No show socks with copper infused fabric
- Copper infused footbed reduces odor
- Moisture wicking fabric keeps feet dry
- Heel tab reduces slippage and chafing
- Arch compression provides a secure fit
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These socks are designed with organic materials to create an atmosphere that cushions the foot’s sole making them super comfy and is durable for long-term use.
Cupron antifungal fibres, a proven non-toxic antimicrobial and anti-fungal technology that eliminates fungal infections, are used in the production of socks.
Advanced sock fibres help to prevent fungal diseases like toenail infections, athlete’s foot and controls odor.
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon4.) Drymax Lite Mesh Socks
- Made in the USA
- Machine Wash
- 48% Drymax®, 36% polyester, 10% Lycra® spandex, 6% nylon.
- Y-heel stitch fits around your heel for a better fit.
- Flat toe seam helps reduce chafing and provide all day comfort.
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These socks have a dual-layer moisture-wicking system that keeps your feet dry by wicking sweat away from your feet.
When you sweat, the inner hydrophobic layer repels water and directs it to the outside layer, keeping your feet dry and not letting your toenails suffer the sweat and heat.
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon5.) Thorlos Ankle Socks
- Features Thorlo legendary padding in the heel and forefoot
- Exclusive Thor-Lon fibers wick moisture to keep your feet dry
- Fibers are chosen for performance and durability resulting in a sock that wears for years
- Scuptured fit in the heel, forefoot and, instep provide excellent fit and keep sock from sliding
- Low profile toe seam wont rub or irritate feet
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
These socks are made with fibers that are comfortable, soft and extremely breathable. They have cushioning over the toes for added comfort so even if you’re suffering from toenail fungus, it will not rub or irritate your infection but rather provide comfort.
Check Price and Reviews on Amazon6.) Bambooven Socks
- Bamboo Fabric Naturally
- Odor Free and Breathable Texture
- Eco Friendly: Produced from Organic Fibers
- 200 needles: 200 is the highest gauge used for socks, meaning that your sock will be finer but stronger due to the density of the stitching
- Seamless Toe & Reinforced Heel, Size: 8-11.5, Made in Turkey
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Bamboo fibres contain an antibacterial organic agent called bamboo kun, which resists pests, insects, and other allergens in its natural habitat without the need of pesticides.
This natural feature is advantageous to sock manufacturers since it aids in the fight against bacteria and fungus, which helps to prevent uncomfortable diseases like toenail fungus and athlete’s foot.
Check Price and Reviews on AmazonHow should you treat it?
There are various ways through which you can approach its treatment. Some of the best ones would be:
Home remedies
There are various antifungal lotions, gels, and nail polish that you can get without a prescription in stores and online. If the infection doesn’t appear to be serious, you might wish to try one of them first.
Home therapies such as menthol rub, tea tree oil, mouthwash, or snakeroot extract are effective in treating mild toenail infections.
By seeking professional help
Your foot doctor will most likely cut and file away the dead layers of your nail. They may also take a sample of your nail and send it to a lab to confirm that it is indeed a fungus and to determine the type. The doctor may prescribe an antifungal medication that you apply to your nails.
Nail extraction
Well I know it sounds extreme but if your nails are infected beyond control, then your doctor might suggest you get rid of all or some part of the nail.
A new nail will normally grow back after a year or so. Your doctor will most likely prescribe a lotion or other medication to apply to your nail bed to keep fungus at bay while it heals.
Okay, so we believe we have provided you with adequate information about toenail fungus and what are the types of socks that can be helpful to tackle this fungal infection in your toes.
Now let us provide you with some additional knowledge about the ways you can prevent toenail fungus.
Toenail fungus or reinfections, as well as athlete’s foot, can be avoided by practising the following habits:
√ Hands and feet should be washed on a regular basis, especially after touching an infected nail. After you’ve washed your nails, moisturize them.
√ Trim your nails, file down the thicker sections, and smooth the edges using a filer. And after each usage, disinfect your nail clippers.
√ Wear sweat-wicking socks or change socks frequently throughout the day.
√ Choose shoes and socks made of breathable materials.
√ Discard old shoes or use disinfectants and antifungal powders to clean them.
√ In the pool and changing facilities, wear closed-toed shoes as toenail fungus are contagious.
√ Nail paint and fake nails should be avoided till the time you recover.
FAQs-
Can your toenail fungus spread to other parts of your body?
Yes, if left untreated, your toenail fungal infection spreads to the skin but it doesn’t usually spread beyond the toe.
It usually spreads to your other toenails, scalp, groin area and causes athlete’s foot (infection between your toes).
Is it contagious?
Many forms of toenail fungus are highly infectious. Through direct contact, an infected person can spread the fungus to others. Toenail fungus can also be contracted by touching an infected surface.
Who is likely to get infected with toenail fungus?
→ People who are older have less blood flow resulting in more exposure to bacteria, and have slower growing nails.
→ Someone who sweats excessively.
→ People who have a history of athlete’s foot or other foot infections.
→ Someone who walks barefoot in public places like swimming pools, shower rooms.
→ Someone who has had diabetes, blood circulatory issues, or a compromised immune system.
Conclusion
Antifungal medications may be obstructed by regular socks, reducing the healing process. When you wear socks made with fibres that have natural antifungal properties, you are not only helping to destroy the fungus, but you are also helping to prevent it from returning in the near future.
