In recent years, dermatologists have been seeing more and more young people who are highly committed to grooming, but at the same time are dealing with toenails that have weakened, changed color or lost their healthy appearance. Sometimes it is only dryness or external damage, but in other cases these may also be early signs of nail fungus — a condition far more common than many people think.
Here are 10 habits most of us have, and should really get rid of:
1. Staying in closed sneakers for hours
Even after the workout is over, the feet are still inside a warm, moist environment. The combination of sweat, heat and closed shoes for hours creates conditions that are less than ideal for the skin and nails.
After a workout or a long day, it is worth letting the feet air out and changing socks, especially in the summer.
2. Not every sneaker suits every foot
Sneakers have long since become a fashion item we wear from morning to night, but beyond design, it is also important to pay attention to fit. Shoes that are too narrow or tight can create repeated pressure and friction around the toes and nails.
Anyone who exercises regularly, runs or walks a lot during the day should choose shoes that give the foot enough space and comfort even over a long time.
3. Not really checking hygiene at the pedicure salon
Pedicures are an inseparable part of many women’s grooming routines, but people do not always stop to check whether the salon fully disinfects tools between clients.
Even small injuries around the nail, which sometimes are not felt during the treatment, can over time cause sensitivity and nail problems.
4 View gallery
Make sure the pedicure salon fully disinfects tools between clients
(Photo: Shutterstock)
4. Getting gel polish continuously without breaks
Gel polish may look perfect on the outside, but it can also hide changes beginning beneath the nail. When nails are not given a break from time to time, it is easier to miss discoloration, thickening or brittleness.
There is no need to give up gel polish, but it is recommended to remove it occasionally and check how the nails really look.
5. Keeping feet damp for too long
The beach, pool, gym showers or even walking for a long time in shoes after a workout — all of these keep the feet in a moist environment for an extended period.
The small habit of thoroughly drying the area between the toes can make a big difference in maintaining healthy skin and nails.
6. Walking barefoot in public showers
Showers at gyms, pools and locker rooms are part of many people’s routines, especially in summer. But these are also places where the skin and nails are exposed to prolonged moisture and contact with shared surfaces.
A simple habit such as using flip-flops can help protect the feet and make your workout routine safer.
7. Ignoring the skin on the soles of the feet
When peeling, itching or unusual dryness appears on the feet, many people tend to ignore it and assume it is only a temporary cosmetic problem. In practice, it is important to treat skin changes early, because prolonged neglect can also affect nail health and appearance later on.
8. Thinking there is nothing to worry about at home
We are careful about wearing flip-flops at the pool and maintaining hygiene at the gym, but at home we tend to feel safest. In practice, using shared towels, swapping flip-flops with family members or wearing someone else’s shoes are habits many of us do without thinking twice.
What people do not know is that fungus can also spread this way between household members, especially when one of them already has athlete’s foot or nail fungus.
9. Ignoring small changes in the nails
Many people think a change in the nail is only an aesthetic issue, so they simply cover it with polish or wait for it to go away on its own. But a nail that turns yellow, changes shape, thickens or becomes more brittle is not something to ignore, especially if the change persists over time.
4 View gallery
a nail that turns yellow, changes shape, thickens or becomes more brittle is not something to ignore
(Photo: Shutterstock)
10. Trying “miracle cures” from the internet
Tea tree oil, vinegar and various TikTok tricks may sound tempting, but in practice they do not always manage to reach inside the nail structure itself — the place where problems such as nail fungus develop.
Today, there are dedicated preparations designed to penetrate the nail layer and help improve the appearance of the nail itself. One of the well-known products in the field is Emtrix, used to treat nail fungus and improve the appearance of the nail, without the need for aggressive filing.
So how do you protect your feet in summer?
There is no need to change your entire routine, just be a little more aware of the small habits:
• Change socks after a workout
• Do not stay in closed shoes for hours
• Avoid shoes that are too tight
• Dry your feet thoroughly after a shower or pool
• Wear flip-flops in public showers and pools
• Do not wear someone else’s shoes
• Use personal towels
• Check hygiene at the pedicure salon
• Do not ignore changes in the nails
• Take an occasional break from gel polish
Ultimately, our feet carry us all day and deserve a little more attention, not only during sandal season.
The writer is a specialist in dermatology and venereology, and a senior physician in the dermatology department at Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer.