4 Tips If You Keep Getting Toenail Fungus

Toenail fungus is a very common condition, affecting an estimated 14% of the population. For those who struggle with this issue, over-the-counter medications may seem like the answer, but they don’t usually do the trick. Prescription meds or more aggressive procedures like laser treatment are often the only option. 

The worst outcome, of course, is to have your fungal infection treated only to have it come back quickly thereafter. How can you stop the cycle of getting toenail fungus, and what are ways to protect yourself from this problem? 

At Southwest Foot & Ankle in Scottsdale, Arizona, we know toenail fungus is no walk in the park. Petrina C. Lewis, DPM, FACFAS, and Mark T. Lewis, DPM, FACFAS, want to help you treat the condition but also to avoid it coming back in the future. Below are some ways to do just that. 

4 tips if you keep getting toenail fungus 

Also known as onychomycosis, toenail fungus doesn’t go away on its own. The condition needs to be treated professionally, and although there are a number of options for this, it’s not the kind of problem you want to keep reappearing. 

If you notice you’re getting toenail fungus often and regularly, try these tips to avoid having the condition reoccur. 

1. Keep your feet dry and clean. 

Fungi thrive in warm, wet, moist areas. One of the best ways to avoid getting a fungal infection is to avoid letting your feet stay wet for long periods. This means that if you are the kind of person whose feet sweat a lot, you’ll need to take extra care with them. 

Try wearing socks that wick away moisture. Acrylic socks can do the trick much better than cotton, but make sure to figure out which option works best for you. 

If your feet get especially sweaty throughout the day, it could help to carry a dry pair of socks with you. Also, pay attention to your feet and ensure they’re clean and dry before you put them in your shoes. 

2. Don proper footwear wherever you go. 

A great way to pick up fungus is to walk around barefoot in areas where it’s likely to thrive. This means locker rooms, public bathrooms or showers, public pools, and gyms. If you’ve made a habit of this, it’s time to start wearing shower shoes or another type of footwear. Even a simple pair of flip-flops will greatly improve your protection against toenail fungus. 

3. Cut your toenails properly. 

Letting your toenails grow too long could lead you to pick up fungus. It can also make you more susceptible to this condition if you have trauma to your toenails, such as from bumping them or cutting them too short. If you cut your toenails straight across on a regular basis, you’ll be much less likely to experience this problem.

4. Avoid using other people’s personal hygiene products. 

This is a big one. Other people might have toenail fungus, and it may pass to you if you use their shower shoes, towel, toenail clippers, or other hygiene products. You should always keep these products to yourself. 

Take care of your feet and avoid toenail fungus 

Your feet will thank you if you just make a few changes that will drastically diminish your chance of picking up toenail fungus. Make sure you follow these rules and consider changing up your gym, nail salon, or other establishment if you think it might be leading to your condition. 

To discuss toenail fungus or to make an appointment for laser treatment today. Call Southwest Foot & Ankle at 480-900-7399 or schedule a visit online. We look forward to meeting you!