In the peak of the sunny season, most people want nothing more than to let their toes free in a stylish flip-flop or go barefoot on the beach. But beating the heat and giving your feet a chance to breathe can be a challenge for those with toenail fungus. Toenail fungus can be unsightly and uncomfortable, and it's often difficult to get rid of on your own. No one should have to hide their toes or feel discomfort, especially in the summer. That's why we've made a list of seven healthy habits to help you prevent toenail fungus this summer.
What is Toenail Fungus?
Toenail fungus includes a variety of common infections that occur when a fungus or yeast infects the toenail. The affected nail may become thickened, yellow, or brittle, and it can cause pain, redness, and swelling around the toenail.
There are four primary types of fungal nail infections, such as:
- Distal subungual onychomycosis (DSO) - The most common type, which infects the skin inside the infected nail and on the nail bed, is distal subungual onychomycosis. DSO is caused by the same fungus that causes athlete’s foot.
- White superficial onychomycosis (WSO) - White superficial onychomycosis is the second most common type, which affects the top layer of your nail and causes a white, crumbling powder to appear.
- Candida onychomycosis - Candida onychomycosis is a yeast infection that affects the nail and its bordering skin. These infections are more common in the fingernails.
- Proximal subungual onychomycosis (PSO) - PSO thickens and separates the skin at the base of the nail and often leads to a foot infection. This is more common in patients with HIV.
If you wear shoes and socks that are sweaty and moist due to physical activity or other reasons, you may be at a higher risk of developing a fungal nail infection. The fungus grows in warm, damp environments, so try your best to keep your feet dry. If you notice any of these nail fungus symptoms, you should see a foot doctor for toenail fungus treatments.
Seven Healthy Habits to Prevent Toenail Fungus
There are plenty of steps you can take to avoid developing a toenail fungal infection. Some healthy habits you can practice are:
1 - Wash Your Feet Every Day
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it's important to cleanse your feet regularly to prevent the spread of the foot fungus. Be sure to wash with soap and water, paying special attention to the spaces between your toes. Dry your feet thoroughly afterward, and don't forget to dry in between your toes as well.
2 - Keep Your Nails Trimmed
Long nails can provide the perfect breeding ground for fungus, so be sure to keep them trimmed short. It's also important to file down any thickened or jagged nails, as these can trap moisture and lead to fungal growth.
3 - Choose Shoes Wisely
When picking out summer shoes, opt for those made from breathable materials like leather or canvas. Avoid shoes made from synthetic materials like plastic or rubber, as these can trap moisture and lead to fungal growth. If you are showering in common spaces like locker rooms, be sure to wear shower shoes to protect yourself from bacteria. Also, rotate your shoes regularly to give them time to dry out completely between wearings.
4 - Go Easy On The Nail Polish
While a fresh coat of nail polish can make your toes look great, it's important to take a break from time to time to allow your nails to breathe. When you paint your nails, be sure to use a base coat and top coat to protect your nails from the harsh chemicals in the polish itself.
5 - Don't Share Nail Care Tools
Nail fungus is highly contagious, so it's important to avoid sharing nail clippers, emery boards, or any other nail care tools. If you must share, be sure to disinfect the tools before and after use.
6 - Wear The Right Socks
When choosing socks, avoid those made from synthetic materials like nylon or polyester. Instead, opt for socks made from natural fibers like cotton or wool, which will allow your feet to breathe and prevent moisture buildup.
7 - Choose Treatments with Antifungal Properties
When choosing socks, avoid those made from synthetic materials like nylon or polyester. Instead, opt for socks made from natural fibers like cotton or wool, which will allow your feet to breathe and prevent moisture buildup.
With these seven health tips, you can help prevent toenail fungus and keep your feet healthy and happy all summer long. If you do spot symptoms of a toenail fungus infection and need to treat it, you have access to some of the best podiatrists in San Antonio, Texas. San Antonio Podiatry Associates offers comprehensive toenail fungus treatment options to effectively eliminate the infection and keep your feet healthy.
Are you looking for a foot and ankle specialist near you? Find toenail fungus treatments or other foot and ankle pain relief fast from the podiatrists at San Antonio Podiatry Associates. With more than 145 years of combined experience, our team is equipped to provide you with an accurate diagnosis and the efficient, personalized treatment you need. Schedule an appointment today, or call 210-405-7672 for more information.
FAQs
One critical way in which a person can prevent a toenail fungus from developing is by consistently wearing clean socks and shoes. If you fail to alternate your shoes and socks on a daily basis, sweat and yeasts or fungi can accumulate on the fabric. This makes suffering from a toenail fungus more likely.
What is the number one cure for toenail fungus? ›
Oral antifungal drugs.
These drugs are often the first choice. One option is itraconazole (Sporanox). These drugs help a new nail grow free of infection, slowly replacing the infected part. You typically take this type of drug daily for 6 to 12 weeks.
What kills toenail fungus permanently? ›
Instead of medications or debridement, Dr. Frankel offers a laser therapy treatment with an 80% success rate at permanently treating nail fungus. It's painless and performed in-office with three 10-minute procedures every four weeks. For some patients, additional treatments may be required.
Is there a way to prevent toenail fungus? ›
Keep your nails trimmed. Cut nails straight across, smooth the edges with a file and file down thickened areas. Disinfect your nail clippers after each use. Letting your nails grow long creates more places for the fungus to grow.
What is the best thing to soak your feet in to get rid of toenail fungus? ›
Formulating a vinegar foot soak to counter toenail fungus is straightforward. The recommended ratio is one part apple cider vinegar to two parts warm water. Apple cider vinegar is particularly effective due to its antifungal properties.
Does vinegar get rid of toenail fungus? ›
Vinegar solutions can work for toenail fungus in some cases — especially if you only have a mild infection. However, there is no scientific evidence to back the use of vinegar foot soaks. The main benefit of trying out a vinegar soak (or any other natural remedy) is that it is easy and cheap for you to try at home.
What worsens toenail fungus? ›
Walk barefoot in a hot, humid place like a pool, public shower, or locker room. Wear tight-fitting, closed-toe shoes, especially if you have sweaty feet.
What household item kills toenail fungus? ›
Tea Tree Oil
This oil comes from a tree in Australia. It's a popular treatment for many conditions, including foot fungus. Research shows it works as well as clotrimazole, which is found in many OTC treatments.
What is the number one cause of toenail fungus? ›
The root cause of nail fungus are microscopic organisms that cause an overgrowth of fungi. This can occur in, under, or on the nail. Your toenails more often develop fungus because they are usually inside your shoes, where the warm environment allows fungi to thrive.
Should I cut my toenail off if it has fungus? ›
Studies show that taking antifungal pills and applying medicine to your nails can be more effective than using either treatment alone. Nail removal: If you have a severe infection or other treatments just don't work, your dermatologist may recommend removing the nail(s) to get rid of the infection.
If you let a nail fungus infection go for too long, several problems emerge. The infected nail can become misshapen and increasingly separated from your nail bed. Itching and pain are unpleasant side effects; if they're too severe, you can have trouble wearing shoes or walking.
Can you scrape out toenail fungus? ›
If your fungus doesn't clear up at home, you should check in with a dermatologist (a skin, hair, and nail specialist) or podiatrist (a foot doctor.) They may gently scrape under your nail to get rid of some of the fungus or send it to the lab for diagnosis. They can also prescribe stronger medicines. Topical medicines.
What one cup of this will destroy your nail fungus? ›
take 1 cup of apple cider vinegar( the best vinegar is the one with the mother) and one cup of Hydrogen peroxide 3% only(*WARNING*) any higher in percentage you could destroy your nails.. mix the two together.. soak your nails that have fungus for 30 minutes daily for 30 days ..
What deficiency causes toenail fungus? ›
Additionally, biotin deficiency can increase the risk of fungal nail infections and subsequent nail plate discoloration. Changes in nail shape and surface.
What not to do with nail fungus? ›
don't keep your feet clean and dry. wear shoes that cause your feet to get hot and sweaty. walk around barefoot in places where fungal infections can spread easily, like communal showers, locker rooms and gyms. have damaged your nails.
Do I need to throw away my socks if I have toenail fungus? ›
The benefit of taking oral medication is it will treat the skin and the nails. We still recommend using a topical antifungal with terbinafine or tolnaftate daily until the skin infection has resolved. Throw out any old shoes and socks.
What is the 1 minute sock treatment? ›
Although the treatment is cold, it's known as a “heating compress” because it's up to the body to heat the cold, wet socks. Blood circulation is increased in reaction to the cold, which increases the body's immune system — a natural way of fighting off the flu or cold and other conditions (see list below).
Should I wear socks to bed with toenail fungus? ›
This can help whether you're the one with the infection or not. Wear clean, breathable socks to bed. If you share a bed with another person, the fungus may transfer to them via shared linens. Wearing clean socks to bed and washing sheets regularly minimizes transmission risk.
What is the easiest and fastest way to get rid of fungal in the toenail? ›
The fastest way to eliminate the infection is through toenail laser treatment. Laser nail therapy specifically targets the microorganisms under your nail while leaving the keratin intact. In just a few treatments, the infection can be entirely eliminated.
