Help! I Keep Getting Toenail Fungus

You know that there are tiny organisms that you can’t see scattered throughout your day. Most of the time, you don’t need to think about them. But, there’s one situation in which you should pay attention to these microscopic things: when they affect your toenails.

The organisms that cause toenail fungus can ruin your nails — and your sandaled or barefoot plans. If you’ve dealt with multiple infections, you need to find a way to effectively combat these fungi. 

We can help. As experts in toenail fungus, Christopher Vittori, DPM, and Ameet Thakrar, DPM, work alongside you to eradicate the issue with options like laser treatment. We can effectively kill the fungi when you’re in either of our Vittori Foot & Ankle Specialist offices — in Homer Glen or New Lenox, Illinois. Then, it’s up to you to prevent the infection from coming back.

To help you, we recommend these prevention tactics:

The general rule: Keep your feet clean and dry

The fungi that cause your toenail infections are just like any other fungi (think: mushrooms). They thrive in dark, damp environments. If you can keep your feet dry and clean, they’re going to have a difficult time surviving. 

We have a few tips to help you keep your feet in fungus-unfriendly shape.

Be choosy about your shoes

You want breathable options that will allow your feet to stay dry. Today, even leather shoes come in material designed to allow for airflow. If toenail fungus is an issue for you, opt for footwear specifically designed for breathability. 

Swap your socks when necessary

If you have sweaty feet despite your shoe choices, keep a pair of clean socks accessible. When you notice that your feet feel damp, swap for new socks. Again, keeping your feet dry plays a huge role in preventing nail fungus from thriving. 

Wear shoes in wet environments

Whether you’re in the locker room or by a pool, a wet floor makes for a perfect breeding ground for fungi. Even a simple pair of shower sandals provides the barrier you need to stop those organisms from getting onto your feet and under your nails. 

Don’t share what touches your feet

To avoid the transfer of these organisms, don’t share:

• Towels
• Nail clippers
• Shoes
• Socks

You might think toenail fungus is always obvious, but you never know when someone else might have a fungal infection that just hasn’t impacted their nail yet. 

Keep your toenails trimmed short

Fungi look for protected environments to grow, and just under the edges of your toenails could be their ideal home. Keeping your nails clipped short limits their opportunity to take up residence under your nail. 

While you’re at it, make sure you cut your nail straight across rather than with curved edges; this helps prevent ingrown nails. 

Recurring toenail fungus definitely isn’t ideal, but with proper treatment followed by these prevention tactics, you should be able to make this bout your last. To clear up your fungal infection, call or schedule an appointment online today with Vittori Foot & Ankle Specialist.