How to Prevent and Cure Annoying Toenail Fungus Infections

Understanding Toenail and Foot Fungus

Toenail and foot fungus, medically known as onychomycosis, is a very common problem affecting millions of people worldwide. The fungal infection happens when microscopic organisms called dermatophytes, yeasts or molds overgrow on the toenails or skin of the feet.

Warm and moist environments are ideal breeding grounds for fungus. The toenails and feet provide the perfect conditions for fungal growth. Once it takes hold, the fungus lives off the keratin protein found in nails. It causes the nails to discolor, thicken, crumble and become brittle. In severe cases, it can even cause the nails to separate from the nail bed.

If left untreated, toenail fungus can spread from one toenail to others. It can also move from the toenails to the soles and sides of the feet. Some common symptoms include:

• Thickened, brittle, ragged toenails
• Distorted nail shape
• Dull looking nails with white, yellow, brown, black or green discoloration
• White, chalky material building up underneath the nail
• Crumbling nail debris
• Pain or tenderness in the toes
• A bad smell coming from the nails
• Cracked, flaky, itchy skin on the feet

If the fungal infection spreads from the nails to the skin, some additional symptoms like redness, burning, scaling and inflammation can occur.

Risk Factors for Developing Toenail Fungus

There are several factors that can increase your risk of getting toenail fungus:

• Age - Adults over 60 are more prone due to slower nail growth and blood circulation.
• Sweaty feet - Sweat provides moisture that fungi thrive on.
• Poor hygiene - Not properly drying the feet and toes after swimming or bathing can allow fungus to flourish.
• Minor skin or nail injuries - Even tiny cracks in the skin or nails open pathways for fungi to enter.
• Weakened immunity - Diseases like diabetes and HIV impair the body's defenses against infection.
• Use of communal showers - Shared, warm, damp areas help fungi spread between people.
• Athlete's foot - Having this related fungal skin infection on the feet makes you more prone to toenail fungus.
• Tight hosiery and footwear - This creates a moist environment for fungi to thrive.
• Genetics - Some people are simply more susceptible due to hereditary factors.

Being aware of these risk factors can help you take precautions against developing fungal nail infections.

Preventing Toenail and Foot Fungus

Here are some effective ways to help prevent annoying fungal infections on your toes and feet:

Keep Feet Clean and Dry

Fungi flourish in damp, dirty environments. Be sure to thoroughly clean and dry your feet each day, especially between the toes where moisture gets trapped. Trim your toenails straight across to avoid ingrown toenails that can provide an entry point for fungi.

Change Socks and Shoes Regularly

Don't stay in damp, sweaty socks or shoes for long periods. Rotate your footwear and make sure shoes and socks are thoroughly dried out before wearing again. Consider buying moisture wicking socks to help keep feet dry.

Disinfect Showers After Use

Spray down surfaces with an antifungal cleanser after showering at gyms, pools, nail salons or public changing areas. Wear shower shoes in communal facilities.

Avoid Walking Barefoot

Wear flipflops around pools, locker rooms and even hotel rooms to avoid picking up fungal spores. Don't go barefoot outdoors where you can step on soil containing fungi.

Get Athlete's Foot Treated Promptly

See a doctor at the first sign of itchy, flaky skin between the toes. Getting athlete's foot treated quickly lowers your risk of contracting toenail fungus.

Keep Feet Healthy

Moisturize dry skin on feet daily. See a podiatrist about properly cutting thickened nails. Don't try to remove ingrown nails yourself. Prevent minor foot injuries by wearing properly fitted, protective footwear.

Avoid Picking at Nails

File down thick nails gently with an emery board. Don't pick at nails or skin around them as it can open up entry points for infection. See a podiatrist for persistent thick nails.

Sanitize Pedicure Tools

If getting a professional pedicure, make sure the foot spa has been disinfected and tools sterilized between clients. Bring your own pedicure kit for added protection.

Get Skin Breaks Treated

See a doctor promptly for any cuts, sores or ulcers on feet to avoid infection. Keep skin injuries protected with clean, dry bandages.

Treating Existing Toenail Fungus

If you do develop a fungal toenail problem, don't ignore it. Getting treatment can help relieve discomfort and prevent spreading of infection. Here are some medical options for treating toenail fungus:

Medicated Nail Polish or Cream

Prescription antifungal polishes or rub-in creams containing ciclopirox or amorolfine can penetrate nails to kill fungi. Apply daily for about one year until healthy nail grows out.

Oral Medication

Antifungal pills like terbinafine or itraconazole may be prescribed for severe fungal toenail infections. Take consistently for 2 to 3 months until symptoms resolve.

Laser Therapy

A podiatrist may use specialized lasers that help deliver antifungal medication through the nails to zap the infection. Several sessions are required.

Chemical or Surgical Nail Removal

For long-term, painful fungal infections, a doctor may remove part or all of the affected nail using urea ointment or surgery. This allows antifungal drops to better penetrate.

In addition to prescription medications, there are some home remedies that can aid in fighting fungal nail infections:

• Soak feet in a tea tree oil footbath
• Apply Vick's VapoRub to infected nails
• Dab on olive oil and oregano oil mixture
• Soak feet in Listerine mouthwash

However, these home treatments alone are usually not enough to completely cure a fungal infection. See a podiatrist at the first signs of toenail fungus for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Preventing Recurrence of Toenail Fungus

After successful treatment, take steps to prevent fungal reinfection of the nails:

• Throw away old shoes that may harbor fungi
• Disinfect pedicure tools before each use
• Get manicures/pedicures at reputable salons with sanitization practices
• Wear shower shoes in public facilities
• Keep feet clean and dry
• Apply antifungal powder inside shoes
• Use antifungal spray in shoes when not wearing them
• Take antifungal medication as prescribed even after nails look normal

Be vigilant about monitoring your feet and toes for any return of symptoms. Seek prompt treatment if fungal infection recurs to avoid complications like cellulitis bacterial skin infection.

When to See a Doctor About Toenail Fungus

Make an appointment with your doctor if you notice any of the following:

• Discolored, thickened or distorted toenails
• Flaky, white debris under nail
• Crumbling nails
• Brittleness, pain or foul odor in nails
• Green, black streaks or dots on nail
• Itchy, red, scaling skin on feet
• Breaks in the skin around nails

See a podiatrist promptly if you have diabetes, neuropathy, nail trauma or impaired circulation. Untreated toenail fungus can lead to more serious complications in high risk individuals.

Don't try to self-treat for more than 2 weeks. Prescription oral or topical medication administered by a doctor gives the best chance of successfully eliminating fungal toenail infection.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Seek emergency medical care if you experience any of the following signs of a secondary bacterial infection:

• Redness, intense pain and swelling in toes
• Red streaks extending from infected nails
• Foul-smelling discharge from nails
• Fever, chills and nausea
• Pus oozing from infected skin and nails

These can indicate a serious problem like cellulitis or sepsis and require immediate treatment, especially if you have a comprised immune system or diabetes. Untreated bacterial infections can have severe complications.

Outlook for Toenail Fungus

With early treatment, most cases of toenail fungus can be cured within several months. Mild infections may clear with just topical creams or home remedies.

However, fungal nail infections can be challenging to treat, especially if the problem is long-standing. It can take up to 1 year for a completely healthy nail to regrow after the fungus has been eliminated.

Prescription oral medications have the highest cure rate of about 65% to 80% of cases. But even after successful treatment, fungal nail infections have a high chance of recurrence. Preventative measures need to be taken lifelong to avoid reinfection.

People with diabetes, cancer, HIV or other conditions that impair the immune system have lower cure rates. Seeking prompt medical treatment gives the best prognosis and may prevent complications.

While toenail fungus can be frustrating and embarrassing, it's highly treatable with prescription antifungal therapy. Proper foot hygiene and preventative steps can keep the infection from recurring. With vigilance and persistence, clear, healthy looking toenails can be restored.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.