How to Prevent and Get Rid of Toenail Fungus

Sandal season is coming, and if you want to enjoy easy breezy summer styles, you don’t need ugly toenail fungus. A common condition that creates thickening, crumbling, and discoloration in your toenails, this condition is also known as onychomycosis in the medical community. 

If your toenails show signs of fungus, the specialists at Cortez Foot and Ankle Specialists in Bradenton, Sarasota, University Park, and Ellenton, Florida, can help you get rid of it. 

You can also prevent toenail fungus with a few simple habits. 

Five ways to prevent toenail fungus 

1. Keep your feet clean and dry

As you know, fungi love warm and moist environments, so keep your feet clean and dry. If your feet tend to sweat in your shoes, wash them with soap and water when you take them off, and let them dry completely before putting your shoes back on. 

2. Don’t walk barefoot in public places 

Fungal infections are contagious, and if you walk barefoot in public places like gyms and locker rooms, you may pick up a case of athlete's foot or toenail fungus, so it’s a good idea to wear shoes to reduce your risk.

3. Wear shoes that fit

If you’ve ever worn too-tight shoes, you know they’re uncomfortable and can make your feet sweat more. Sweaty feet give bacteria the hot and wet environment they love. 

4. Keep your toenails trimmed

Longer toenails can collect dirt and other debris, leading to toenail infections. When you trim them straight across, and even with the tips of your toes, you have less chance of buildup. 

5. Use antifungal products

You may benefit from over-the-counter products if you’ve had toenail fungus before. Many creams, powders, and sprays contain terbinafine and clotrimazole. These antifungal ingredients can keep your feet clean and healthy. 

How to get rid of toenail fungus 

If you have toenail fungus, you want to treat the infection to prevent it from spreading to your other nails and even your fingernails. 

Topical antifungal products

Your doctor can prescribe topical creams and nail lacquer to heal the infected nail. 

Medication

Prescription antifungal medications such as terbinafine or itraconazole can treat the infection. In some cases, you may receive a prescription that lasts several months and eliminates the toenail fungus. 

Surgical removal 

In extreme cases, your doctor may recommend removing the infected nail. This step usually requires local anesthesia, and the doctor removes the entire toenail and disposes of the fungal infection underneath.

As you can see, preventing toenail fungus is the best approach. Still, if you do pick it up, you can contact Cortez Foot and Ankle Specialists by calling or booking online for an appointment at one of our offices. Get your feet ready for sandal season.