What happens to nails if Toenail Fungus is left untreated?

Struggling with toenail fungus? You’re not alone! And you don’t have to live with thick, discolored, or distorted nails. At Laser Nail Therapy, we help patients find the most effective toenail fungus treatment in the Bronx, NY, using advanced laser technology and experienced medical care.

For many patients, laser toenail fungus treatment in the Bronx is the most recommended option because it targets the infection directly at its source. Our toenail fungus specialists are highly trained nail doctors who treat even stubborn, long-lasting infections. During your first consultation, our doctors will examine your nails, confirm whether you have a fungal infection, and explain your best treatment options. Then, they will recommend a personalized plan based on your specific condition.

Many people don’t realize they have toenail fungus until the infection becomes more severe. Toenail fungus is one of the most common foot health issues, especially among older adults, and it affects up to 50% of the elderly population. In many cases, the infection can last for years without pain, which is why it often goes untreated. However, toenail fungus typically causes visible changes such as discoloration, thickening, and nail distortion—and if left untreated, it can worsen over time.

Toenail fungus often begins when fungi enter through a small cut in the skin or under the nail. From there, the infection can spread to the entire nail and even to surrounding nails. As the fungus progresses, some patients experience discomfort, trouble wearing shoes, and difficulty walking or exercising.

Certain factors can increase your risk, including nail injuries, a history of athlete’s foot, excessive sweating, and wearing closed-toe shoes for long periods. Additionally, people with diabetes, circulation issues, or weakened immune systems are especially prone to fungal nail infections. Since fungus thrives in warm, dark, moist environments, sweaty shoes create the perfect conditions for it to grow and multiply.

Can Shoes Cause Toenail Fungus?

Yes! Your shoes can absolutely contribute to toenail fungus. Because most people wear shoes for long hours each day (work, school, the gym, errands, and even at home), footwear often creates the perfect environment for fungal growth. Warmth, sweat, and limited airflow allow fungus to survive and spread easily.

In fact, if your toenail fungus keeps coming back, or if your nails still look abnormal even after treatment, your shoes may be reinfecting your feet. That’s why keeping footwear clean and dry is a key part of toenail fungus prevention. Below are two common ways shoes can trigger or worsen fungal infections.

1) Wearing Shoes That Are Too Tight

Many people wear shoes that feel “fine” but don’t leave enough room for the toes. When shoes squeeze the front of the foot, they create repeated pressure and friction on the toenails. Over time, this can lead to tiny injuries or microtrauma that weaken the nail.

Since fungus often enters through small cracks in the nail or skin, tight shoes can increase your risk of developing a toenail fungal infection.

2) Shoes Can Re-Expose You to Fungus

Even if you avoid fungus in public places like pools and locker rooms, your own shoes can become contaminated and act as a daily source of exposure. Once fungus gets into a shoe, it thrives in the dark, warm, moist environment, especially in sneakers and closed-toe footwear.

Because fungal spores are invisible, you may not realize your shoes are the problem. That’s why disinfecting footwear matters. Regularly cleaning your shoes and using an antifungal spray can help remove fungus and reduce the risk of reinfection.

How to Avoid Toenail Fungus?

Here are some tips on how to avoid getting a toenail fungus. If you believe that you have been infected with a toenail fungus, you should consult a nail doctor.

  • Always wear shoes in public spaces
    • This includes public swimming pools, gyms, public showers, and locker rooms
    • As a result, people can easily get infected by someone walking barefoot in these areas
  • Never share nail clippers
    • People can easily pass on a toenail infection by using the same clippers
    • Always clean and disinfect your nail clipper and other tools used to maintain your nails
  • Wearing closed-toed shoes in hot weather
    • This creates the perfect warm and moist environment for a toenail fungus to develop
    • Try to avoid wearing the same shoes every day
    • Also, always change socks when putting on a new pair of shoes

These tips seem like common knowledge, but you would be surprised how many people get infected like this.

Treatment Options for Toenail Fungus in the Bronx, NY

Toenail fungus treatment in the Bronx can vary depending on how severe the infection is and how long it has been present. While many people try over-the-counter products first, not every option delivers strong results. If you think you may have a fungal nail infection, the best first step is scheduling a free consultation with one of our nail doctors so you can confirm the diagnosis and choose the most effective treatment.

Topical Solutions: Topical treatments include creams, ointments, and medicated nail solutions that you can buy over the counter. While they may help in very mild cases, they usually don’t work well for established infections because they struggle to penetrate through the nail and reach the fungus underneath. As a result, topical solutions typically have a low cure rate of only 5-10%, and many people use them for months (or up to a year) with little improvement.

Oral Medication: Oral antifungal medication has a higher success rate, around 60%, because it works through the bloodstream to fight the infection from the inside out. However, this option comes with serious risks. Oral antifungals can cause liver toxicity, which is why patients often need regular blood tests throughout treatment. Due to these potential side effects, many nail doctors do not recommend oral medication unless necessary.

Laser Treatment for Toenail Fungus in the Bronx: For many patients, the most effective option is laser toenail fungus treatment. At Laser Nail Therapy, we use the FDA-approved PinPointe Laser, which targets the fungus directly beneath the nail. Because the laser reaches the infection at its source, it often produces stronger results than topical solutions or oral medications. In most cases, patients only need one treatment.

Our Bronx, NY nail doctor recommends the PinPointe Laser because it offers the highest cure rate on the market, with no side effects, no downtime, and no pain. You can return to normal daily activities immediately after treatment.

While Visiting the Bronx, NY

The Bronx is one of New York City’s most exciting boroughs, offering a unique mix of iconic attractions, cultural landmarks, and beautiful outdoor spaces. Whether you’re visiting for a day or spending the weekend, the Bronx delivers plenty of fun experiences for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. From world-famous wildlife exhibits to historic stadium tours and relaxing gardens, there’s something here for every type of visitor.

One of the top destinations in the borough is the Bronx Zoo, one of the largest urban zoos in the world. With thousands of animals and immersive exhibits like Tiger Mountain and the Congo Gorilla Forest, it’s an unforgettable stop for animal lovers and families. Just nearby, the New York Botanical Garden offers a peaceful 250-acre escape filled with seasonal flowers, themed exhibitions, and beautiful walking paths. It’s the perfect place to unwind and enjoy nature without leaving the city.

Sports fans should also make time for Yankee Stadium, home of the New York Yankees. Watching a game is an exciting experience, but even visitors who aren’t baseball fans can enjoy a behind-the-scenes stadium tour and soak in the borough’s pride and energy.

For food lovers, a visit to Arthur Avenue, often called the Bronx’s “Little Italy,” is a must. This neighborhood is packed with authentic Italian bakeries, markets, cafés, and family-owned restaurants serving some of the best pasta and pastries in NYC.

If you want more outdoor scenery, the Bronx offers incredible green spaces. Wave Hill provides gardens and Hudson River views in a calm, scenic setting, while Pelham Bay Park—NYC’s largest park—features hiking trails, picnic areas, and Orchard Beach, a popular summer destination.

Finally, for art and culture, the Bronx Museum of the Arts highlights contemporary exhibitions and local creativity, with free admission for visitors. Overall, the Bronx blends city energy with nature, history, and culture, making it a great place to explore while you’re in New York.

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Three pairs of feet after Toenail Fungus treatment

If you have any signs of toenail fungus, don’t wait. Our Bronx, NY nail doctors offer the PinPointe laser treatment, the most effective and safe method for curing toenail fungus. Call us today at (800) 672-0625 or visit our website to schedule a free consultation at a location near you.