We are well aware of the difficulty of treating fungal infections and preventing reinfection. Many patients who suffer from fungal infections like athlete’s foot and toenail fungus seek treatment using the topical medication. Research has shown that the failure of topical treatments is based on its inability to penetrate through the nail. But like any other method of treatment for toenail fungus, there is a risk of reinfection. Also, people don’t realize that they also have to treat the environment that their feet are in. Socks have Fungus, shoes have fungus and the floors that you walk on might have fungus as well.
Contaminated Socks
A new study suggests that socks can harbor fungal spores that play a role in reinfection after or during treatment. The study collected socks from patients infected with toenail fungus. Over 50% of the sock samples contained fungus. Socks were washed in a hot cycle and only 6% of the socks still had fungus. Therefore, it is important to use hot water to kill fungus.
Killing Fungus in Socks
Washing at 60ºC (140 degrees F) essentially eliminates the fungal spores. The warm wash cycle at 40ºC is basically body temperature. The study further suggests that contaminated socks could spread fungal spores to other items stored in the same laundry containers. 10% of uncontaminated laundry items became contaminated after an hour of contact with the contaminated socks.
These findings suggest that increasing the temperature as well as adding bleaching agents in the laundry cycle can eradicate the fungus contaminating the socks and other laundry items. Eradicating the fungus in items of clothing such as sucks thus prevents reinfection for patients seeking treatment for toenail fungus. In addition, there are also socks or hosiery that contain antimicrobial fibers that can shorten fungal spores’ lifespan.
Laser Treatment for Toenail Fungus
If you have caught nail fungus, it can be easily treated using the FDA-approved PinPointe laser, which typically only takes on treatment. Other treatments like topical solutions and oral medication are not as effective. Topical solutions have a very low cure rate. This is because the solution does not penetrate all the way through the nail bed. This is because it can lead to liver toxicity. You would need to have consistent blood tests throughout the course of taking the medication.
Our nail doctor in Brooklyn, NY recommends this treatment for Toenail Fungus. The PinPointe Laser treatment has the highest cure rate in the market. It has no side effects and no recovery period. As a result, you can go about your daily activities right after the treatment. Also, there’s no pain.
If you have toenail fungus or see its symptoms, contact us to schedule a free consultation with one of our doctors. We have over 150 Toenail Fungus Treatment Clinics in the United States and Canada, including Phoenix, AZ.
