Avoiding nail fungus from spreading can be difficult. Nail fungus is a very contagious infection. Once you become infected, you are at risk of the fungus spreading from one nail to another. The best way to keep your nail fungus from spreading is to find and use a successful nail fungus treatment. There are many different kinds of nail fungus treatments on the market. So, it shouldn’t be too hard to find one that will work for you.
How to treat a toenail fungus
There are a few ways to treat a toenail fungus. There are over-the-counter topical creams. These have a very low cure rate. Typically between five and 10 percent. The reason it is so low is that they don’t penetrate all the way to the nail bed. A toenail fungus needs to be killed from the nail bed to be cured.
Another type of treatment is oral medication. Oral medication has a cure rate of about sixty percent. Although it has a higher cure rate, it can lead to other health issues. Many people fear liver toxicity when taking medication for a toenail fungus. You would need constant blood work done to ensure your liver is not in danger.
Avoiding Toenail Fungus
You should never share nail clippers or other tools used to maintain your nails. When sharing the same nail tools, you can get infected. You need to disinfect and sanitize the nail clippers before allowing someone else to use them. Nail fungus can easily be transferred with nail clippers or any other nail tools.
Also, you should always wear slippers when you are in public spaces. These include swimming pools, gyms, and locker rooms. Walking barefoot in these areas can easily lead to a toenail fungus infection. Also, it is not sanitary to walk barefoot, as you can also infect yourself with other infections, such as athlete’s foot. Always wear slippers or regular shoes when you are in public spaces.
Avoid ineffective treatments for Toenail Fungus
Some home remedies for toenail fungus aren’t harmful. Toenail fungus is often tricky to cure. Treatments like tea tree oil may allow the fungus to get worse during the time spent trying them. Some at-home treatments for toenail fungus are very dangerous, like bleach. Avoid putting anything that isn’t meant for treating fungus on your toes, as you could cause damage.
Even treatments recommended by doctors for toenail fungus can have downsides. Topical medications for fungus are very weak. They require a long period of application before any results are seen, if at all. These topical medications usually don’t have any side effects, unlike oral antifungal medications. Oral antifungal medications are often a favorite of general physicians to treat toenail fungus. However, these medications can have bad side effects, including liver toxicity. Oral antifungals require blood testing before and during the course of medication to ensure they aren’t damaging your body. Also, having an underlying health condition can be more dangerous. These medications are more effective than at-home and topical treatments for toenail fungus, but are definitely risky.
Here are other tips to avoid toenail fungus:
- Wear natural cotton socks to wick away moisture. Natural fabric is recommended because it provides good ventilation. Dry your feet well before putting socks on. It is also important to change them daily.
- When drying your feet after a shower, use a separate towel and place it in the laundry hamper. This will prevent the fungus from growing on the towel and spreading.
- After washing socks, use a hot dryer to kill the fungal spores.
- Avoid sharing towels, shoes, or socks. The fungus can spread from person to person
- From time to time, wear open-toed footwear to allow your toes to breathe. You can also look for shoes with air-breathing holes or made from natural materials. These will allow air and moisture to pass through.
Cosmetic Tips to Avoid Toenail Fungus
- Do not wear nail polish for long periods of time. Wearing nail polish seals moisture beneath and encourages fungi to grow. Give your nails a break to breathe after removing nail polish.
- Keep your toenails properly trimmed to keep the fungus in check.
- When going to salons, be aware of their sanitation methods. Make sure they are using clean tools to prevent getting the infection.
- Always keep your feet clean and dry. Fungi like warm and moist environments, so drying your feet thoroughly will make it hard for fungi to survive.
Laser Treatment for Nail Fungus
If you have caught nail fungus, it can be easily treated using the FDA-approved PinPointe laser, which typically only takes one 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. Oral medication is not recommended by our nail doctors. 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 Chicago, IL, recommends this treatment. 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, it is not painful.
If you have any signs of nail fungus, call us at (800) 672-0625 or visit our website for more information on our doctors at one of our over 150 locations.
