Sweaty feet can cause toenail fungus. Toenail fungus is a very contagious condition that is easily spread from person to person. There is nothing you can do to eliminate the risk of catching a toenail fungus. There are definitely some steps you can take to reduce risk. Sweaty feet are a culprit in helping nail fungus infect your nails, so there are some things you should know about how to handle them.

Why can sweaty feet lead to toenail fungus?

Nail fungus thrives in dark, damp environments. Because the nails are often contained inside dark, tight shoes and socks, this helps the fungus to thrive and grow. Additionally, sweaty feet can make the environment in the shoe damp, also helping any nail fungus infect the toe and grow. Sweaty feet are often unavoidable, especially for people who do a lot of heavy exercise or sporting activities.

Additionally, some people suffer from chronically sweaty feet just because their feet naturally sweat a lot. Excessive sweating is also more common in very hot or humid environments. However, there are some steps you can take to minimize the risk of sweaty feet occurring.

Softening Fungal Toenails

Here are some tips to prevent sweaty feet and fungal infections

  1. Wear Socks – Socks fit closely to the feet and can absorb sweat. Wearing closed-toe shoes puts you at risk of fungal nail infections. Socks can protect your feet and serve as a barrier from a fungus that may have accumulated in your shoes. Remember to change your socks daily. It is also essential that you wash your socks between each wear
  2. Change your shoes immediately after exercising – Sweaty socks and shoes should never be kept on the feet for a long period of time. The best thing to do is to change into a pair of open-toe shoes like sandals after physical activity.
  3. Foot Powder – If socks still don’t help, try using foot powder. It is effective for reducing sweat from your feet. Foot powder keeps your feet dry and prevents toenail fungus. It can also eliminate foul odor from your feet. To prevent toenail fungus and other fungal infections, you can use antifungal powder.
  4. Antiperspirant – Deodorants are not only for your underarms. It may sound silly, but antiperspirants are formulated to prevent sweating. This will work on your sweaty feet as well. When you spray your underarms when you get ready for the day, you can spray your feet too. Not only will your feet be less sweaty, but they can also smell better.
  5. Foot Soak – Soaking your feet can help with excessive sweating as well as improve your health. Soak your feet in part Apple Cider Vinegar, part water for about 15 to 20 minutes a couple of times a week. Apple Cider Vinegar is a natural astringent that can tighten skin and minimize pores. It can also help get rid of foul foot odor.
  6. Talk to Your Doctor – If none of these remedies work, it’s time to talk to your doctor. There might be an underlying reason for the excessive sweating.

Person Grasping Painful Toe

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.  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 Stockton, CA, 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 any signs of nail fungus, call us at (800) 672-0625 at our Stockton, CA location, or visit our website for more information on our doctors at one of our over 150 locations.