How to Keep Toenail Fungus From Spreading

Toenails that take on a yellowish tinge, turn crumbly, and thicken, point to an unsightly and persistent problem: toenail fungus. 

Different fungal organisms cause this common problem, and infections can stem from molds, bacteria, and yeast as well. If you suspect you have toenail fungus, you should know it’s contagious and can spread to the people you live with and those who use the same public spaces you do.

But don’t despair, there’s effective treatment available for toenail fungus, and you can do a lot to prevent the problem from spreading to whomever you share a home with. 

Our talented team of podiatry experts at Premier Foot & Ankle has an arsenal of powerful treatments at our fingertips that we can deploy to eradicate your fungus problem. We also offer powerful advice on how you can keep your fungus to yourself while you get treated.

Toenail fungus: A pesky problem that can spread far and wide

In addition to discolored, thick toenails, other symptoms of fungus include:

• Misshapen toenails
• Cracked toenails
• A toenail that separates from the nail bed
• Debris under the toenail
• A foul smell

Toenail fungus often develops because the skin around your toenail is infected with a fungus like athlete’s foot, a stubborn fungus that develops between your toes.

You’re at higher risk for toenail fungus if you don’t protect your feet in public spaces like pool areas and locker rooms, share shoes and socks with others, or sweat a lot. If you don’t have good foot hygiene, you’re also more likely to experience a fungal infection.

Certain health conditions that affect your circulation, like diabetes, boost your risk for toenail fungus, as does having a compromised immune system. Getting older is also a risk factor. 

Toenail fungus is quite contagious, and since it can be difficult to get rid of, you don’t want to put anyone else at risk for a fungal infection.

How to keep toenail fungus to yourself

If you’re coping with toenail fungus, there are steps you can take to significantly curtail its spread to others:

• Always wear some type of shoe when walking around public places
• Wear shoes when you shower in public spaces
• Don’t share shoes or socks
• Don’t share nail grooming tools
• Sterilize nail tools with alcohol after each use
• Use bath towels just once and don’t share them
• Clean your feet daily and dry them thoroughly
• Avoid polishing your nails, which can encourage fungus to grow
• Use a medicated foot powder daily and invest in antifungal cream
• Change your socks regularly and switch up the shoes you wear
• Shop for shoes that fit correctly and don’t crowd your feet or make them sweat
• Opt for socks in breathable fabrics that wick moisture away from your feet
• Cut your toenails straight across to discourage an ingrown toenail
• Ditch old footwear, especially if you’ve finished treatment for toenail fungus

Following these protocols can greatly reduce the chances you’ll spread toenail fungus to someone else.

Treatment options for your toenail fungus

Premier Foot & Ankle also offers innovative toenail fungus treatments, including topical and oral medications and in-office nail debridement (thinning of your toenail with the help of an electric grinder). Your podiatrist may also advise that you use special antifungal soap. 

We offer the innovative Hyperion HyperBlue 1530Ⓡ laser treatment for toenail fungus as well. It’s a painless, noninvasive treatment that works by harnessing the power of light waves to penetrate deep into your nail to eradicate fungus. Treatment typically takes only 10 minutes per session, and most patients require three or four treatments.

If treatments haven’t kept your toenail fungus at bay and it keeps returning, or if your case of fungus is serious, your podiatrist may recommend permanent removal of your nail. This too is an in-office procedure, and we ensure your comfort during treatment and afterward.

You don’t have to live with toenail fungus or worry that you’ll cause someone else to catch this annoying condition. Contact one of our five convenient Texas locations to schedule an appointment if you’re experiencing symptoms. Call our office today or book online anytime.