Preventing Toenail Fungus

It’s summertime and that means days at the local pool, trips to the beach, and other places where it’s warm and wet and lots of people are walking around barefoot—the ideal opportunity for fungal foot infections. Fungal toenail infections, also known as onychomycosis, are one of the more difficult ones to get rid of.

What are the Signs of Toenail Fungus?

You may first notice a white or yellow spot under the tip of your nail. Over time, the whole nail may change to a yellowish, brown color. It may also thicken and start to split and crumble around the edges. Fungal toenail infections can affect one or multiple nails at a time.

Treatment

At Southern Maryland Foot & Ankle, we are experts at treating fungal toenail infections. The most common treatments are topical and oral anti-fungal medications. In extreme cases, surgically removing the infected nail may be the best option. Our doctors, Larry Hotchkiss, DPM and Gregory Cardinal, DPM will be able to advise you on the best treatment for your toenail fungus.

How Not to Get Toenail Fungus

Once you have successfully cleared up toenail fungus, you’ll want to make sure you take steps to prevent a fungal infection in the future. Some tips on how to do that include:

• Wash your feet daily and make sure you dry them completely. Use a foot powder to help keep feet dry.
• Choose shoes that allow air to circulate around the feet and that are made of breathable materials.
• Wear cotton socks that wick moisture away from the feet and change them if they become damp.
• Since fungal infections are passed on by contact with contaminated objects, do not share socks, shoes, nail clippers, or files.
• Use shower shoes or flip flops at public pools, gyms, and other places that are wet.
• Don’t cut nails too short to avoid cuts to the skin, which allow bacteria to enter. If you injure your foot, be extra vigilant about keeping the cut area clean and bandaged.

If you suspect you have a fungal toenail infection or other foot condition, schedule an appointment at either our Clinton or Waldorf office.