The Fungus Among Us: What’s Lurking in Your Sneakers? Toenail Fungus Tips for your Shoes

If you’ve ever had a toenail fungus infection, you are well aware of the stigma, embarrassment and unsightly toenails that accompany it.

Luckily, toenail fungus infections are easily treatable and you’ll be able to wear your favorite flip-flops again in no time. But, if you’re not treating the whole problem instead of just your feet, you could develop another infection.

“The biggest mistake we see is patients not treating their shoes following a toenail fungal infection,” says Greensboro podiatrist, Dr. Norman Regal at Triad Foot Center explains. “Your shoes are carrying fungal spores, which care re-infect you toenails.”

To prevent further fungal infections, here are four tips to keeping your feet infection-free:

1. Sanitize Your Shoes: Fungal spores can live in your shoes for months, which can re-infect your treated toes. Over-the-counter topical anti-fungal sprays and powders are available from $4-$10. There are also over-the-counter ultra-violet products that can prove effective in eliminating fungus.
2. Switch Up Your Shoes: Wearing the same shoes every day can build up moisture from sweat, which creates a perfect environment for fungus. Switch out your shoes every other day and allow them 24-hours to completely dry out before wearing them again.
3. Use Cedar Shoe Trees: Cedar shoe trees can help keep your shoes dry by absorbing the moisture inside them.
4. Don’t Walk Barefoot: Walking barefoot greatly increases your chances of picking up fungus spores, bacteria and other harmful germs from unsanitary surfaces.

If you are suffering from frequent toenail fungus infections or they won’t clear up, it’s likely it’s not only a fungal infection and you need to speak with a podiatrist to accurately diagnose your infection.

For more information about toenail fungus and nail fungus treatment, please visit our nail fungus laser treatment packages page and then request an appointment.

 

 

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