Last Updated on February 21, 2022 by Sarah Keene
Oral antifungal drugs. You typically take this type of drug for six to 12 weeks. But you won’t see the end result of treatment until the nail grows back completely. It may take four months or longer to eliminate an infection. Treatment success rates with these drugs appear to be lower in adults over age 65.
Moreover, how long can fungus live in shoes? The lifespan of toenail fungus in shoes can be anywhere from six months to years.
Subsequently, how long does it take to get rid of fungal toe? Usually three months of treatment cures a toenail fungal infection. Antifungal pills, however, can cause side effects. Your dermatologist will watch you closely.
Quick Answer, what do you do with shoes after toenail fungus? Spray your shoes with an antibacterial spray, especially if you’ve worn them without socks, and wash all socks in hot water with bleach to kill any fungi. Also wash your feet daily, making sure to thoroughly dry them afterward, especially between the toes where moisture can get trapped.
Furthermore, how do I know if my toenail fungus is dying?
- Nail color changes. If your nail turns white and chalky or yellow, it’s not a good sign.
- Nail position changes. If your nail starts to curl downward or upward, it’s time to be concerned.
- Nail texture changes.
- Nail smell changes.
- Nail sensation changes.
Should I cut off my fungus toenail?
If you do have a toenail fungus, your doctor will likely recommend one or more of the following treatment options: Trimming the Toenail Trimming the toenail is usually combined with medication, but having a podiatrist periodically trim the nail down is helpful and allows the medication to work better, says Sundling.
Should I wear socks with toenail fungus?
Wear dry socks that absorb moisture. Don’t go barefoot in public places. Use a spray or powder that fights fungus on your feet and in your shoes.
Can toenail fungus spread through bed sheets?
Around your home, your showers, bathrooms, floors around the house, and swimming pool areas are where your family are most at risk of contracting your fungus. Your spouse is also at risk when sharing bed sheets, socks and shoes.
Why does toenail fungus keep coming back?
There are several risk factors for developing nail fungus: tight shoes; damaged nails; walking barefoot in moist areas like swimming pools, saunas, and public showers; poor blood circulation in your legs; a weakened immune system; and other skin conditions, such as psoriasis.
What are the stages of toenail fungus?
- Color changes—More pronounced discoloration will occur with nails becoming brown, gray, or a deeper yellow.
- Pronounced ridges—Raised ridges run across the nail.
- Nail thickening—More severe thickening of the nails will occur.
What happens if you don’t treat toenail fungus?
If you let a nail fungus infection go for too long, several problems emerge. The infected nail can become misshapen and increasingly separated from your nail bed. Itching and pain are unpleasant side effects; if they’re too severe, you can have trouble wearing shoes or walking.
What is the fastest way to cure toenail fungus?
The fastest way to eliminate the infection is through toenail laser treatment. Laser nail therapy specifically targets the microorganisms under your nail while leaving the keratin intact. In just a few treatments, the infection can be entirely eliminated.
How contagious is toenail fungus?
Is toenail fungus contagious? Yes, many types of toenail fungi are quite contagious. An infected person can spread the fungus to someone else through direct contact. You can also get toenail fungus by touching an infected surface.
Is nail fungus on top of nail?
Nail fungus is a common condition that begins as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your fingernail or toenail. As the fungal infection goes deeper, nail fungus may cause your nail to discolor, thicken and crumble at the edge.
Can shoes cause toenail fungus?
The primary factors that lead to toenail fungus are mechanical pressures from ill-fitting shoes and moisture. Gregory Alvarez, DPM, a podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon at Piedmont, shares some tips for keeping toenails healthy for sandal and flip flop season.