The microscopic spores that cause a fungal toenail infection are common in public areas and they also love the warm and moist environment inside the average pair of shoes.
When these fungal organisms get under your toenails they can cause the nail to slowly decay, becoming withered and brittle. An unpleasant odor is also produced by the fungus as it feeds on your sweat and skin.

With proper foot care and by seeing your foot doctor regularly you can prevent fungal toenail infections in the first place!

4 tips to help avoid fungal toenail infections include:

1. Keeping your feet clean and dry—Wash and dry your feet regularly, at least once per day. Change your socks when they become moist and let your footwear dry out between uses to help deter microbial infections.
2. Using proper toenail trimming techniques—Trim your toenails straight across and a little bit longer than the toe tip. This will help prevent fungal organisms from getting under your toenails and will also help prevent painful ingrown toenails as well.
3. Wearing shoes made with breathable fibers—Footwear made of Gore-Tex or canvas will allow moisture to evaporate to help keep your feet dry and microbe-free.
4. Insulating your feet from infection—Protect your feet by wearing shower shoes or sandals in public areas like locker rooms and showers where microorganisms like fungi and bacteria are pervasive.

If you have already developed a fungal toenail infection see your foot doctor for the proper treatment and to keep the infection from returning. In severe cases, debridement and toenail removal surgery may be required.

You can count on the foot doctors at Foot & Ankle Specialists, PC to provide fast relief for your aching feet using a full range of both conservative and surgical therapies. Our expert team, including board-certified podiatrists Dr. Scott E. Hughes, Dr. Greg P. Vogt, and Dr. Christine I. Tumele, serves patients of all ages with state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment technologies including onsite digital x-ray, ultrasound, diabetic shoes, and digital scanning for custom orthotics. For any questions or to make an appointment, please contact us at one of our Southeast Michigan facilities in Monroe (734-241-0200) and Lambertville (734-856-8900) (Bedford and Monroe counties). We also offer convenient house calls Monday through Thursday, so give us a call!