4 Tips to Help Get Rid of Toenail Fungus

As the always-busy holiday season approaches, you’ve got a lot on your to-do list. There’s shopping, visiting family (whether you’re hosting or traveling), and even cooking, all while fitting this into your normal daily schedule and concerns. You don’t want to have to worry about a fungal toenail infection on top of all that. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways for you to help control your toenail fungus, even when you’re busy.

Fungal toenail infections develop when a microscopic bacterial or fungal pathogen gets under your nails. This infection can be easy to catch and hard to get rid of. It can come from normal bacteria or fungus on your skin or from a contaminated surface. Warm, sweaty feet provide an ideal environment for the infection to thrive under your nails and cause damage.

Treating the problem involves both fighting the fungus as well as getting rid of the environment it needs to thrive. Typically, this involves anti-fungal medications or laser therapy, which are the most effective methods. However, there are plenty of additional things you can be doing to supplement your treatments. Here are four tips to help you get rid of toenail fungus and clear up your nails:

Don’t wear the same shoes every day– Let your shoes dry completely between uses so the fungus can’t continue to fester in the sweaty leather or fabric.
Use clean socks – Always wear clean, moisture-wicking socks to reduce the fungus-friendly atmosphere around your toes.
Treat your shoes – Fungus on your toes gets in your shoes, too. Use anti-fungal sprays or powders to help kill the infection in your shoes so it doesn’t get back on your feet the next time you use that footwear.
Keep nails trimmed – Trimming and filing down thickened keratin can help topical medications reach the infection more effectively.

Toenail fungus is a stubborn infection that can be challenging to eliminate, but even little steps can go a long way toward treating it. If you think you might have a fungal nail infection, let our experts at Dallas Podiatry Works examine it right away so you can quickly begin taking care of the problem. Contact our offices in Dallas and Plano, TX, for more information or to schedule a consultation with us. Call 972.853.7100 to reach our Dallas office, or (972) 943-3323 for our Plano location.

The doctor has great “bedside manners” when talking to patients. Great staff and comfortable atmosphere.

Derrick W.

The staff at Dallas Podiatry Works could not have been more courteous, helpful, and professional in doing their job. They made me feel comfortable when I was there, which is certainly appreciated. They answered all the questions that I had and just made each visit the most pleasurable that it could be. I would highly recommend them to anyone needing this type of foot care.

Joseph B.

I would highly recommend Dr. Brook to anyone with foot problems–especially problems that stump other podiatrists. He really is very caring and very knowledgeable.

Jeannette H.

Dr. Joel Brook and the staff were nice and helpful. Though I was a new patient, I got right in as soon as they were open in my preferred location. They diagnosed the problem and provided medicines along with a perfect gel bandage so I could keep exercising while my toes healed. My toes already hurt less and look a little better each day. If I have future issues, I will be a repeat customer. Here’s hoping I don’t, but at least I know my feet are in good hands.

Meryl E.

I visited this office for an ingrown toe nail a few years ago. After seeing another doctor, who made it worse, he referred me to Dallas Podiatry Works. The doctor there was able to fix my problem. I’m not great with reviews, all I can tell you is that this doctor and staff will have you up and running or doing whatever it is you do in no time. You will be in great hands. You’d be a fool not to use this doctor. Now its time to visit him again for the other toe.

Google User

Been having bad ankle pains for 6 months was referred here and it was a great visit ladies in the front desk medical assistants and the Doctor were all very friendly and make you feel very comfortable.