Toenail fungus is a common condition, especially when the weather warms up and feet spend more time in damp shoes or exposed to the elements. It can change the way your toenails look, making them thick, discolored, and sometimes even painful.
If you have toenail fungus, you might feel self-conscious about wearing sandals. You’re not alone! Many people avoid sandals altogether to hide their infected toenails.
But you don’t have to! This article is all about how to manage toenail fungus and still feel confident rocking your favorite sandals. We’ll cover everything from treatment options and preventative tips to ways to minimize the appearance of fungal nails, so you can step out in style.
Understanding Toenail Fungus
Toenail fungus, also called onychomycosis, is a fungal infection of the toenails. It’s a common condition, accounting for about half of all nail disorders.
These infections are usually caused by dermatophytes, a kind of fungus that loves warm, moist environments.
Symptoms of Toenail Fungus
If you have toenail fungus, you may experience the following:
- Discoloration: Nails may turn yellow, brown, or white.
- Thickening: Infected nails are often thicker and harder to trim.
- Brittleness: Nails may become brittle, crumbly, or ragged.
- Distorted Shape: The shape of the nail can change.
Risk factors and causes
There are a number of reasons you may have developed toenail fungus. Here’s a list of things that increase your risk:
- Walking barefoot in public places (like locker rooms and pools)
- Having had a fungal infection before (like athlete’s foot)
- Poor circulation
- Sharing nail clippers with others
- Sweating a lot
- Wearing closed-toe shoes and socks for long periods of time
Basically, fungus gets in through small cracks or cuts in your toenail or the skin around it. Poor hygiene can also contribute to fungus growth.
Treating toenail fungus
If you have toenail fungus, there’s a range of treatments to consider.
Professional treatment options
If you think you have toenail fungus, the first step is to seek a diagnosis from a podiatrist or dermatologist. They can check the severity of the infection and recommend the most effective treatment.
Some possible treatments are:
- Oral antifungal medications: Prescription medications you take by mouth that kill fungus. Examples include terbinafine (Lamisil) and itraconazole (Sporanox). Be aware that these medications can have side effects and require monitoring by a doctor.
- Topical antifungal treatments: Medicated creams, lotions, or even nail polishes that you put directly on the nail. Examples include ciclopirox (Penlac) and efinaconazole (Jublia). Keep in mind that topical treatments may not be strong enough for severe infections.
Other things to consider
To get the best results, your doctor may recommend:
- Combination therapy: Using both oral and topical treatments at the same time.
- Nail debridement: Trimming or filing down the infected nail to reduce pressure and help topical medications get to the source of the infection.
- Nail removal: In extreme cases, surgically removing the nail. Be aware that it can take a year for the nail to grow back.
Minimizing appearance and protecting others while wearing sandals
You don’t have to hide your feet away completely while you’re treating toenail fungus. If you’re thinking about a pedicure with fungus, here are some tips to help you feel more confident and prevent the spread of infection:
- Temporary solutions for aesthetic concerns:
- Nail polish: You can use breathable, antifungal nail polish to cover any discoloration.
- Artificial nails: You can also put on artificial nails or nail wraps to hide the infected nail, but be sure to clean the area around the nail regularly.
- Preventing spread: You can protect yourself and others from further infection by following these tips:
- Wear shower shoes or flip-flops in public showers and pool areas.
- Avoid sharing towels, socks, or shoes with others.
- Disinfect pedicure tools after each use.
- Keep your feet clean and dry, especially between the toes.
- Choosing appropriate footwear: It’s best to choose sandals that allow for good ventilation and don’t trap moisture against your toes.
Prevention is Key: Maintaining Healthy Feet
The best way to wear sandals with confidence is to avoid toenail fungus in the first place. Here’s how to protect your feet:
- Good foot hygiene: Wash and dry your feet every day, especially between the toes. Keep your toenails trimmed.
- Proper footwear: Choose breathable shoes and socks. Change your socks regularly if you sweat.
- Avoid sharing: Don’t share nail clippers, files, or towels with other people.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the sock trick for toenail fungus?
The “sock trick” involves wearing breathable socks (like cotton or wool) to absorb moisture and then changing them frequently throughout the day, especially after sweating. This helps create a drier environment that’s less hospitable for the fungus to thrive. Always wash socks in hot water with bleach to kill any lingering fungal spores.
What is the number one cure for toenail fungus?
There isn’t one single “number one” cure that works for everyone. The most effective treatment depends on the severity of the infection. Options range from topical antifungal medications (often requiring months of consistent use) to oral antifungal medications prescribed by a doctor. Laser treatment is also an option. Consult a doctor for the best treatment plan for you.
What shoes to wear with toenail fungus?
When you have toenail fungus, it’s best to wear shoes that allow your feet to breathe. Opt for shoes made of breathable materials like leather or canvas. Avoid tight-fitting shoes or those made of synthetic materials, as these can trap moisture and worsen the condition. Consider using antifungal shoe sprays or powders to further reduce fungal growth.
Is it better to go barefoot with toenail fungus?
While going barefoot allows your feet to air out, it also increases the risk of spreading the fungus to other surfaces or people. If you’re at home, going barefoot in a clean, dry environment is generally okay. However, avoid going barefoot in public places like gyms or swimming pools, where the fungus can easily spread.
How long will toenail fungus live in shoes?
Toenail fungus can survive for extended periods in shoes, potentially for months, especially in dark, damp environments. This is why it’s crucial to disinfect shoes regularly using antifungal sprays or powders. You can also consider rotating shoes to allow them to dry out completely between wearings, further minimizing the risk of reinfection.
Putting It All Together
Toenail fungus is treatable, so seeing a doctor is the most important thing you can do. With the right treatment and by taking steps to protect your feet, you can enjoy wearing sandals.
Prioritize foot hygiene and talk to a podiatrist or dermatologist if you have concerns about your feet.