How to Get Rid of Stubborn Toenail Infection

Toenail fungus causes peeled, yellow tones, and breaking toenails. It can make one feel self-conscience, especially when wearing open toed shoes. People who suffer from it often feel frustrated with the endless antifungal creams and ointments that just don’t seem to work. If this describes you, don’t worry; you are not alone and there is hope to ridding your feet of that stubborn toenail fungus.

You can encounter fungus almost anywhere, so infection is common. Fungus is most prevalent in wet, warm, damp places, such as public pools and showers, and inside close toed shoes. It also accumulates in nail salons that reuse and do not sterilize their instruments and basins between customers. So, naturally, your feet are a big target.

Also, if you are wondering why you seem to contract the infection more than others, it’s because some people are more susceptible to it than others, depending on their individual immune systems. In fact, up to 20% of the population has this condition.

Here are some facts to keep in mind:

• Fungal infections normally develop over time so symptoms are subtle at first. Affected nail side effects include: scaling under the nail, white or yellow streaks on the nail, crumbling nails, flaky white areas and pits on the surface of the nail, yellow spots, and sometimes complete loss of the nail.
• Fungal infections may be contagious, so if you come in contact with someone who has an infected nail you may contract an infection as well.
• The fungi that causes nail infections is the same that causes jock itch, athlete’s foot, and ringworm, though it is often harder to treat.
• Fungus affects men more than women, and adults more than children.
• Fungal nails are usually more resistant and difficult to treat- topical antifungal or oral medications work better to prevent it rather than treat it.

A fungal nail infection, though usually painless, is frustrating and very stubborn. You may feel discouraged not knowing how to rid yourself of this pesky ailment, but there are options in how to remove it as well:

1. Laser Therapy for toenail fungus is one of the most effective ways to get rid of it. The Pinpointe Foot Laser at the Laser Nail Center at Anderson Podiatry Center is the first FDA approved laser for treating stubborn conditions. Also, unlike other multi-use lasers, our Foot Laser is specifically designed for nails and therefore has a high effective rate. We also have been treating nail fungus since 2008, longer than any other office in the area and were the first to introduce this treatment to the Rocky Mountain Region!
2. Taking preventative measures will help ensure that once you do get rid of your condition you don’t just end up getting it again.
   1. Keep your feet and toes dry- let your shoes dry out after wearing them and change your socks when they are damp.
   2. Use antifungal cream regularly, and spray your shoes with antifungal spray to help keep any fungus on your skin or shoes at bay.
   3. Don’t share nail clippers or nail files.
   4. Don’t share your shoes or socks with other people- remember,
   5. When using a public pool or shower make sure to wear shower shoes.
   6. Ensuring you only go to spas that sanitize their basins a
      nd tools between each use.

If you have stubborn toenail fungus don’t suffer from it a day longer! Be rid of it once and for all, and enjoy wearing your summer shoes again! Come visit your podiatrist in Fort Collins or Broomfield for further consultation.