4 Ways to Treat & Prevent Fungal Toenail Infections
The moist, dark environment inside the average pair of shoes is an ideal location for the proliferation of fungal organisms that can cause toenail and skin infections. These problems tend to increase with age since your immune system becomes less capable of fighting off infections. People who have diabetes and circulation problems are also more susceptible to fungal and bacterial infections.
4 methods for treating and preventing fungal toenail infections include the following:
Laser therapy—Ask your podiatrist about laser therapy for fungal toenails. This painless procedure can eradicate pesky fungal toenail infections with just a few treatments.
Topical medications—A variety of antimicrobial sprays and lotions can be applied inside your shoes, on your socks, and directly on your feet to kill microbes.
Let your shoes air out—Be sure to switch to different shoes every day, so they have time to dry out between wearing, thereby killing any fungi and bacteria.
Protect your feet in public areas—Remember to wear protective shower shoes or sandals in locker rooms, public showers, pool areas, etc... to help avoid contact with microorganisms that cause infection.
Advanced infections may require a debridement procedure or nail removal surgery to completely treat the infection and eradicate it from the nail bed. A new healthy toenail will grow in place after several months.
If you experience a difficult fungal toenail infection, contact your foot doctor for the proper diagnosis and treatment. James C. Ricketti, DPM of Hamilton Square, NJ (in Mercer County), is a board-certified podiatrist providing state of the art diagnostic and treatment options for all types of foot and ankle injuries, diseases, and deformities. From hammertoes and bunions to diabetic foot problems and sports injuries, you can rest assured that Dr. Ricketti and his staff will get you back on your feet as fast as possible. Please contact our office with any questions or to schedule an appointment. Call 609-587-1674.