My Toenail Fungus Is Embarrassing: Can You Help?

Dealing with toenail fungus can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. If you're tired of hiding your feet and avoiding open-toe shoes, you're not alone. But there's hope – effective solutions are available to help you regain your confidence.

Located in the Lower Pacific Heights area of San Francisco and San Jose, California, Andrew R. Harrison, DPM, understands that over-the-counter antifungal products don’t always cut it when it comes to treating entrenched toenail fungus. That’s why we offer two cutting-edge toenail fungus lasers that significantly impact your recovery: CoolBreeze™ and PinPointe™.

In the meantime, we’ll help you explore what toenail fungus is, why it happens, and how you can finally say goodbye to this pesky problem. 

Understanding the causes of toenail fungus 

Toenail fungus is a common fungal infection that affects your nails. This fungus thrives in warm, moist environments, which is why your feet are particularly susceptible. Common causes and risk factors include: 

Warm, damp environments 

Wearing sweaty socks and tight shoes makes for the perfect breeding ground for fungi. 

Poor hygiene 

Improper drying of your feet after bathing or exercising can also encourage fungal growth. 

Foot trauma

Have you recently sustained an injury to your toenail or surrounding skin? That can create an opening for fungi to enter. 

Weakened immune system 

Conditions like diabetes or HIV can increase your susceptibility to fungal infections. 

Treatment options for toenail fungus 

Now that you know more about this condition, let’s brainstorm ways to find relief. There are several treatment options available to help you reclaim healthy, clear nails, including: 

Topical treatments 

For less severe cases, over-the-counter or prescription antifungal creams can be applied directly to help relieve your affected nail. 

Oral medications 

Prescription oral antifungal medications are often more effective for severe or stubborn cases of toenail fungus. However, they may carry risks of side effects and interactions with other medicines. 

Laser therapy

Dr. Harrison offers PinPointe and CoolBreeze — state-of-the-art toenail fungus lasers that target your toenail fungus without burning or harming your nails and skin. These lasers harmlessly penetrate the nail to heat and destroy the fungus. 

Home remedies 

You may also find relief from toenail fungus with some home remedies like tea tree oil, vinegar soaks, or hydrogen peroxide solutions. While these methods may offer temporary relief, they’re often less effective than medical treatments. 

Prevention tips to avoid toenail fungus 

What better way to avoid embarrassment than avoiding the issue altogether? Incorporating these tips into your routine can help you keep your feet healthy and fungus-free moving forward: 

Keep feet clean and dry

Wash your feet daily with soap and water, and thoroughly dry them afterward, especially between your toes. 

Choose breathable footwear 

Opt for breathable leather or mesh shoes, and avoid tight-fitting shoes that trap moisture. 

Wear protective footwear 

Always wear sandals or flip-flops in public showers, locker rooms, and swimming pools to reduce the risk of exposure to fungi. 

Practice good nail care 

Keep your toenails trimmed and clean, and avoid sharing nail clippers or other pedicure tools to prevent the spread of infection. 

While toenail fungus may be embarrassing, it's a common problem that millions face. The good news is that effective treatments are available to help you conquer toenail fungus and restore clear, healthy nails. 

If you’re ready to learn more and seek appropriate treatment for your symptoms, contact Dr. Harrison and schedule an appointment to discuss your options today!