Toenail fungus, a common and contagious nail infection, can be impacted by footwear. Understanding how shoes can contribute to toenail fungus is the first step toward the prevention and recurrence of fungal infections. Tight, ill-fitting shoes create the right environment for fungus to grow, because these shoes trap sweat and moisture and provide a warm, dark space. Airflow helps keep feet dry, but tighter shoes often don’t have good ventilation. On the other hand,breathable, moisture-wicking footwear can reduce the risk of toenail fungus. Fungal infections are contagious, so it’s best to avoid sharing shoes. Regularly disinfecting shoes can also help prevent the spread of fungal infections. Not only are your feet happier overall when you prioritize comfort, proper fit, and breathability in your shoes, but you also minimize the likelihood of toenail fungus taking hold and persisting. If you suspect toenail fungus, it is suggested you consult with a podiatrist who can provide a treatment plan and personalized recommendations for footwear.
For more information about treatment, contact one of our podiatrists of Comprehensive Foot & Ankle Centers. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.
Toenail Fungus Treatment
Toenail fungus is a condition that affects many people and can be especiallyhard to get rid of. Fortunately, there are several methods to go about treating and avoiding it.
Antifungals& Deterrence
Oral antifungal medicine has been shown to be effective in many cases. It is important to consult with a podiatrist to determine the proper regiment for you, or potentially explore other options.
Applying foot powder on the feet and shoes helps keep the feet free of moisture and sweat.
Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our officeslocated in Shepherdsville and Louisville, KY . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
FAQs
Fungus thrives in damp places. While open-toe shoes are great for airing out toes, be sure to choose a pair with proper arch support. It is also wise to change your socks daily and remove them immediately after exercise.
What are the best shoes to prevent nail fungus? ›
Sandals or open toed shoes – Wearing these will allow air movement and help keep feet dry. They also expose your feet to light, which fungus cannot tolerate. Socks with moisture wicking material also help as well.
Can ill fitting shoes cause toenail fungus? ›
Toenail fungus
And if you hope to avoid it, changing your shoe choices can go far. Pressure from poor-fitting shoes is a leading factor behind this common problem. If your feet are moist within those shoes, your chances of toenail fungus are even higher.
Does wearing flip-flops help toenail fungus? ›
A pair of lightweight flip-flops or slides can be the barrier you need against toenail fungus.
Can you get toenail fungus from used shoes? ›
“Fungi and bacteria thrive in moist, dark environments like shoes,” says Jacqueline Sutera, DPM, a New York City-based podiatrist and Vionic Innovation Lab member. “This can cause stinky feet and athlete's foot infection, or fungus of the skin and nails.”
What kills fungus in shoes? ›
The best way to disinfect shoes from athlete's foot is to use a UV shoe sanitizer. However, you can also use hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to get rid of fungus from athlete's foot. Vinegar is also effective at slowing down fungal growth in shoes.
Does not wearing shoes help toenail fungus? ›
Footwear is important in so many ways. Not only do well-fitting shoes provide skeletal and muscular support, they also help prevent a variety of foot problems like calluses, hammertoes, circulation problems and even toenail fungus.
What worsens toenail fungus? ›
Walk barefoot in a hot, humid place like a pool, public shower, or locker room. Wear tight-fitting, closed-toe shoes, especially if you have sweaty feet.
Does wearing socks prevent toenail fungus? ›
Wearing shoes with out socks can cause unwanted bacteria and even foot infections. Wearing socks creates a barrier between your shoes and feet which easily prevents skin conditions such as Athlete's Foot, Calluses and Fungal bacteria.
Do I need to throw away my shoes if I have toenail fungus? ›
If you just finished treating nail fungus, throw away shoes, boots, skates, and other footwear that you wore before you started treatment. Put on a clean pair of socks every day and whenever your socks get sweaty.
Oral antifungal drugs.
These drugs are often the first choice. One option is itraconazole (Sporanox). These drugs help a new nail grow free of infection, slowly replacing the infected part. You typically take this type of drug daily for 6 to 12 weeks.
Which laundry detergent kills fungus? ›
Price and inventory may vary from online to in store.
- Arm & Hammer Plus OxiClean Paks (14 ea ) ...
- Tide Plus Downy, Liquid Laundry Detergent April Fresh (37 fl oz ) ...
- Purex Laundry Detergent Mountain Breeze (50 fl oz ) ...
- Persil ProClean Liquid Laundry Detergent Intense Fresh (40 fl oz )
Prescription toenail fungus treatments
These include creams, sprays, and gels like ciclopirox (Penlac), efinaconazole (Jublia), and tavaborole (Kerydin). These are best for surface fungus, as the products don't penetrate your nail bed. It may take a year of daily use before you see the fungus go away.
Is there a shoe spray that kills fungus? ›
Our Terpenicol Shoe Spray kills the bacteria and fungus living in your shoes.
What not to do with toenail fungus? ›
don't keep your feet clean and dry. wear shoes that cause your feet to get hot and sweaty. walk around barefoot in places where fungal infections can spread easily, like communal showers, locker rooms and gyms. have damaged your nails.
How long will toenail fungus live in shoes? ›
Fungal spores can live up to two years in footwear, so even if treatment appears successful it is recommended that socks and hosiery are washed at 60 degrees to kill off the fungal cells, or that an antifungal agent is added to your wash.
What can I soak my feet in to prevent toenail fungus? ›
The recommended ratio is one part apple cider vinegar to two parts warm water. Apple cider vinegar is particularly effective due to its antifungal properties. For best results, soak your feet in the vinegar solution for a minimum of 30 minutes daily.
How can I protect myself from nail fungus? ›
How to protect your toenails
- Wear socks that wick away perspiration. ...
- Use antifungal foot powder daily.
- Avoid shoes that keep your feet from breathing or that press on your nail.
- Wear sandals or flip-flops in shower rooms at gyms or pools to avoid infection.
Use an antifungal foot powder
Sprinkle antifungal foot powder on socks and shoes to keep them dry and reduce the chance of fungus and bacteria growth.
Toenail fungus, a common and contagious nail infection, can be impacted by footwear. Understanding how shoes can contribute to toenail fungus is the first step toward the prevention and recurrence of fungal infections. Tight, ill-fitting shoes create the right environment for fungus to grow, because these shoes trap sweat and moisture and provide a warm, dark space. Airflow helps keep feet dry, but tighter shoes often don’t have good ventilation. On the other hand,breathable, moisture-wicking footwear can reduce the risk of toenail fungus. Fungal infections are contagious, so it’s best to avoid sharing shoes. Regularly disinfecting shoes can also help prevent the spread of fungal infections. Not only are your feet happier overall when you prioritize comfort, proper fit, and breathability in your shoes, but you also minimize the likelihood of toenail fungus taking hold and persisting. If you suspect toenail fungus, it is suggested you consult with a podiatrist who can provide a treatment plan and personalized recommendations for footwear.