Take These Steps To Prevent Your Toenail Fungus From Spreading to Your Partner

When you develop a case of toenail fungus, your nails become discolored, and can even lose their shape. The fungus that affects toenails spreads easily from person to person, thriving in warm, dark, and damp environments.

At Town Center Foot & Ankle, expert podiatrist Dr. Stephen G. Eichelsdorfer (“Dr. Ike”) can help clear up your toenail fungus infection. He treats new and existing patients with toenail fungus problems from his practice in Kingwood, Texas. 

Here are his tips to prevent your toenail fungus from spreading to partners, roommates, family members, and others in your community.

How to avoid toenail fungus infections

The best way to keep fungal infections from spreading in your home is to avoid bringing them home in the first place. 

Toenail fungal infections often originate in public spaces like gym showers and swimming pools. Places where people go barefoot, such as yoga or dance studios, can also expose you to the fungus. While foot fungus and toenail fungus are related, they are distinct conditions. To keep the focus clear, here’s what you need to know about protecting yourself specifically from toenail fungus in these environments.

Always use gym or pool shoes in areas where you could contract a fungal infection. This protects you and your loved ones from contracting this unsightly podiatry issue.

Take the right care of sweaty shoes and socks

When your feet get hot and sweaty, you provide fungus with a perfect environment in which to grow. That’s why, in order to keep toenail fungus contained within your household, you need to use the right steps to clean, dry, and air out your footwear whenever you’ve been sweating.

As soon as possible, switch to fresh shoes and socks after a workout. Don’t reuse gym socks, but wash them right away. Use a stand to air out your gym shoes between uses.

Limit the spread of toenail fungus in your home

When you or someone who lives in or frequently visits your home has a fungal infection, take these steps to prevent toenail fungus from affecting others. With care and attention, your partner, children, or roommates won’t become infected.

Use shower shoes in shared bathrooms while your toenail fungus infection remains active. Don’t walk barefoot in the bathroom. Don’t share towels, and avoid sharing shoes or socks. You may even want to change your bedsheets more frequently.

Seek professional podiatry care for stubborn fungal infections

Trying to treat a fungal infection at home often proves frustrating, as the fungus can seem to disappear with treatment, then come back to affect your feet again and again. 

Working with a professional podiatrist simplifies the situation, ensuring that your toenail fungus doesn’t linger to become a hazard in your home and personal life.

Toenail fungus infections can be embarrassing, frustrating, and limiting. At Town Center Foot & Ankle, Dr. Ike and our team offer professional-grade treatments to help you regain healthy nails. In addition to topical antifungal medications, we use the PinPointe FootLaser, a cutting-edge, highly effective solution for treating fungal nails. This advanced laser technology targets the fungus directly, promoting clearer, healthier nails without the need for invasive procedures.

To keep your toenail fungus infection from spreading to your other toes, or to the toenails of those close to you, contact us at Town Center Foot & Ankle today. Schedule your appointment over the phone, or request an appointment online now.