Why Does My Toenail Fungus Keep Coming Back?

So you already know that your annoying foot pain is caused by a fungal infection of one of your toenails. You even went to the doctor to get the right treatment for your infection. Still, you notice that your fungal toenail infection keeps coming back, and you can't figure out why. In this post, we'll look at the top three reasons why your annoying, painful fungal toenail infection keeps coming back and making your life and health worse.

What Exactly Causes Nail Fungus?

When fungi - either of the two types, yeast or mold -  infect the skin, they cause athlete's food and ringworm in the feet and hands, respectively. When this fungus gets under a nail, now you have a fungal nail infection, also called tinea unguium. Symptoms include a white, brown, or yellow discoloration of the nail bed, as well as thickening, cracking, and/or brittleness. If left untreated, the infection site can become painful and cause nail separation (also called onycholysis).. 

Tight shoes; damaged nails; walking barefoot in moist areas such as swimming pools, public showers, and saunas; a weakened immune system; poor blood circulation in your legs; and other skin conditions such as psoriasis are all risk factors for nail fungus. You may even be genetically predisposed to developing nail fungus. 

How can I prevent the recurrence of my nail fungus?

If you expose your feet to the same environment where they were previously infected, they will almost certainly become infected again. Wear flip-flops or other appropriate shower shoes instead of walking barefoot through communal areas such as public pools and showers. Just make sure you clean and dry your feet thoroughly afterward.

When getting a pedicure, make sure the establishment is clean, licensed, and follows state regulations. The nail technicians must sterilize their tools after each use. NEVER let the manicurist push your cuticles back. If not, this could be the cause of your toenail or fingernail fungus and it's time to find a new favorite salon!

If you've taken nail fungus medication or used antifungal creams  but stopped using them at the first sign of healthier nails, this could be why your nail fungus returns. Although the fungus appears to be gone, it’s not  visible to the naked eye and may still be present. If the treatment is stopped too soon, some of the remaining fungi may keep growing, making it look like a new infection. It’s also important to treat your skin for fungal infection when treating the nail - even if there are no obvious sign of infection like athletes foot. 

If your doctor prescribes an oral medication, make sure to finish it according to your doctor's instructions. If you're using over-the-counter polish or cream, you should keep using it for at least a month after the appearance of a healthy nai AND the complete disappearance of diseased nail.

The long and short of it is that nail hygiene is critical in preventing nail fungus. Check that the shoes you're wearing fit properly and aren't too tight. When you go to the neighborhood pool or gym locker room, wear protective footwear. And remember to keep your feet clean and dry. 

If you're still dealing with nail fungus, get treatment at Caratin Rx. With their medications, you will soon get rid of your nail fungus and stop it from coming back.