What Not to Do with Toenail Fungus: 11 Common Mistakes That Make It Worse

Toenail fungus is a stubborn issue that affects millions of people worldwide. It can lead to unsightly nails and discomfort and can worsen over time if left untreated. Many individuals make mistakes while dealing with toenail fungus, unknowingly making the problem more challenging to manage. This blog post will highlight 11 common mistakes people make with toenail fungus and offer advice on how to avoid them. If you are dealing with this issue, knowing what not to do can save you time, money, and frustration.

1.    Ignoring the infection at the first signs

One of the biggest mistakes people make is ignoring the toenail fungus when it first appears. Early signs of toenail fungus include yellowing, thickening, or crumbling nails. If you notice any of these signs, take action immediately. Waiting too long will only make the fungus harder to treat.

• Why it’s a problem: The longer you wait, the more the fungus can spread, making it more difficult to treat. It can even spread to other nails or areas of the body, causing more serious infections.
• What you should do: At the first sign of toenail fungus, start using an effective topical antifungal treatment. Don’t wait for the infection to worsen. The sooner you treat it, the easier it will be to clear up.

2.    Relying only on home remedies

Many people turn to home remedies for toenail fungus, such as vinegar soaks, essential oils, or over-the-counter creams. While these treatments may help in some cases, they are not always effective in eliminating the fungus.

• Why it’s a problem: Home remedies may not reach the deeper layers of the nail where the fungus thrives. If the fungus is not treated thoroughly, it can grow and worsen.
• What you should do: Instead of relying solely on home remedies, invest in a clinically proven topical toenail fungus treatment. Products designed specifically to treat toenail fungus tend to be more effective and target the root cause of the problem.

3.    Not following the treatment plan consistently

Another common mistake is failing to follow the treatment plan consistently. Some people may start using a treatment but stop once they notice some improvement. While it may be tempting to stop treatment early, it is essential to follow through until the infection is completely gone.

• Why it’s a problem: Fungus is persistent, and stopping treatment too soon can allow it to return. Even if your nails look better, the fungus could still lurk beneath the surface, ready to return.
• What you should do: Stick to the entire course of treatment, even after the visible symptoms start to improve. Ensure you follow the instructions on the product label and continue the treatment until the fungus is fully eliminated.

4.    Treating only one nail when more are affected

If you have toenail fungus on one nail, other nails are also likely at risk. Many people make the mistake of treating just the infected nail and ignoring the others, but fungal infections can spread quickly.

• Why it’s a problem: Fungus can spread from one nail to another, especially if you’re not treating all affected nails. If you ignore the other nails, they could become infected later on, making the treatment process longer and more complicated.
• What you should do: Treat all affected nails, even if the infection is only visible on one. This helps prevent the fungus from spreading and ensures that all nails are properly treated.

5.    Not keeping feet clean and dry

Toenail fungus thrives in warm, moist environments, which is why it’s crucial to keep your feet clean and dry during treatment. Many people make the mistake of not maintaining proper foot hygiene or neglecting to dry their feet thoroughly after washing them.

• Why it’s a problem: Moisture creates the perfect environment for fungal growth. If your feet remain damp for too long, the fungus will continue to thrive, making it harder to eliminate.
• What you should do: Wash your feet regularly with soap and water, and make sure to dry them thoroughly, especially between the toes. Use a clean, dry towel or a hairdryer on a cool setting to help ensure your feet stay dry.

6.    Wearing tight, non-breathable shoes

Shoes that are too tight or made from non-breathable materials can trap moisture around your toenails, creating an environment where the fungus can thrive. Many people continue wearing tight or synthetic shoes while dealing with toenail fungus, unknowingly worsening the infection.

• Why it’s a problem: Tight shoes or those made from non-breathable materials, such as plastic or rubber, trap moisture and heat, encouraging fungal growth.
• What you should do: Wear shoes made from breathable materials, such as leather or mesh, that allow air to circulate your feet. Also, make sure your shoes are not too tight. This will help keep your feet dry and prevent the fungus from spreading.

7.    Not disinfecting nail tools

If you’re trimming your nails during treatment, it’s essential to disinfect your nail clippers and other tools to prevent re-infection. Many people forget to disinfect these tools, which can spread the fungus from one nail to another.

• Why it’s a problem: Nail clippers and files can carry fungus from one nail to another if they are not cleaned properly after each use.
• What you should do: Disinfect your nail tools with rubbing alcohol or an antifungal spray after each use. This will help prevent the spread of the infection to other nails and ensure that your treatment is effective.

8.    Wearing nail polish on infected nails

Some people continue to wear nail polish while dealing with toenail fungus, thinking it will cover up the infection. While it might mask the appearance of the fungus, it can worsen the problem.

• Why it’s a problem: Nail polish can trap moisture in the nail, preventing the antifungal treatment from reaching the fungus. It also creates a barrier that blocks air from reaching the nail, which fungus needs to thrive.
• What you should do: Avoid wearing nail polish on infected nails until you treat the fungus fully. This will help the treatment work more effectively and prevent further complications.

9.    Sharing footwear or nail tools

Sharing shoes, socks, or nail tools with others can spread toenail fungus. Many people make the mistake of sharing their items without considering the risk of infection.

• Why it’s a problem: Fungus can live on surfaces like shoes, socks, and nail clippers for long. Sharing these items with others can pass the infection along.
• What you should do: Avoid sharing personal items like shoes, socks, and nail tools. If you do share, ensure you disinfect everything thoroughly to reduce the risk of spreading the fungus.

10. Not seeking professional help when needed

While at-home treatments are effective for many people, there are cases where professional help is necessary. Some people make the mistake of avoiding medical treatment even when the infection doesn’t improve with over-the-counter solutions.

• Why it’s a problem: If the infection becomes severe or doesn’t respond to topical treatments, it may require a prescription antifungal or other treatments, such as laser therapy. Delaying treatment can cause the fungus to spread or become resistant to the medication.
• What you should do: Consult a doctor if your toenail fungus doesn’t improve or worsens after using topical toenail fungus treatments. They can prescribe stronger medications or recommend other treatment options.

11. Using too many products at once

Some people try to speed up the healing process by using multiple antifungal products concurrently. While it may seem like a good idea, using too many treatments can irritate the skin and delay healing.

• Why it’s a problem: Mixing different antifungal products can cause unnecessary irritation to the skin and nails. This may worsen the condition or cause new issues, like skin rashes.
• What you should do: Stick to one proven treatment at a time. Choose a topical antifungal that has been recommended for your condition and use it consistently as directed.

Conclusion

Toenail fungus is a common issue, but it doesn’t have to be challenging to manage. By avoiding the common mistakes listed above, you can improve your chances of successfully treating the toenail fungus infection and preventing it from worsening. The key is to act early, stick to a treatment plan, maintain proper hygiene, and avoid habits that can worsen the toenail fungus.

If you’re dealing with toenail fungus, take the time to treat it correctly from the start. Don’t fall into the trap of ignoring the problem or relying on ineffective remedies. Stick to a proven treatment plan, follow the steps outlined in this guide, and you’ll be on your way to healthier, fungus-free nails.