Are you fighting what seems to be a never-ending toenail fungus battle? Public places are the most common ways you can obtain nail fungus. When we say public places we are using the term generically for places such as swimming pools, showers, locker rooms, gyms, nail salons, and other areas where moisture, warmth, and the foot come together. These surfaces carry the most bacteria and fungus-causing agents. Since fungus thrives off of moisture and warmth, they are likely to attach to anything that touches these surfaces. When your warm foot (or hand) comes in contact with these surfaces, you are likely to have fungi attach to your skin and eventually travel to the nails.

When it comes to nail salons, it is a similar process that occurs, however, there are other ways to get the nail fungus at a nail salon. Many salons, busy or not, will often fail to disinfect their instruments after each use. This in turn leads to the rapid spread of nail fungus to clients.

How common is toenail fungus?

Nail fungus affects 12% of the U.S population, although this may seem like a small percentage, take note that these are only the documented cases that have seen specialists. There are unprecedented amounts of individuals still out there that have chosen to ignore their nail fungus for one reason or another. Nail fungus has a number of causes and has a number of ways in how it affects individuals. Furthermore, it is a rather slow and progressive infection, meaning that it worsens slowly over time, and by the time it has reached its peak it can be extremely difficult to treat.

It is important to understand that toenail fungus is highly contagious and can be caught whether it runs in your family or not. If you have been around someone with a nail fungus or are careless when it comes to your foot hygiene, you may be at risk of obtaining a fungal nail infection. Make sure to avoid direct contact with wet and warm areas, as this is where fungus thrives.

Laser Treatment for Toenail Fungus

If you have been diagnosed with toenail fungus, it can be easily treated using the FDA-approved PinPointe laser, which typically only requires one treatment.

Our toenail doctor in Encinitas, CA recommends this treatment. The PinPointe Laser treatment has the highest cure rate in the market. It has no side effects and no recovery period. As a result, you can go about your daily activities right after the treatment. Also, it is not painful.

If you have any signs of nail fungus, call us at (800) 672-0625 or visit our website for more information on our doctors at one of our over 160 locations.