Is season toenail fungus a thing? Or can you contract this infection year-round? Differences in local climate, popular activities, and social gatherings can affect all parts of the body. Seasonal affective disorder, for example, can cause normally healthy people to become more lethargic and depressed during cold dark winters. The seasonal effect on mood is almost common sense. Some conditions like toenail fungus are affected in different ways seasonally.

How is toenail fungus contracted?

Simply put, toenail fungus is not seasonal. This condition can start at any time during the year, anywhere in the world. All that is required for a toenail fungus infection to occur is the contact of a fungus with the nail. This can happen from walking barefoot in a public area, sharing shoes or socks with someone who is infected, or even sharing grooming tools like nail clippers. 

During the summer and spring months, social activities often lean towards gathering in public environments outdoors. These activities, like hanging out by the pool, often expose your bare feet to floors where other people may have walked. Physical activity is also more common during the summer months, and using communal locker rooms is another risk factor.

What environment does fungus like?

Aside from this potential exposure to fungus, it is easier for fungus to thrive during the summer for another reason. Fungus loves to sweat, moisture, and enclose spaces! During the summer, if you wear closed-toed shoes and socks that get sweaty and damp, any fungal contact you have could become an infection more easily. The best way to avoid seasonal risks for toenail fungus is to never go barefoot when in a public area, and always change shoes and socks once they become sweaty.

How to get rid of it?

The most simple nail fungus treatments work by delivering some sort of antifungal chemical directly to the nail bed itself. While these are the simplest form of nail fungus treatment, they are also the least effective. This is because the creams usually have difficulty penetrating through the nail to kill the fungus that lives under the nail bed. 

Oral medications work by delivering antifungal chemicals to the nail through the blood. While these are more effective than topical treatments, they also carry more risks. A common side effect of oral antifungal medications is liver toxicity. Because of this, oral medications often require blood tests before and during their use.

If you have a toenail fungus, you should seek out FDA-approved treatment by a licensed nail doctor in Orlando, FL. The best option is the PinPointe laser, which typically requires only one treatment to kill the fungus. To schedule a consultation with a podiatrist for this treatment, give us a call at 1-(800) 672-0625 or visit our website for more information.