Toenail fungus in the winter can be more common during this time. Summer is over, and it is time to put away flip-flops and sandals and bring out the boots for the summer. People are probably not considering how their feet will adjust.

Toenail Fungus Appearance

People during the colder season do not care so much for the appearance of their feet. This is because it is hidden. But, your feet need the same care all throughout the year, even if they are hidden during the winter. Because your feet are trapped in socks and closed-toed shoes, they tend to sweat and attract fungal infections.

Fungi are organisms that grow on dead tissues of the feet and cause an athlete’s foot or toenail fungus. People usually get fungal infections from public pools or gym showers. The fungus also thrives in wet socks or in boots. The fungus can live long inside shoes that are not being used, such as your winter boots that are stored in the closet.

Toenail Fungus Symptoms

The bad news is that you cannot recognize a fungal infection right away. People don’t recognize athletes’ feet right away because they can appear to be dry, cracked skin between the toes. Fungal nail infections usually start as slight discoloration of the nail, but it can get worse. Over time, it can become thicker and deformed. Athlete’s foot can cause toenails fungus when the fungus from the feet spread to the nail.

Treatment Options

Treatment options include topical medications, oral medication, or laser treatment. Since fungal infections are very resistant, topical treatments are not very effective, especially for severe conditions. The creams cannot reach through the nail and the nail bed where the fungus is present.

Antifungal pills can cause a series of side effects that can damage the liver. The quickest and easiest way to treat toenail fungus would be laser treatment. It typically requires 1 treatment and does not cause any harmful side effects.

Laser Treatment for Nail Fungus

As you can see, tips for healthy feet without nail fungus can be easy to find. If you have caught nail fungus, it can be easily treated using the FDA-approved PinPointe laser, which typically only takes on treatment. Other treatments like topical solutions and oral medication are not as effective. Topical solutions have a very low cure rate. This is because the solution does not penetrate all the way through the nail bed.  This is because it can lead to liver toxicity. You would need to have consistent blood tests throughout the course of taking the medication. 

Our nail doctor in Carlsbad, CA recommends this treatment for toenail fungus. 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, there’s no pain.

If you have any signs of nail fungus, call us at (760) 936-4151 our Carlsbad, CA location, or visit our website for more information on our doctors at one of our over 150 locations.