Toenail fungus risk factors are important to know. Some people are at a greater risk of getting toenail fungus than others. Some factors that play a role in developing toenail fungus are age, gender, genetics, overall health, as well as simple everyday habits.

Here is a list of Toenail Fungus Risk Factors:

  1. Genetics – Toenail fungus is not a hereditary condition, but some families have genes them more susceptible to nail fungus. These people may develop fungal nail infections at a young age and continue to have repeated infections. As some families may be more prone to nail fungus, there are also genes that are stronger and protect against nail fungus.
  2. Other health conditions – Some chronic diseases can increase the risk of toenail fungus. These are conditions that compromise the immune system or interfere with blood flow to the extremities. People with diabetes, poor circulation, HIV, or similar illnesses should take extra precautions to prevent acquiring toenail fungus.
  3. Footwear – The type of shoe you wear can put you at risk of getting toenail fungus. Wearing heavy boots that have poor ventilation creates a warm, damp environment for fungus to grow. Tight closed-toed shoes can cause trauma to the toenails and make you vulnerable to a fungal infection.

Places with High Risk of Infection

  1. Nail Salons – Getting a pedicure can make your toes look pretty, but it can put you at risk of a fungal nail infection. Toenail fungus can spread through the tools that are used at nail salons. Additionally, heavy nail polish blocks light from the nails, making it a conducive environment for nail fungus. 
  2. Locker rooms and public pools – Fungus thrives in wet and humid areas. Locker rooms and public pool areas are constantly wet, making it a prime breeding ground for fungus. Make sure to keep your feet dry and wear slippers when walking around to prevent the fungus from infecting your toenails.

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 Morgan Hill, 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 (800) 672-0625 our Morgan Hill, CA location, or visit our website for more information on our doctors at one of our over 150 locations.