It’s pool season. Are your nails ready for prime time?
After a long, wet spring, we are finally ready to break out the flip flops and sandals. The last thing you want to deal with is thick, discolored nails. If you notice pain, thickening, discoloration, nail lifting, buildup under your nails, or crumbling, you could have toenail fungus. You can also develop fungal infection of the fingernails, but it is much less common.
If I see changes to my nails, what should I do?
See your dermatologist! Many times, the changes listed above indicate nail fungus. However, there are a few other conditions that can also make the nails look this way. The best way to find out and to fix the problem is to seek treatment as soon as you notice the nail changes.
What will my dermatologist do?
First, your dermatologist will examine your nails. They will ask about your health and review your other medications. Sometimes, we will take a sample of the nail. This will be looked at under the microscope, or at times sent off for “culture” (looking at specific types of fungus and bacteria).
The results of the tests will help your doctor pick the best treatment for your nails.
How do I get nail fungus?
Fungal infections of the nails are very common.
You can become infected from sharing nail clippers that have not been sanitized, touching a fungal infection on someone else’s skin or nails, walking barefoot on a floor that is contaminated with fungus, or sharing unwashed towels, shoes, or flip flops.
Also, if your feet stay wet and sweaty for long periods of time, you can develop fungal infections. This includes wearing sweaty socks. Increased sweating on the hands and feet also increase the risk of nail fungus.
If you have a family member with fungal nail infection, you are more likely to develop one!
How do I treat toenail fungus?
Your dermatologist will discuss options with you. Fungal infections can be treated both topically and with oral medications (pills). The choice will depend on the type of infection you have, your other health conditions, and the other medications you are on.
When nails are treated topically, toenails often need almost a full year of treatment to clear. Fingernails can need up to 6 months!
It’s helpful to know that nails grow slowly so improvement will take time!
Can I prevent nail infections?
Sometimes! There are some steps you can take to make it less likely to get an infection.
Wear flip flops or shoes in public areas!
Do not share your nail clippers, shoes, or socks with other people. This includes tools at the nail salon. If you get a manicure or pedicure at a nail salon, check to see if the nail tools are being sanitized, and if the foot baths are being sanitized between visits. Nail infections can be passed on through infected tools and baths.
Pamper your feet! Wear clean socks, and change them often. After sweating, switch out your socks. If your shoes get damp or wet, change them. Do not wear them again until they are completely dried out. Also, consider using antifungal powder in your shoes if your are prone to having sweaty feet.
Clean your nail clippers with each use! Do not share nail clippers with anyone, even your family! Consider purchasing nail clippers for each person in the house. Once you have used your clippers, you can clean them for future use. Simply add 1 cup of room temperature water to a glass jar and add one tablespoon of plain household bleach. Allow the nail clippers to soak for 5-10 minutes. If you do not have access to bleach, you can also boil the nail clippers for at least 10 minutes, then allow to dry.
See your dermatologist immediately if you see any signs of infection on your feet. This includes dry, red, scaling skin on one or both feet, changes to your nails, or redness or scaling between your toes. Early treatment of skin infections can prevent the nails from becoming involved.
What’s the Vista View?
Talk to your dermatologist right away if you notice skin or nail changes of the feet. This is a common concern that we see in our patients, but early intervention gives us a better chance at clearance!
about the author
Dr. Emily goeller
Dr. Emily Goeller, MD is a board-certified dermatologist providing expert medical and cosmetic dermatology services in St. Louis, MO.
She is a Castle Connolly Top Doctor.
