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How Do I Get Rid Of Toenail Fungus?
Q: It looks like I have fungus beneath my toenail, but how can I be sure? Does toenail fungus go away on its own?
Yellowing, brittle and unusual-looking toenails can be a sign that a fungal nail infection, called onychomycosis, has taken root. Experts say these infections don't go away on their own and can easily spread from person to person without treatment.
"Fungus tends to be greedy," said Dr. Boni Elewski, chair of the department of dermatology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. If you pick it up from close contact with someone who is infected or by walking barefoot in a locker room, for instance, it can then crawl under your toenail and spread into the nail itself, she said. Wearing moist, sweaty shoes can encourage the fungus to grow.
Toenail fungus affects an estimated one in 10 people worldwide, and becomes more common with age — afflicting more than half of those ages 70 and up. People with diabetes or weakened immune systems are also susceptible, said Dr. Shari Lipner, a dermatologist at Weill Cornell Medical Center in New York City.
Is it really fungus?Experts say the first step to getting your normal toenail back is confirming you have fungus in the first place. Some telltale signs include thickened, discolored, cracked, misshapen and occasionally painful or smelly nails.
But fungus is to blame for only about half of abnormal-looking toenails, Dr. Elewski said. Toenail trauma, whether from one-time injuries or repetitive activity in too-tight shoes, can also cause discolored or thick toenails. "Eyeballs alone are not enough to be sure it's onychomycosis," she said.
According to Dr. Lipner, doctors usually confirm toenail fungus by examining a clipping under a microscope.
They can also perform a PCR test or a fungal culture to determine which fungus species infected your nail. But these tests are not always necessary because most people have a type of fungus called trichophyton rubrum, Dr. Lipner said. If your treatment isn't working, however, your dermatologist may want to learn more about the organism living under your nail.
Prescription antifungals usually take care of the problem, but it's a bad idea to take them without confirming you have the fungus first, Dr. Elewski said. Unnecessary antifungal use can make these drugs less effective over time, contributing to a growing problem called antifungal resistance.
Which antifungals work best?Although some drugstores devote entire aisles to over-the-counter fungus salves, Dr. Elewski said that the best a nonprescription treatment or home remedy can do is improve your nail appearance.
If you want to actually kill the fungus, "a prescription antifungal is the only option," said Dr. Antonella Tosti, a dermatologist who treats nail disorders at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. There are topical prescriptions, including creams, ointments or serum-like solutions; and oral antifungals, meaning pills.
Topical antifungals can be useful for milder cases affecting just one or two toenails, Dr. Lipner said. But one downside is that you might have to apply the medication for about a year before the fungus is completely gone.
If there's fungus under multiple nails, or if the toenails are extra thick, Dr. Lipner said, she usually opts for oral prescriptions. These pills, terbinafine or itraconazole, can kill toenail fungus in about three months. Even after the oral pills kill off the fungus, though, Dr. Lipner said that your toenail may look funky for a year as the new, uninfected toenail grows in.
In the meantime, some drugstore remedies could improve nail appearance by soothing the surrounding skin or thinning the nail, Dr. Elewski said. It's also usually fine to use nail polish on your infected toenail while taking oral antifungals, Dr. Lipner said. But don't do that if you're using topical medications.
Whether you're prescribed a topical or oral antifungal, Dr. Tosti said it's important to stay on top of the treatment every day. "This is not something you can cure in a few weeks," she said. "Compliance is very important."
Avoiding repeat infectionsSuccessfully eliminating toenail fungus doesn't mean you can't get it again, experts warn. In fact, an estimated 25 percent of people get repeat infections.
Dr. Lipner recommended thoroughly washing any socks or other clothing that was in contact with your first infection, and discarding or using disinfectant spray on shoes you wore often when you had toenail fungus.
To stave off toenail fungus in general, keep your toenails trimmed and avoid walking around barefoot in gym locker rooms or around swimming pools, Dr. Lipner said. If you sweat often in closed-toed shoes, wear moisture-wicking socks and change into dry shoes if you can.
If the skin on your foot becomes dry, itchy, flaky or inflamed, you might have athlete's foot, which is caused by the same fungus that can spread to your toenail. So it's important to get treated right away. Unlike with toenail fungus, some over-the-counter medications can help with athlete's foot.
"But don't go blindly treating yourself," Dr. Lipner said. "You want to confirm with a dermatologist you're treating the right thing."
Caroline Hopkins is a health and science journalist based in Brooklyn.
These Pictures Will Help You Figure Out What That Weird Rash On Your Skin Is
26 Pictures Of Common Skin RashesBSIP/UIG - Getty Images
Picture this: You're going about your day, when all of a sudden you spot a red, splotchy rash on your skin. You're likely Googling pictures of skin rashes to help identify and self-diagnose the exact cause. Because whether it's itchy, inflamed, or painful, irritated skin can be downright worrisome and uncomfortable. Luckily, browsing pictures of pesky patches is actually not a bad way to help determine the culprit.
A rash occurs when the skin becomes red, inflamed, and bumpy, and should not be ignored, says Faranak Kamangar, MD, a dermatologist, psoriasis specialist, and founder of PSOTelehealth. In fact, rashes are usually a sign that something is going on with your body, whether from a bacteria, virus, irritant, medication, or autoimmune disease, she says.
That said, many rashes look alike, and it's important to consider additional symptoms like itching, swelling, joint pain, headache, fever, fatigue, or nausea, adds Geeta Yadav, MD, a dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology.
Meet the experts: Faranak Kamangar, MD, is a dermatologist, psoriasis specialist, and founder of PSOTelehealth.
Geeta Yadav, MD, is a dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology.
Michael Jacobs, MD, is a dermatologist and associate professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College and medical technology director at Cortina.
Leah Ansell, MD, is a dermatologist at Treiber Dermatology Associates.
Purvi Parikh, MD, is an allergist and immunologist for Allergy & Asthma Network.
Read on for everything you need to know about 26 common skin rashes, according to doctors.
Common Causes Of Skin RashesThe most common causes of skin rashes are dermatitis (inflamed skin), psoriasis, acne, and rosacea, says Dr. Yadav. However, insect bites, fungal infections, impetigo, and shingles are also extremely common, adds Michael Jacobs, MD, a dermatologist and associate professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell Medical College and medical technology director at Cortina.
You may also present a rash after coming in contact with a direct exposure to an outside irritant like chemicals, perfumes or detergents, allergens like poison ivy, or organisms like fleas, scabies, or ringworm, adds Purvi Parikh, MD, an allergist and immunologist for Allergy & Asthma Network.
Luckily, most of these rashes can be identified, treated, and managed with a proper diagnosis and medication.
How To Identify Your Skin RashIf your skin is suddenly red and splotchy, make note of the location, size, color, texture, and whether it's raised or flat on the skin, says Leah Ansell, MD, a dermatologist at Treiber Dermatology Associates. You should also consider any accompanying symptoms such as itching, pain, swelling, or tenderness, and whether you've had recent exposure to a diagnosed rash (like from a friend or family member) or a change in environment or routine such as new medication, insects, and travel, adds Dr. Kamangar.
26 Pictures Of Skin Rashes Atopic DermatitisAtopic dermatitis is a dry, red, weepy, crusty rash that appears patchy and oval shaped, says Dr. Parikh. The rash is extremely itchy and can turn dark purple, black, or gray on darker skin tones and is commonly found on the elbows and back of knees, she adds. The rash can also cause tenderness or swelling in the affected area.
Atopic dermatitis and eczema (more on this soon!) are closely related because atopic derm is a type of eczema, per UCF Health. In fact, atopic dermatitis is the most common type of eczema (out of seven different types), according to the National Eczema Association.
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AcneThere are many different forms of acne which all have a distinct look, including small flesh-colored bumps or large, deep, painful, and inflamed nodules, says Dr. Yadav.
Some forms of acne can be treated at home by using products with ingredients like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide, but severe cases may need prescription topicals or oral medications, notes Dr. Yadav.
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Athlete's footAthlete's foot is a fungal infection that looks like cracked, scaly, and peeling skin found between the toes, most commonly the fourth and fifth toes, although it can spread to other parts of your foot, says Dr. Yadav. It's very itchy and the cracks can ooze, she explains.
To treat athlete's foot, you'll have to wash and dry your feet several times a day using an antifungal cleanser and over-the-counter antifungal creams or topicals, says Dr. Yadav.
DermNet
CellulitisCellulitis looks like a rash, but is actually an infection of the middle layer of skin, says Dr. Yadav. It causes the skin to become diffusely red, swollen, tender, and hot to the touch, and may make skin look pitted, she explains.
Cellulitis can also cause fever with chills, fatigue, or pain in the affected area and cannot be treated at home, so you should see a doctor ASAP if you present symptoms, says Dr. Yadav.
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Chicken PoxLuckily, chicken pox is rarely seen these days thanks to a vaccine, but it can still happen and presents as red, itchy, fluid-filled blisters, says Dr. Ansell. The bumps can also appear dry and/or crusty and develop blotchy scabs.
The rash is accompanied by a fever, headache, stomachache, and fatigue, and can be very dangerous to those unvaccinated, adds Dr. Ansell.
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Contact DermatitisContact dermatitis is when a dry, red, scaly rash that can also look like fluid-filled blisters or poison ivy appears from coming in contact with an irritant or allergen, says Dr. Parikh. The rash usually has a distinct border and may be caused by substances such as perfumes, detergents or even jewelry.
The itchy rash can develop within minutes to hours after exposure to the allergen and can cause swelling, tenderness, or a burning sensation.
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EczemaEczema causes dry, rough, flaky, or scaly skin that can appear red, gray, brown, or purple, depending on the skin tone, says Dr. Yadav.
"It's an inflammatory skin condition that causes a dysfunctional skin barrier, which prevents the skin from staying hydrated and nourished and makes it more susceptible to external irritants," she explains.
The rash is itchy and clusters on the elbows and knees, but can appear anywhere on the body, and is exacerbated by cold, dry weather.
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Hand, Foot, And Mouth DiseaseHand, foot, and mouth disease is caused by the Coxsackie virus and is usually seen in children under five, says Dr. Jacobs. It presents as sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet but is also typically accompanied by fever and sore throat, he explains.
The condition is highly contagious, most commonly seen in daycares and schools, and spreads through coughing, sneezing, exchange of saliva, fluid from the rash, and stool, says Dr. Jacobs.
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Flea BitesFlea bites are usually seen on the lower legs around the ankles and feet, says Dr. Jacobs. The blisters are extremely itchy and often appear in a straight line or cluster of three to four small red bumps, he says.
Over-the-counter cortisone cream can help alleviate symptoms, but do not scratch or pick the lesions since that can cause further infection, Dr. Jacobs adds. If symptoms get worse or you have a fever, visit your doctor.
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Heat RashHeat rash looks like small clusters of tiny pimples or blisters and can be itchy and painful, says Dr. Yadav. The rash forms when a sweat pore is blocked, trapping the sweat, and preventing it from evaporating, she explains.
It's most common during hot, humid weather, and can make your skin feel prickly, but symptoms usually dissipate in a few days, says Dr. Yadav. If symptoms worsen, or you have trouble breathing, visit a doctor immediately.
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HivesHives are red raised welts that turn white when you press on them, says Dr. Parikh. They can range in size from small mosquito-like bites or develop into larger patches on the body, she adds.
Hives are caused by an allergen such as food, medications, or insects, and can cause swelling in lips and tongue, adds Dr. Parikh. If you experience shortness of breath, tongue swelling, or chest tightness, call 911.
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ImpetigoImpetigo is a common bacterial infection that causes red sores or blisters to form on the skin, usually around the mouth and nose, says Dr. Kamangar. The itchy sores may be pus-filled and can burst to form a yellow-brown crust over time, she explains.
The condition is caused by a bacterial infection, most commonly Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes, and the bacteria enters the body through small cuts or scrapes on the skin, Dr. Kamangar explains. It's most common in children but can affect adults and is often accompanied by fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a general feeling of illness, she adds.
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LupusLupus is an autoimmune disease that causes a red scaly rash on the cheeks and nose, says Dr. Parikh. In particular, the rash is characterized as looking like a butterfly across the face, she explains. Discoid lupus can also cause round, dark, circular lesions on the face or cheeks that are scaly and resemble coins or discs, she adds.
Additional symptoms may include muscle and/or joint pain, fever, hair loss, chest pain, mouth sores, or sun sensitivity, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
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Lyme DiseaseNot every tick bite leads to Lyme disease, but if the bite expands into a red patch that is not scaly, it may signal you were infected with a blacklegged tick and infected with Lyme disease, says Dr. Ansell.
At first, Lyme disease may present with a fever, headache, fatigue, and joint or muscle stiffness, and symptoms typically present three to 30 days after the bite, per the Mayo Clinic. Again, if you think you may have Lyme disease, see your doctor.
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MeaslesThanks to a vaccine, measles is rarely seen these days, however it is a highly contagious airborne disease caused by a virus, says Dr. Ansell. It causes fever, cough, and red eyes that may be sore and sensitive to light, spots in the mouth, and a splotchy, red rash that appears on the face and ears, then spreads down the chest and back, she explains.
Measles can cause severe complications, especially in young people, so if you suspect you have the disease, or have been exposed to an infected person, visit your doctor immediately, per the CDC.
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MolluscumMolluscum is a rash caused by the poxvirus and leads to small groups of bumps on the skin, says Dr. Jacobs. "The lesions are small, elevated, pink or flesh colored, and have a central dimple," he explains. The bumps can also become red, swollen, and inflamed, he adds.
The condition is passed through direct contact and the rash may spread to other parts of the body in those who are immunocompromised, says Dr. Jacobs.
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Perioral DermatitisPerioral dermatitis is a red rash that appears around your mouth and nose and causes red, inflamed, swollen bumps on the lower half of your face, says Dr. Parikh. The rash is very dry, itchy, and uncomfortable, and may be confused with acne, she adds.
Women ages 25 to 45 who use topical steroids and face creams are most likely to get this rash, though men can develop it, too, per Cleveland Clinic. Overuse of topical steroids is most likely the cause of perioral dermatitis, however, it may also be caused by candida albicans, a yeast, which is a type of fungus, Cleveland Clinic notes, adding that fluoridated toothpaste, gum, or hormonal contraceptives, can also cause flare-ups.
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Poison IvyPoison ivy is caused by skin contact with the poison ivy plant and looks like a red, blistering rash that's extremely itchy, says Dr. Yadav. You may also see swelling, blisters, or black dots on the skin from the oil that has oxidized on the surface, she adds.
If exposed to poison ivy, thoroughly rinse the affected area with soap and water, and if you have difficulty breathing, seek medical attention.
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PsoriasisPsoriasis is a chronic skin condition that causes red, scaly patches, says Dr. Kamangar. These patches can occur anywhere on the body, but are most commonly found on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back, and can be itchy or painful and may crack or bleed, she explains.
The exact cause is unknown, but psoriasis is believed to be related to an immune system malfunction that causes skin cells to grow too quickly, leading to the formation of the scaly patches, and may be triggered by stress, infections, or certain medications, explains Dr. Kamangar.
Other symptoms include joint pain, nail changes, and fatigue, she adds.
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RingwormRingworm is a fungal infection that causes a red, itchy, circular rash on the skin with raised edges and a clear center, says Dr. Kamangar. The rash may be scaly, bumpy, or blistered, and can occur anywhere on the body.
Ringworm is more common in warm, humid climates and in people who have weakened immune systems, but other symptoms may include an itching, burning, or stinging sensation, and loss of hair in the affected area, she adds.
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RosaceaRosacea is a chronic skin condition that causes redness, flushing, and small bumps on the face that may be pus-filled, swollen, tender, [and] acne-like, says Dr. Kamangar. The rash can occur anywhere on the face but is most common on the cheeks, nose, and forehead, she adds.
"The exact cause of rosacea is not known, but it's believed to be related to an abnormal immune system response, and factors that may trigger or worsen rosacea include sunlight, stress, hot or cold weather, spicy foods, alcohol, and caffeine," notes Dr. Kamangar.
Other symptoms may include burning or stinging sensations, dry or rough skin, and visible blood vessels on the face, she explains. In severe cases, rosacea can cause thickening of the skin and eye problems such as dryness, itching, and sensitivity to light.
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ScabiesScabies is an itchy rash that presents with linear burrows between the fingers and belly button, says Dr. Ansell. The rash appears discolored and splotchy, and the itching gets worse at night.
Scabies is caused by an infestation of mites and is highly contagious through skin-to-skin contact, so you should see a doctor immediately if symptoms present.
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Scarlet FeverScarlet fever is caused by a toxin produced by group A streptococcus (the bacteria that causes a strep throat infection) and presents as a rash on the face or neck, and spreads to the chest, torso, arms, and legs, says Dr. Jacobs.
The rash is red and patchy, but can also cause a sore throat, headache, nausea, vomiting, swollen glands, fatigue, muscle aches, and redness or swelling of the tongue and throat, he explains.
If you present symptoms, see your doctor immediately since serious complications can occur, he adds.
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Seborrheic DermatitisSeborrheic dermatitis is a red, flaky rash that appears on the scalp, and is extremely itchy, says Dr. Parikh. Dandruff on your scalp, hair, eyebrows, beard, or mustache is also associated with the rash and patches of greasy skin covered in white or yellow crust can appear on the face, she adds.
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ShinglesShingles, also known as herpes zoster, is a localized viral rash of the chickenpox virus that usually manifests on one side of the body, says Dr. Jacobs. It looks like red welts with blisters on the surface and is accompanied by a fever, headache, and chills, he says.
The condition can cause complications of the face, eyes, and/or ears, so it's crucial to see a doctor ASAP if you suspect you have shingles, says Dr. Jacobs.
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Tick BiteA tick bite appears as a small bump, similar to any insect bite, but can develop into a red rash that looks like a bullseye, says Dr. Ansell. The bite can swell and may cause itchiness, blistering, or bruising.
Additional symptoms include fever or joint pain which is a sign you should go to the doctor since it may be an indication of Lyme disease, she adds.
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When To See A Doctor For Your Skin RashIf you have a rash that appears quickly and spreads rapidly, you should see a doctor right away, says Dr. Yadav. "Similarly, oozing, painful, hot rashes, especially those accompanied by fever, nausea, vomiting, and other internal symptoms can be a sign of something more serious and should receive medical attention right away," she explains.
Rashes around the genitals or eyes should also be examined by a doctor sooner rather than later, she adds. And if your rash is accompanied by fever, pain, swelling, and/or covers a large area of the body, it's time to visit a healthcare provider, explains Dr. Kamangar.
Otherwise, if your rash is getting worse and/or doesn't clear up on its own after a few days, it's best to check in with your primary care physician or a dermatologist so they can properly identify the skin rash and prescribe treatment, says Dr. Kamangar. "If the rash is causing significant discomfort or interfering with daily activities, it's a good idea to seek medical advice," she says.
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At-Home Remedies For A Skin RashCertain skin rashes [LIKE WHICH ONES?] can be treated at home to alleviate symptoms and Dr. Kamangar recommends moisturizing the skin with lotions or creams to reduce itching and dryness. You should also keep the area clean and dry, avoiding scrubs, sun exposure, or potentially irritating topical formulas such as fragrant body lotions or soaps, explains Dr. Yadav. Instead, try cold compresses, oatmeal baths, and aloe vera to soothe the rash, she adds.
You can also take 24-hour over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines to reduce itching and inflammation, says Dr. Parikh. OTC hydrocortisone creams can also be applied to the rash to minimize redness and swelling, adds Dr. Kamangar. Just note that you should *not* use OTC hydrocortisone cream for more than two weeks and should stop immediately if the area becomes infected, she adds.
All that said, home remedies and OTC treatments are not a replacement for medical treatment, and if your rash worsens or becomes infected, it's time to see a dermatologist, notes Dr. Jacobs.
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Harvard Health: Dealing With Thick, Discolored Toenails
Wriggling toes in the sand and wearing sandals are warm weather treats, unless you'd rather keep your toes under wraps due to thickened, yellowish nails. Nail fungal infections (known as onychomycosis) are common, affecting up to 14% of the general population. In advanced cases, nails can become brittle, crumbly, or ragged, or even separate from the nail bed.
While completely curing these fungal infections is difficult, the right treatments can discourage the problem from spreading and make your nails look better.
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Do nail fungal infections only affect toenails?
No, fingernails can become infected, too. However, toenails are a more common target because of certain habits, including wearing shoes, so we'll concentrate on them in this post.
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How do people get toenail fungus?
"Feet are more likely to be sweaty and damp, which provides a better environment for the fungi, yeasts, and molds that are naturally present on your skin to flourish," says Dr. Abigail Waldman, a dermatologist at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women's Hospital.
People also can be exposed to various fungi, known as dermatophytes, by walking barefoot in locker rooms, spas, or near swimming pools, or getting a pedicure at a nail salon, she says. A fungal overgrowth can infect the area between your toes and the skin or your feet, causing athlete's foot. The fungus can then spread to the toenails.
What makes toenail fungus hard to treat?
While antifungal creams can easily treat skin infections, toenails are another story.
"Nail tissue is harder and thicker, so these medications don't penetrate very well," Dr. Waldman explains. That's also true for antifungal drugs taken as pills. Toenails grow slowly and the tissue isn't very metabolically active. So although the medication gets into your bloodstream, only small amounts end up in your toenails. That's why it's hard to get rid of toenail fungus once it takes hold.
What counts as a cure?
Research reports so-called clinical cure rates between 60% to 80%, but this means only the absence of symptoms -- that is, your toenails return to their normal appearance. The fungal infection may still be lurking under your nails, says Dr. Waldman.
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In fact, in clinical trials when investigators recheck toenail clippings for any residual fungus after treatments applied to nails, only around 10% to 15% show no detectable fungal spores. As a result, recurrences of toenail fungal infections are fairly common.
Despite this, there's a reasonable chance that different treatment approaches can improve your symptoms and the appearance of your toenails.
What works for treating toenail fungus?
Here is a rundown of the different treatment options, starting with Dr. Waldman's go-to first-line suggestion, which uses inexpensive products you may already have in your home.
Home remedies
Soaking your toes to soften your nails before applying a fungus-fighting agent will help the remedy penetrate the nail. For the soak, Dr. Waldman recommends mixing one part white or apple cider vinegar to three parts warm water. Soak your toes for at least 10 minutes (but up to 40 minutes is better). Instead of vinegar, you can use Listerine, which contains thymol, the main compound in the herb thyme. Like vinegar, thymol has antifungal properties.
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Then dry your feet well and apply an antifungal substance to all the affected nails. One option is a paste of crushed garlic, but most people will probably find the over-the-counter drugstore products listed below more convenient to use.
Over-the-counter products
The best evidence is for 100% tea tree oil, but another popular option is Vicks VapoRub (which also contains thymol and other essential oils that may fight fungus), Dr. Waldman says. Or you can use one of the various creams sold to treat athlete's foot on your toenails.
Be sure to apply the product right after soaking. The clinical cure rates for each of these approaches vary between products, and depend on the severity and duration of the infection. But about 60% of people notice improvements after a few months of treatment, Dr. Waldman says.
Drugstores also carry several other toenail treatments, including a treated patch you put on your nails overnight. It contains urea, an acidic substance that improves the look of your nails by making them less brittle and discolored. Another product that promises similar results uses a tiny LED light that you clip onto your toenail after applying a liquid containing polyethylene glycol, which softens nails.
Prescription treatments to put on toenails
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These topical products, which are best for milder infections, include amorolfine (Loceryl, others), efinaconazole (Jublia), tavaborole (Kerydin), and ciclopirox (Penlac). They are clear lacquers that you brush on your toenails once daily, usually for months. It may take as long as a year to see results. Clinical cure rates range from 35% to 60%.
Prescription pills
More severe infections may respond better to oral drugs, which include fluconazole (Diflucan), griseofulvin (Grifulvin), itraconazole (Sporanox), and terbinafine (Lamisil). These are taken daily in pill form for three months. While the clinical cure rates are higher (around 80%), these drugs have more side effects, including stomach upset, diarrhea, and (in rare cases) liver damage.
Laser therapy
Lasers penetrate and break down nail tissue, helping to destroy the fungus. There are many different types of lasers and protocols. Clinical cure rates are hard to pin down, but some have been reported as ranging between 60% and 75%.
Advice on toenail clippers, nail polish, new shoes, and more
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During and after treatment, Dr. Waldman advises people to use two sets of toenail clippers -- one for infected nails and one for noninfected nails -- to prevent fungal spread. If you're embarrassed by the appearance of your toenails, it's okay to use nail polish for short periods of time, she says.
Once you finish treatment, buying new shoes will help avoid reinfection. "I also always recommend people do a diluted vinegar soak once or twice a week after finishing treatment, which helps prevent any lingering fungus from reinfecting the nail," says Dr. Waldman.
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