PREVENTING NAIL FUNGUS REINFECTION

Unfortunately, curing onychomycosis does not confer immunity. You may become reinfected at any time. The most common scenario is for the fungus to infect the skin first and then invade the nail. Thus, keeping both the skin and the nails clear of potential sources of infection is key.

Remember that nail fungus may reside in your shoes, carpet, bathroom, swimming pool, locker room, family, friends, etc. Therefore, the following are suggested:

1. Don’t share nail clippers, nail instruments, shoes, etc. with others.
2. Don’t cut your normal nails with the same clippers used to cut abnormal nails.
3. Avoid pedicures.
4. Don’t pick your toenails or scratch your feet with your finger nails.
5. Use an antifungal foot powder (e.g Zeasorb AF) in your shoes frequently. Alternatively, you may apply an anti-fungal cream to your feet and toes 1-2 per week.
6. Family members and other close contacts should be treated if they have fungus.
   
7. Wear flip flops in public showers, locker rooms, etc.
8. When trying on new shoes, wear socks.

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