Why does toenail fungus come back?

Have you ever experienced the joy of getting rid of toenail fungus, only for it to rear its ugly head once again? It’s like a bad horror movie that just won’t end. In this article, we will explore why toenail fungus keeps coming back and what you can do about it.

Understanding Toenail Fungus

Before we dive into the reasons behind the recurrence of toenail fungus, let’s discuss what exactly it is. Toenail fungus, or onychomycosis as it is scientifically known, is a fungal infection that affects the nails on your toes (and sometimes fingers). It typically starts with a yellowish or white spot under your nail and gradually spreads over time.

  • Did You Know?
  • Around 10% of adults suffer from toenail fungus at some point in their lives.
  • Men are more susceptible to developing toenail fungus than women.
  • The older you get, the higher your chances are of getting infected.

Aside from being aesthetically unpleasing, toe fungi can cause pain, discomfort and make walking insufferable! Not exactly an ideal situation if you ask us!

Reasons Behind Recurrence

Now that we have discussed what nail toadstool is all about let’s dig deeper into why they always seem to return even after treatment.

1. Incomplete Treatment

One reason for recurrence might be due to improperly removing (excising) infected nails rather than treating them altogether or insufficient commitment relating to completing treatments properly. If adequate precautions aren’t taken during treatment or one stops halfway through medication (non-compliance)for instance forgetting doses; then fungi could continue spreading into previously treated areas causing infection again. So when it seems cured definitely ensure consistent doctor support until full recovery.

2. Environment

Toenail fungus thrives in warm, moist environments, most typically inside of shoes or locker rooms without proper ventilation. That’s why they are so prevalent among athletes and individuals who wear tight-fitting shoes for extended periods at a time.

  • Words Of Wisdom:
  • Invest in sweat-resistant socks.
  • Make sure to always air-dry your feet after showering or swimming.
  • Avoid wearing closed-toe shoes where possible (rock sandals instead when necessary).

3. Genetics

You could be genetically predisposed to toenail canker! What cruel twist of fate exists whereby you get dealt the genetic hand equivalent of two left feet AND inherited susceptibility towards fungi infection? Unfortunately, thanks to our DNA, some patients could be more susceptible than others.

4. Weak Immune System

If someone has underlying conditions such as diabetes or HIV/AIDS for example that affect their immune system; it allows opportunist infections like nail bacteria become much harder to inhibit effectively compared with healthy individuals. By regularly engaging in preventative measures and maintaining good hygiene standardspeople living with weakened immune systems / should take extra care against nail microbes!

Preventative Measures:

While discovering ways to treat toenails affected by fungus is critical- prevention being the better option is something we all have control over embracing patterns promoting long-term health ensuring minimum chance growths crop up repeatedly!

1) Always dry your toes properly: This includes between nails using towels/blow dryers on low heat settings removing moisture/humidity encouraging fungi development.

2) Let Your Feet Breathe: Wearing open-toed footwear keeps feet cool/dry preventing fungi survival rates high humidity indoors/outdoors creating ideal breeding grounds for these parasites – EW!

3) Embrace Anti-Fungal Lifestyles: Foot spas/massage chairs can improve blood flow keeping foot follicles thriving Encourages stronger healthier nails thrive lowering the chance fungi recurring.

4) Minimize Walking Barefoot: Toenail bacteria thrive in damp shady places where there’s warmth and humidity present. Engaging good habits regarding footwear massively reduces exposure to infection-causing agents/lice!

Treatment Options

If you’ve contracted toenail fungus, then time is of the essence when it comes to seeking medical intervention! The longer you wait, the harder most treatments will become/coincide with increased proliferation rates of infection. Table below highlights typical treatment options for nail fungus and their potential cons:

Treatment Pros Cons
Antifungal Creams / Powders Simple/cost-effective remedy applied once/twice daily

  • Full recovery not guaranteed
  • Adverse repercussions if used incorrectly
Oral Medications More effective than creams/powders

  • Taking pills every day can course diarrhoea rashes whilst triggering liver damage in rare cases
Laser Therapy Relatively common non-invasive way of treating onychomycosis previously untreatable

  • Priced at extortionate levels given necessity multiple sessions to accomplish full healing
  • Remember:
    Always consult your doctor before taking any medications or trying new treatments.

Final Thoughts

Let’s be real- no one likes toenail fungus; like a particularly tenacious weed needing frequent attention lest it makes an appearance again post-treatment. Unfortunately for some us -it seems as though recurrence isn’t always something we can prevent entirely ( #thanksDNA) but ensuring hygienic lifestyles practicing regular preventative measures are keystones towards minimizing chances of coming back ever again!

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