(905)-475-8519 Booking

Can I Get a Pedicure If I Have Toenail Fungus?

Can I get a pedicure if I have toe fungus? Toenail fungus, also known as onychomycosis, is a common fungal infection of the toenails that can cause thickening, discoloration, brittleness, and distortion of the nails. It affects up to 14% of adults and is notoriously difficult to treat. Many people with toenail fungus feel self-conscious about the appearance of their feet and want to get pedicures to make their toes look nicer. But is it safe to get a pedicure when you have an active fungal nail infection?

Understanding Toenail Fungus

Toenail fungus is caused by microscopic organisms called dermatophytes that thrive in warm, moist environments like showers, pools, and inside shoes and socks. The fungi can enter through tiny separations or cuts in the nail bed and feed on the keratin protein that makes up the nail plate. As the fungus grows, the nails become discolored, thickened, and crumbly. Debris can collect underneath the nail, and there may be an unpleasant odor.

Common symptoms of toenail fungus include:

  • Yellow, brown, white, or green discoloration of part or all of the nail
  • Thickening and cracking of the nail plate
  • Brittle, crumbly, or ragged edges
  • Debris building up underneath the nail
  • Darkening of the nail bed
  • Foul smell from the nail

If ignored, the infection can spread to other toenails and even fingernails. It can also infect the skin around the nails.

There are several causes and risk factors for developing toenail fungus:

  • Athlete's foot: One of the most common causes is athlete's foot, which is a fungal skin infection between the toes. If the fungus spreads from the skin to the nail bed, toenail fungus can occur.
  • Moist environment: Toenail fungus thrives in damp, humid environments. Wearing tight shoes and socks that cause sweaty feet provides ideal conditions for infection.
  • Shared showers: Public showers, gym showers, and swimming pools with damp floors can expose feet to fungal spores. The fungi can enter through microscopic nicks or openings at the nail edge.
  • Nail injuries: Damage to the nail from ingrown nails, stubbed toes, or improper nail cutting creates openings for the fungus to penetrate the nail bed.
  • Weakened immunity: Certain medical conditions like diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, and HIV/AIDS lower immunity and raise the risk of toenail fungal infections.
  • Older age: As we get older, nails thicken and blood circulation reduces, increasing susceptibility to infection. Over 20% of adults over 60 have fungal nails.

Toenail fungus can be stubborn to treat because the fungi bury deep into the nail bed where topical medications have difficulty reaching. Oral medications are more effective but carry risks of side effects like nausea or liver damage.

Dangers of Getting a Pedicure with Toenail Fungus

Getting regular pedicures may seem like a good way to make toenail fungus less noticeable. However, there are risks associated with exposing the fungus to pedicure tools and tubs:

  • Spreading the infection: Fungal spores can lodge on pedicure clippers, files, scrub brushes, and foot tubs. If proper sterilization does not occur between clients, the equipment can spread the infection from your feet to others.
  • Worsening the condition: While a pedicure may remove some of the infected debris and make the nails look better temporarily, it does not treat the underlying fungal infection. In fact, filing and trimming the nails can worsen the condition by opening up new areas for the fungus to penetrate.
  • Technician refusal: Most professional nail salons will not service clients with known fungal nail infections. Pedicure technicians are trained to recognize fungal nails and may deny you service due to health concerns.
  • Embarrassment: You may feel self-conscious about technicians examining and touching your infected nails. The appearance and odor can be embarrassing.

For these reasons, most medical professionals recommend treating toenail fungus before exposing feet to public pedicure tubs and tools.

Here is a more in-depth look at the risks and why having a pedicure with active toenail fungus is inadvisable:

Spreading the Infection to Others

Toenail fungus is highly contagious and spreads easily through microscopic fungal spores. These spores can lodge in pedicure equipment like foot tubs, files, clippers, and scrub brushes. If proper sterilization does not occur between clients, the fungus can be transmitted from your feet to the next person.

Fungal spores are difficult to eradicate from porous tools and foot bath jets. Even if surface disinfection occurs, microscopic spores deep in the tools can survive to infect the next client. Toenail fungus can be stubborn to treat, so exposing others is an ethical concern.

Lavish Lux Nail Spa: A reputable salon that prioritizes sanitation.

Worsening the Severity of Your Infection

While pedicures trim away dead nail matter and make the nails appear smoother temporarily, they do not address the root cause. Filing and shaping the infected nail plate can worsen its condition in these ways:

  • Creates microscopic nicks and openings for fungi to burrow deeper into the nail bed
  • Thins the nail plate, allowing the infection to spread more rapidly
  • Removes the protective layer of nail varnish, increasing the risk of infection
  • Opens blood vessels around the nails, which can increase the risk of infection
  • Can lead to ingrown nails or bleeding, providing entry points for fungi

You essentially end up spreading the fungal infection across more nail surface area. This worsens the appearance, odor, and condition over time as the fungus colonizes the nail bed more extensively.

Cheapest Nail Salons Near Me: Explore affordable and reliable nail salons.

Refusal of Service by Professional Salons

Reputable nail salons do not accept clients with known contagious nail infections. Pedicure technicians are trained to recognize the visual signs of fungal nails - thickening, brittleness, debris, and discoloration. Upon noticing these symptoms, most will politely refuse service and explain why.

The reasons for refusal include:

  • Avoid worsening the client's pre-existing infection
  • Prevent contamination of salon tools and equipment
  • Protect other clients from exposure to contagious conditions
  • Uphold high standards of nail health and hygiene

Some salons may allow filing or trimming infected nails as long as they do not immerse your feet in the shared foot baths. But many will not work on active infections at all to avoid liability. It is best to get clearance from toenail fungus before booking pedicures.

Nail Salon Downtown: Discover a downtown nail salon with a commitment to hygiene.

Saving Yourself from Embarrassment

Having toenail fungus can feel embarrassing and lower self-confidence in wearing open-toed shoes. But exposing your condition publicly during pedicures can also cause embarrassment in other ways:

  • Self-consciousness as the technician examines your feet and infected nails closely
  • Concern that others will notice the appearance and odor
  • Worrying about what the pedicure staff think or say about your feet after you leave
  • Hesitating to warn the technician upfront about the contagious condition

Saving yourself from unease and anxiety requires clearing up the fungal infection through medical treatment first. Do not put yourself in awkward situations at the nail salon before you are ready.

Nail Salon in Downtown: Find a downtown salon with professionals who prioritize client comfort.

Precautions If Getting a Pedicure with Toenail Fungus

If you decide to get a pedicure before clearing up the fungal infection completely, take these precautions:

  • Inform the salon and technician about your condition upfront. This allows them to take proper protective measures.
  • Opt for lower-risk services only, avoiding cuticle work or filing the nails. A simple massage and polish application reduce infection risks.
  • Bring and use your own nail files, clippers, and callus removers so they do not touch the salon's tools.
  • Wear flip-flops or shower shoes instead of placing bare feet in the foot tub.
  • Apply an antifungal powder, spray, or cream immediately after to help prevent worsening of the infection.
  • Disinfect your own tools thoroughly at home after the pedicure.

Look for nail salons that demonstrate strict sanitation practices and use autoclaves or other sterilization methods between clients. Avoid salons that do not seem clean or neglect disinfecting pedicure chairs and tubs.

However, taking precautions is not a foolproof way to get a completely safe pedicure with active toenail fungus. Here is a closer look at why these measures have limitations:

Manicure Pedicure Toronto: Explore services in Toronto for comprehensive nail care.

Informing the Salon About the Condition

Letting the salon know about your toenail fungus upfront is courteous and ethical. However, many reputable establishments will still politely refuse service due to the risks. Do not expect that disclosure alone will make them willing to book the appointment.

Opting for Low-Risk Services Only

Simply avoiding trimming or filing the nails helps but does not eliminate risks entirely. Fungal spores can still spread from your feet to the pedicure chair, foot massager, and technician's hands. Opting out of high-risk procedures reduces but does not remove the contagion concern.

Using Your Own Nail Tools

Bringing your own freshly sanitized nail files, clippers, etc. prevents sharing of tools. However, fungal spores can still spread to the foot tub, jet streams, chair, and the technician. So while it reduces some risk, it is not a complete solution.

Wearing Shower Shoes in Foot Baths

Shower shoes prevent direct contact between your bare feet and the shared foot tub. But the water still becomes contaminated with fungal spores that can recirculate in the jets of the tub. The spores also deposit on the tub floor and walls to infect the next client.

Applying Antifungal Products After

Using antifungal sprays or creams right after a pedicure may suppress the infection slightly. However, it does not have time to actually penetrate and treat the nail bed before the appointment ends. At best, it may slow the worsening of the infection but not cure it.

Disinfecting Your Own Tools After

Thoroughly cleaning your own nail files, callus shavers, etc. after the appointment prevents transferring contagions back home. However, it does not stop the spread of fungus during the pedicure itself. Proper disinfection only reduces some risks.

For these reasons, waiting until the toenail fungus clears up remains the safest approach before getting professional pedicures. The precautions help but are not foolproof.

Seeking Medical Treatment for Toenail Fungus

While pedicures may temporarily improve the appearance of fungal nails, true treatment requires addressing the underlying infection. See a podiatrist or dermatologist for proper diagnosis and prescription medications.

Common medical treatments for toenail fungus include:

  • Oral antifungal pills like terbinafine or itraconazole, taken for 6 to 12 weeks.
  • How Much Is a Pedicure?: Understand the cost of various pedicure services.
  • Topical antifungal solutions like ciclopirox or efinaconazole, brushed onto nails daily.
  • How Long Does a Pedicure Take?: Learn about the duration of different pedicure treatments.
  • Photodynamic therapy using lasers and photosensitizing chemicals.
  • Laser treatments like PinPointe FootLaser which penetrate the nail bed.
  • Surgical removal of part or all of the nail for severe cases.
  • How Much Does a Pedicure Cost?: Explore pricing details for pedicure services.

Over-the-counter options are generally not as effective as prescription medications for treating stubborn fungal nail infections. Natural antifungal remedies like tea tree oil can help mild cases when caught early.

Here is more detail on the medical treatment options for toenail fungus:

Oral Antifungal Medication

Oral antifungal pills like terbinafine or itraconazole are the most effective way to treat stubborn fungal nail infections. They work by circulating in the bloodstream to reach nail beds. The medication stops the fungi from growing by disrupting their cell membranes.

A typical course is 6 weeks for fingernails and 12 weeks for toenails. Lab monitoring checks for liver toxicity, a potential side effect. Oral medication also interacts with certain other drugs. Success rates are 70-80% but recurrence is still possible.

Prescription Topical Medication

Prescription medicated polishes and solutions like ciclopirox or efinaconazole are brushed on affected nails daily. These are weaker than oral medication but have almost no side effects. However, they only treat the surface of nails while fungal spores lie deeper.

Topicals take up to 48 weeks to show results. The success rate is lower at 55-65%. But they are safer for people who cannot take oral antifungals. Combining topical and oral medication has the highest efficacy.

Photodynamic Laser Therapy

This uses a photosensitizing agent applied to nails along with specialized lasers tuned to a specific wavelength. The chemicals make fungal cells sensitive while the laser activates them to produce free radicals that destroy the infection.

Advantages are no side effects and a shorter 6-week treatment duration. However, the lasers do not penetrate the whole nail plate to reach deep fungal spores. Recurrence risk is higher than oral medication. Multiple sessions are often needed.

Nail Removal Surgery

In severe cases where the nail is highly damaged and infected, partial or complete surgical avulsion may be done. This is the removal of part or all of the nail to eradicate the infection. The nail bed is treated and allowed to regrow a new, healthy nail.

This has the highest cure rate but is invasive. It requires local anesthesia and causes pain and difficulty walking until the nail partially regrows. Oral medication is typically tried first before resorting to nail removal surgery in stubborn cases.

Seeing a podiatrist promptly once you notice symptoms allows early treatment before the infection worsens. Prescription medications, laser therapy, and nail removal provide higher success rates than over-the-counter options.

Preventing Toenail Fungus Recurrence

After completing treatment, take steps to prevent fungal reinfection and maintain healthy nails and feet:

  • Wear shower shoes in public areas like pools, showers, and locker rooms.
  • Disinfect home pedicure tools after each use.
  • Apply antifungal powder inside shoes and socks.
  • How Long Do Pedicures Take?: Understand the time commitment for different pedicure treatments.
  • Keep feet clean and dry, especially between toes.
  • How Much Does a Manicure Pedicure Cost?: Explore combined pricing for manicures and pedicures.
  • Wear moisture-wicking socks to avoid dampness inside shoes.
  • Trim nails regularly and avoid ingrown nails.
  • Treat athlete's foot promptly to avoid spread to nails.

Here are some additional tips for preventing recurrence of toenail fungus after successful treatment:

Avoid Shared Damp Areas

Wear waterproof shower sandals in locker rooms, pool decks, gym showers, and hotel bathrooms. These damp shared spaces harbor fungal spores. Never walk barefoot in public wet areas. At home, disinfect bathroom floors regularly.

Sterilize Home Pedicure Tools

After each use, clean nail files, clippers, and callus removers by first scrubbing away debris then disinfecting with an antimicrobial spray or isopropyl alcohol. Store the disinfected tools in a clean, dry case to avoid recontamination. Never share pedicure tools with others.

Keep Feet Dry

Practice meticulous foot hygiene by washing and drying feet well, especially between toes. Use an antifungal body wash in the shower. Apply antifungal powder after bathing and inside socks and shoes. Wear moisture-wicking socks to absorb sweat. Change socks at least daily, or more often if very sweaty.

Use Antifungal Foot Sprays

Spray exposed feet and the insides of shoes with antimicrobial sprays containing ingredients like tea tree oil, eucalyptus, or thymol. These botanical extracts have natural antifungal properties to suppress growth. Spray twice daily and allow feet to fully air dry before putting on socks.

Get Skin Infections Treated Promptly

See a dermatologist for any athlete’s foot, ringworm, or other fungal skin infections on the feet and body. Treat with medicated topical creams. Untreated skin fungi can spread to toenails and reinfect them after clearing nail fungus. Keep skin infections at bay.

Monitor Diabetes and Immunity

Get regular checkups to keep diabetes, cancer, HIV/AIDS, and other immunity-lowering conditions well-controlled. Poor circulation and weakened immune response allow recurrent toenail fungal infections. Treat underlying illnesses for long-term nail health. Staying vigilant against toenail fungus prevents embarrassment and discomfort down the line. Make toenail health a routine part of your foot care regimen.

Finding a Reputable Nail Salon

When your toenail fungus has fully cleared up, finding a pedicure salon you can trust is crucial for preventing reinfection. Look for these signs of a reputable, sanitary nail salon:

  • All tools are properly sterilized between clients in an autoclave or with hospital-grade disinfectants. Avoid salons that only use liquid disinfectants.
  • Nail Salons in Markham: Discover nail salons known for their stringent hygiene practices.
  • Single-use tools like nail files, buffer blocks, toe separators, and orangewood sticks are thrown out after each pedicure.
  • Technicians wash hands between clients and wear gloves during procedures.
  • The salon appears clean, uncluttered, and is well-ventilated.
  • Foot tubs are cleaned and disinfected thoroughly after each client.
  • Callus removal is performed with electric rotary tools, not credo blades or razors which can cause bleeding.
  • The salon has a high rating with customer reviews mentioning good sanitation practices.
  • Lavish Lux Nail Spa: Explore a trusted spa for your nail care needs.

Avoid salons with clutter, grime, or any evidence of unsanitary practices. Only have your pedicure done by a technician specially trained in nail health and safety.

Here are more tips for identifying nail salons with stringent hygiene standards:

Look for Proper Disinfection Methods

The salon should demonstrate sanitizing pedicure chairs, foot tubs, and tools between clients via autoclaving, UV-C sterilizing, or hospital-grade disinfectant use. All surfaces, implements, and callus shavers must undergo thorough disinfection protocols.

Ask About Their Training

Choose salons where the staff are specifically trained on infectious disease control procedures for nail care. Many reputable establishments require employees to obtain licensing and certifications related to sanitation before allowing them to service clients. Techs should wash hands, wear gloves, and disinfect all areas between appointments.

Call Ahead about Their Health Policies

Phone salons beforehand and inquire about their policies for clients with fungal infections and other contagious conditions. Reputable places will clearly explain their sterilization methods and refusal of high-risk clients until fully treated. This indicates they take training seriously.

Read Online Reviews Thoroughly

Spend time reading online reviews, sorting from lowest to highest rating. Look for any mentions of unsanitary conditions, allergic reactions, or nail infections after visiting. Numerous complaints about cleanliness or illnesses indicate the salon lacks stringent protocols.

Observe the Premises and Staff

Upon entering a nail salon, observe the cleanliness of the premises and staff hygiene. Are tools properly stored and sterilized? Does the space look tidy and wiped down? Do workers wash hands and wear gloves? If anything appears dirty, avoid patronizing that establishment.

Ask Friends for Referrals

Ask trusted friends and relatives where they get pedicures after having good experiences. Or consult your doctor for recommended salons that cater to clients with past nail infections and prioritize safety. Do not simply choose the nearest spot without investigating. By vetting nail salons thoroughly using these tips, you can find a technician you can trust for regular pedicures without fear of reinfection. Do diligent research to protect your nail health.

Pedicure Options for Extra Protection

Some additional precautions you can take when getting a pedicure after a fungal nail infection:

  • Bring your own tools: Bring your own freshly disinfected nail files, clippers, callus shaver, and pumice stone so they are not shared.
  • Use disposable liners: Place a plastic liner in the foot tub before putting feet in the water. Some salons provide disposable tub liners.
  • Wear shower shoes: Wear flip-flops or shower shoes instead of putting bare feet directly into the tub.
  • Skip extras: Avoid cuticle cutting, nail drilling, or buffing which can further damage nails. Stick to basic grooming.
  • Dry thoroughly: After the pedicure, ensure feet are dried fully, including between the toes where moisture encourages fungal growth.
  • Apply antifungal prophylactically: Use antifungal spray or powder on feet and in shoes after the pedicure as an added precaution.

Here are some more tips for protecting yourself during post-infection pedicures:

Use Your Own Foot Bath

For extra peace of mind, bring your own foot tub basin along with disinfectant soap. Soak feet in your sterilized personal tub instead of the salon's shared ones. This eliminates any contagion risks from previous clients.

Request New Pedicure Liners

Ask that brand new disposable pedicure liners be used in the foot tub and chair instead of reused ones. This provides a clean protective barrier between your feet and the equipment. Insist on fresh single-use liners to avoid cross-contamination.

Limit Callus Treatment

Skip callus removal unless absolutely necessary. The abrasion opens skin and raises infection risks. If necessary, allow gentle treatment only on thick, cracked areas - not overall smoothing which can damage skin. Keep callus treatment conservative after fungal infections.

Have Feet Treated Last

Ask to have your pedicure done at the end of the day after equipment has been disinfected from prior clients. This allows your feet to be the last ones using the tools before they are sterilized again, minimizing risks. Scheduling as the final appointment adds protection.

Maintain Distance Between Feet

Keep at least 12 inches between your feet and those of other pedicure clients. Avoid soaking side-by-side in shared foot baths. Fungal spores can spread through water contact between patrons. Insist on spatial separation for safety. Stay vigilant even after clearing toenail fungus to prevent recurrence and protect your health. Take all reasonable precautions.

Caring for Feet at Home

Maintaining healthy feet and nails between pedicures is also key for preventing recurrent fungal infections. Here are some tips:

  • Trim nails straight across to avoid ingrown nails. Leave a small amount of white nail at the tips.
  • Use a nail file to gently buff away rough edges. Don’t pick at cuticles.
  • Apply urea cream daily to hydrate brittle, thickened nails.
  • Soak feet in warm water mixed with antiseptic Epsom salt or apple cider vinegar.
  • Apply antifungal foot powder inside socks and shoes. Change socks daily.
  • Use an antifungal body wash when showering. Wash feet daily.
  • Dry carefully between toes after washing and before putting on shoes.
  • Avoid walking barefoot in public areas like pools, showers, or locker rooms.
  • Disinfect home pedicure tools after each use with isopropyl alcohol.
  • Never share nail files, clippers, or other tools with others.

Here are some more at-home foot care tips for maintaining toenail health after fungal infections:

Remove Nail Polish Frequently

Avoid keeping nail polish on perpetually. Remove it at least weekly to examine nails closely. Look for any recurring discoloration or thickening, catching reinfection early. Rotating different nail polish colors also allows inspection.

Massage Toes After Bathing

Gently massage toes and feet with a hydrating essential oil like jojoba, coconut, or vitamin E oil after bathing. This stimulates circulation to nail beds for improved health. Massage daily post-pedicure for healthy nails.

Avoid Harsh Pedicure Scrubs

Do not use abrasive foot scrubs with ingredients like walnut shells or apricot kernels at home. These create micro-tears in skin that can allow fungus entry. Limit exfoliants to soft ingredients like oatmeal instead.

Throw Out Old Nail Tools

Replace nail files, clippers, cuticle scissors and other tools regularly so they do not accumulate microbes over time. Old, damaged tools also can tear nails. Invest in new high-quality tools every 2-3 months for safety.

Sanitize Nursery Powder for Feet

Sprinkle antifungal baby powder inside shoes and socks to keep feet dry. Microwave the powder for 1 minute first to sanitize it, then allow it to cool before using. This kills any fungal spores lurking in the powder itself.

Good nail hygiene at home will maintain pedicure results. Inspect feet regularly and act quickly at any signs of recurrence. Make toenail health a priority.

When Pedicures Are Safe Again

Once the prescribed course of oral or topical medications is finished and nails appear completely clear of fungal debris and discoloration, it should be safe to resume getting professional pedicures. However, inform technicians of your past nail fungus and take reasonable precautions. With discipline and diligent foot care, you can keep toenail fungus at bay and enjoy beautiful feet.

Here are signs that indicate your toenail fungus has fully cleared up and pedicures should be low-risk:

No Discolored Spots

Nails regain a pinkish translucent color without yellow, brown, white or green patches, streaks or spots. Even small discolored areas need further treatment before pedicure safety.

No Debris Under Nails

No accumulation of fungal fragments or opaque keratin debris under the nail plate. Nails should lift off the nail bed cleanly.

Smooth Nail Texture

Nails feel smooth without crumbly, ragged edges or brittleness. Fragile, loose nails signal residual infection requiring more treatment.

No Distorted Nail Shape

Nails resume a normal flat shape without excess curvature, warping or thickening of the nail plate. Proper reattachment to nail bed.

No Discomfort or Odor

No pain, sensitivity or foul odors around nails. These symptoms disappear with successful anti-fungal treatment.

Completed Prescribed Medication

Finished the full round of oral antifungal tablets or topical solution applications over the prescribed duration indicated by your doctor - typically 3 months or more.

Doctor's Confirmation

Your physician examines nails in follow-up and confirms the fungus appears clinically resolved. Get their clearance before exposing nails to pedicure risks. Stay vigilant post-treatment for any signs of recurrence. But with your doctor's all-clear, you can finally treat yourself to that long-awaited pedicure and show off beautiful, healthy toes!

Conclusion

Getting regular pedicures can be an excellent way to maintain beautiful, healthy looking feet - but only when you are certain to protect your safety and the safety of others. If you are currently battling an active toenail fungus infection, holding off on professional nail care remains the wisest choice.

Rather than risk worsening the stubborn infection or exposing others, use the waiting time to care for your feet at home. Seek proper medical treatment to fully eliminate the fungal overgrowth. Be meticulous about foot hygiene while completing the medication course. With consistency and patience, you can get toenail fungus under control.

Once the doctor confirms you have clear, infection-free nails again, do your diligent research to find a thoroughly vetted, sanitary pedicure salon. Look for stringent sterilization practices and technicians specifically trained in pedicure health. Build a relationship with one reputable place. Continue preventive foot care between appointments. Address any recurring athlete’s foot immediately. And enjoy the confidence boost of beautiful feet, free of fungal infections at last. With some discipline and TLC, your toes will be summer-ready in no time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it OK to get a pedicure with toenail fungus?

No, medical professionals strongly advise against getting professional pedicures when you currently have an active toenail fungus infection. There is a high risk of spreading the contagious fungus to salon equipment and other clients. It can also worsen your condition. Get treated first before pedicures.

What not to do with toe fungus?

Avoid clipping, filing, buffing or removing parts of the infected nail, which can worsen it. Do not get pedicures, wear occlusive nail polish 24/7, or use public showers barefoot. Don’t keep wearing tight shoes perpetually. And never share nail tools with family.

When should you not get a pedicure?

Do not get a pedicure if you currently have toenail fungus, warts, ingrown nails, bleeding/inflamed skin or any contagious foot condition. Wait until the infection fully clears up. Also postpone if you have open cuts, recent foot surgery, or diabetes complications affecting feet.

Can I put nail polish on my toe that has fungus?

Avoid wearing colored polish constantly, as it can worsen fungal toenails by trapping moisture under nails. Go polish-free a few times a week to let nails breathe and inspect condition. When polishing infected nails, use an antifungal base coat first to help treatment penetrate.

What worsens toenail fungus?

Habits that can worsen toenail fungus include excessive sweating in shoes, walking barefoot in damp public areas, picking at nails, constantly wearing nail polish, sharing pedicure tools, and delaying medical treatment. Diabetes and poor circulation also exacerbate it.

What makes toenail fungus worse?

Exposing untreated fungal nails to swimming pools, dirty shower floors, and moist locker rooms spreads infection. Tight-fitting shoes, socks, and hosiery also worsen fungus by creating a warm, moist environment. Picking at nails, chronic nail polish use, and pedicures also aggravate the condition.

What kills toenail fungus the fastest?

Prescription oral antifungal medication taken for 12 weeks kills stubborn toenail fungus faster than topical treatments alone. Combining oral medication like terbinafine with prescription ointment like efinaconazole speeds up fungus elimination. Laser therapy also works faster than creams.

What is the number one cause of toe fungus?

The number one cause of toenail fungus is athlete’s foot. The infection, medically known as tinea pedis, spreads fungal spores from the skin to the nail bed. Other common causes include frequent moisture exposure, walking barefoot in wet public areas, diabetes, and nail injuries.

What happens if you have toenail fungus for too long?

Leaving toenail fungus unchecked for too long allows it to spread across all nails and even to fingernails and skin. It can lead to worsening nail discoloration, thickening, crumbling, and distortion. Long-term infections increase likelihood of complicating bacterial infections and foot pain.

What would restrict a pedicure?

Active fungal, bacterial or viral nail and foot infections like wart outbreaks would restrict you from safe pedicure services. Open cuts, recent foot surgery, uncontrolled diabetes, and conditions causing poor circulation would also make pedicures inadvisable due to infection risks.

What is the healthiest pedicure to get?

The healthiest pedicure avoids cutting cuticles, trimming nails, or scrubbing calluses which can damage skin barriers to germs. Focus only on soaking in sanitized tubs with disinfected jets, followed by gentle lower leg and foot massage. Freshly sanitized pumice stones gently smooth rough areas. Then relax with light nail buffing and polishing.

Is it OK to get a pedicure with athlete's foot?

No, wait until athlete’s foot is fully treated and resolved before getting a pedicure. The fungal infection is highly contagious and risks spreading to pedicure tools and tubs. Make sure no scaling, itching, redness or peeling skin remains between the toes or on soles before booking pedicure appointments.

CONTACT US

905.475.8519
647.375.5286

3150 Hwy 7 East, Unit 2
Markham, ON
L3R 5A1

FOLLOW US

BUSINESS HOURS

Mon. ~ Fri.
10:00am ~ 7:00pm
Sat.
9:00am ~ 6:00pm
Sun.
11:00am ~ 5:00pm

All Rights Reserved - Lavish Lux Nails and Spa. Designed by B-win Solution Inc.