How to Get Rid of Nail Fungus for Good

Nail fungus isn’t exactly a fun topic. But if you’re reading this blog, chances are you’re already over the embarrassment (and frustration). You’re up against a formidable opponent, but not an invincible one.

Toenail fungus (onychomycosis) is a common condition, and while it can be tricky to treat, it’s possible to get rid of it for good. You need the right tools, a little patience, and some help from Dr. Maurice Aiken and our expert podiatric team at Bay Breeze Foot & Ankle Specialists in Dunedin, Florida.

Here’s everything you need to know about toenail fungus, how to recognize it, and most importantly, how to kick it to the curb.

Figuring out fungus

Toenail fungus usually starts when fungal organisms (like dermatophytes) enter the nail bed through small cracks or cuts in the skin. The most common breeding grounds for toenail fungus are warm, moist environments (think sweaty socks, public showers, or locker rooms).

Other risk factors include:

• Wearing tight, non-breathable shoes
• Having athlete’s foot or foot injuries
• Poor circulation or a weakened immune system
• Diabetes or other chronic conditions
• Getting regular pedicures with unsterilized tools

Once the fungus takes hold, it can be slow to grow but even slower to go away without proper treatment.

Knowing the warning signs

The fungus can affect one or several toenails and usually starts subtly. Common signs include:

• Yellow, brown, or white discoloration
• Thickened or crumbly nail texture
• Nail separating from the nail bed
• Brittle edges or distorted nail shape
• Foul odor 

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s time to take action. The sooner you start treatment, the easier it is to stop the fungus before it spreads.

Getting rid of toenail fungus for good

You’ve probably seen plenty of over-the-counter antifungal creams and polishes at the drugstore. These can work for very mild cases, but they rarely penetrate deep enough to treat more stubborn infections.

If you’ve been trying drugstore products for months with no luck, or the fungus keeps coming back, we strongly encourage you to schedule a visit with Dr. Aiken and get professional help. 

Here’s a breakdown of the treatments we recommend most often for stubborn fungus.

Prescription medications

These antifungal pills, such as terbinafine (Lamisil) or itraconazole, work from the inside out and are often the most effective for treating severe infections. Treatment typically lasts several weeks to months and may require regular blood work to monitor liver health.

Topical prescription medications

Newer formulas are more powerful than over-the-counter options, and you can apply them directly to the nail. They’re ideal for people who can’t take oral medications, though they may take longer to show results.

HyperBlue® Laser therapy

HyperBlue Laser treatments utilize light energy to target and eliminate the fungus without damaging the surrounding tissue. It’s non-invasive, safe, and doesn’t require downtime. Many patients see improvement after a few sessions, especially when combined with other treatments.

Knowing when to go

If your nail is painful, the infection is spreading, or it’s affecting your mobility or confidence, don’t wait. Fungal infections rarely clear on their own, and the longer you let them go, the harder they are to treat.

Our foot and ankle specialist can help you develop the most effective, personalized treatment plan and monitor your progress throughout the process.

Preventing future infections

Once you’ve cleared the fungus, the last thing you want is a repeat infection. Here’s how to keep your feet fungus-free:

• Wash and dry your feet daily, especially between the toes
• Change socks regularly, especially after workouts
• Choose breathable shoes and rotate pairs
• Spray shoes with antifungal spray or use foot powder
• Avoid walking barefoot in public areas
• Don’t share nail clippers, socks, or shoes
• Choose salons that sterilize tools between clients
• Keep nails trimmed, clean, and dry

Toenail fungus might be stubborn, but it’s far from untreatable. We want to help you get back to sandal season with clear, healthy nails and a lot more confidence.

Ready to get rid of nail fungus for good? Let’s take the first step together. Call Bay Breeze Foot & Ankle Specialists or request an appointment online today.