Toenail Fungus Keeps Coming Back? Here’s How to Stop It.
- Sondema Tarr
- Sep 23
- 3 min read
Why Toenail Fungus Comes Back
Toenail fungus (onychomycosis) thrives in warm, moist, dark environments—think sweaty socks, tight shoes, gym showers, and even Arizona heat.
Even after laser treatment, fungus can linger in shoes and on nail surfaces.
You can become infected with toenail fungus again and again when you come across the places where fungus loves to live, without your body being strong enough to fight off this infection (shared showers, older, dirty shoes, or unclean salon tools)
Hygiene Tips To Lower Your Risk of Toenail Fungus Coming Back
These are the low-effort, high-impact changes I recommend to patients in Phoenix:
Wash → fully dry feet daily, especially between toes. Moisture is the enemy.
Trim nails straight across (not too short) and smooth edges with a file to reduce micro-trauma.
One-person tools only. Don’t share clippers or files; wipe yours with 70% isopropyl alcohol after each use.
Change socks after workouts or long days. If your feet sweat, swap midday.
Skip polish breaks during active treatment or maintenance—occluded nails retain moisture and can hide early changes.
Tips For Shoes & Socks: Keep Toenail Fungus From Coming Back
Rotate shoes so each pair fully dries for 24–48 hours. Sunlight by a window helps.
Go breathable. Leather or mesh uppers; avoid plastic-coated materials that trap sweat.
Use an antifungal shoe spray and medicated nail treatments 2–3×/week during and after treatment.
Hot-wash socks when the fabric allows; otherwise, add a hot dryer cycle.
Retire “suspect” footwear. Old, smelly pairs can breed fungus, which can risk reinfecting you later.
Smart Pedicure Practices to Keep Toenail Fungus From Coming Back
Ask the right questions: “Do you sterilize tools in an autoclave?” “How are foot tubs disinfected between clients?”
Bring your own basics (clippers, file, buffer) in a clean pouch if you’re not sure.
No cutting cuticles. Gentle pushing only; broken skin increases infection risk.
Skip whirlpool jets. This can be another place where fungus can grow. Opt for waterless pedicures instead.
Choose polish wisely (or consider polish-free during maintenance). If you opt to go to a nail salon, bring your own bottle of nail polish. Shared nail polish bottles can also be a breeding ground for toenail fungus.
Maintenance Tips To Keep Toenail Fungus From Coming Back
Think of this as “brushing your nails” like you brush your teeth.
Topical maintenance 2–3×/week (spray or clear nail liquid) for at least 3–6 months after clearance.
Monthly shoe/sock reset: sanitize shoes and run a hot-wash + hot-dry load for socks.
Nail nutrition: aim for a protein-forward diet; anti-inflammatory diet, rich in whole foods. consider biotin or zinc if your intake is low (avoid megadoses; ask your doctor if you’re pregnant, TTC, or have conditions).
KeryFlex for damaged nails: a great cosmetic overlay while a healthy nail grows out, without trapping moisture when applied properly.
Phoenix-specific Reinfection Hotspots for Toenail Fungus
Gym floors, locker rooms, pool decks, water parks: always wear flip-flops
Desert hikes + hot sneakers: sweat + friction = perfect place for fungus to thrive. Dry shoes fully and rotate pairs.
Nail salons: Be sure that nail salons are autoclaving instruments between every client. Avoid spa pedicures.
When to Check Back With a Podiatrist for Toenail Fungus
New yellow or white streaks, brown spots, or chalky buildup underneath the nail
Thickening or crumbling edges
Skin peeling between toes or itching (often seen with nail fungus). Early retreatment is faster, cheaper, and prevents spread to other nails.
Top FAQs About Toenail Fungus Coming Back
How long do I have to “maintain” after treatment?
Plan on 3–6 months of maintenance; high-sweat lifestyles may benefit from ongoing weekly shoe sanitation.
Do I need to throw away all my shoes?
Not usually. Sanitize well and retire pairs that stay damp or smell even after treatment.
Can nail polish cause fungus to return?
Polish doesn’t cause fungus, but it can trap moisture and hide early signs. Use minimally during maintenance and give nails polish-free days. Definitely don't use nail polish bottles that have been used on anyone else.
Is laser a one-and-done?
Laser treatment of toenail fungus kills fungi living in your nail root, and on your nail bed, but your diet and lifestyle habits keep it away for good. Think of laser as step one; prevention is the finish line, by optimizing your health through an whole body approach.
Schedule Your Free Consultation at Direct Podiatry Arizona Today
Are you looking for laser treatment for toenail fungus in Phoenix? Well look no further. My name is Dr. Tarr, and I combine the latest technology like The Remy laser plus and an integrative podiatry approach to finally get rid of your toenail fungus once and for all. To book a free 15 minute consultation, click here.
Comments